Fencing is a good option for adding privacy and security to your garden and with Spring on its way, it’s a good time to stop and take stock of your garden plans for the seasons ahead. Dependent upon budget, purpose and size, the variety of fence panels available is plentiful and choosing the right fit for your garden can be a struggle, however, here at eDecks we like to make things as simple as possible for our customers, and we will equip you with the knowledge you need to make a decision on what works best for you.

Overlap Arch

Vertilap Arch

If you would prefer a heavier duty fence panel, then vertilap fencing is the best way to go. The design means that each wooden board covers part of the next and so allows no light through yet creates a very private fencing area, as well as adding strength to the fencing panel. The added strength is excellent for security, but also helps if you or your neighbours has pets, so that they stay on the correct side of the fence. They are available in both vertical and horizontal overlaps, some boasting heavy duty boards and even made to measure.

Overlap

Vertilap

If you are on a budget, overlap fence panels are a common and wallet-friendly solution. Whilst these panels are not quite as strong as alternatives such as vertical lap panels, they are super easy to install, as well as being inexpensive whilst still providing your garden with privacy. With our handy guide below you can install your very own garden fencing area!

1: Ask the Neighbours – Every new fencing project should begin with consulting your neighbours; this has as much to do with keeping good relations as it does practicality as constructing a new fence is always easier to do if you have access to it at both sides.
2: Pick a Type – It is important to find the right type of fencing for your garden, and here at eDecks we offer a wide range to choose from so it is worth considering what you are wanting from your fence before making a decision. Overlap fence panels are constructed from overlapping horizontal boards and offer high levels of privacy at a very good price, with heavy duty vertilap being the strongest fence panels, offering a perimeter fencing that is very sturdy with a high privacy level. To calculate how many fence panels to buy, start by measuring the area that you want to cover. Since fence panels are usually 6ft wide, you need to divide the length of ground by six to calculate how many panels you will need. For example, an area of 30ft would require 5 panels.
3: Post It – With your fence panel designs taken care of, it is time to then get started installing the fence posts. Steel fence posts are by far the more sturdy option in comparison to wooden fence posts, but they do require more effort to put up. Timber posts on the other hand, are relatively easy to erect so they’re perfect if this is your first time building a fence. If you are using timber posts, we do recommend extending their lifespan by using a wood preserver of your choice.
4: Supporting Cast – Next up, you will need to set the posts in using concrete or steel fence supports to keep them in place. Both methods are good options for securing your posts in the ground, although if you choose to set your posts in concrete, you will require longer fence posts. For a six foot high fence, you will need eight foot long posts, as they will need to be buried at least two feet deep. If you are using steel supports, then these can be the same as the fence panel length.
5: Let’s Prep – Begin preparation by marking the line your fence will follow with string, attaching it to posts along the boundary line. Any climbing plants or dense grass should also be cut away to allow easy access to the area.
6: Diggin’ It – If you are using wooden posts, make sure the holes are at least two feet deep; any shallower and your fence will become wobbly during strong winds. Using your boundary string line as a guide, dig holes at both ends of the line, aiming for holes that are three times wider than the width of the posts. For example, if your post is 4x4inches, dig a hole 12x12inches wide. This will ensure the concrete foundation will be sturdy enough to secure your posts. Mark an 8ft scrap of timber two feet above the bottom to make sure that the depth of the holes are correct and if the mark lines up with the ground, your postholes are deep enough. If you are using steel fence supports, place a piece of scrap timber into the support and hammer that into the ground until the top of the steel support is level with the ground.
7: Set in their Ways – If you are using steel supports, you will not need to worry about securing your posts in the ground, but if you are using wooden posts, you will need to set concrete around them to hold them in place. Once the first and last postholes are ready, position your post and ask a friend to hold it in place. You can mix your own concrete if you prefer, but a 1kg Postcrete mix will work just as well. The Postcrete mix will set in just a few minutes so ensure that your posts are straight using a spirit level. Slope the concrete away from the post using a trowel to get the water to run away from the base of your posts. Next, attach a new line of string on the top of your bookending posts to make sure the other posts line up correctly all along the boundary. You can also use this line to quickly check that the heights of your posts are correct too. With the line in place, you are then ready to continue digging the other holes if you haven’t already done so. Measure out and mark the position of the holes by placing the fence panels against the first post.
8: Putting up the Panels – Now that the posts are in place, nail the post clips to the fence post first and then onto the fence panel. Two or three U-shaped clips per post will be enough to hold the panel in place. Keep the base of your panels from rotting and installing gravel boards. You can protect the top of your posts by using a decorative post cap. Prevent the cap from splitting by drilling a hole into the cap before you attach it to the post.

Overlap

Vertilap

eDecks offers some of the best deals on maintenance-free Overlap and Vertilap Fence Panels around, including all of the installation supplies and tools you may need. Not only do we provide plenty of unbeatable deals but also:

Super-fast FREE delivery on orders over £100*

Handy FREE installation guides.

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge. Please check the eDecks website for more details.

10 Year Guarantee against rotting! *Provided all products have been fitted and maintained to the manufacturer’s recommendations. *

Decking: Comparing Hardwood Decking vs Softwood Decking

February 22, 2018

eDecks

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Decking is an excellent way to add a more aesthetically pleasing look to your garden; patio or low level decking can be the perfect solution to hide unattractive areas or to simply raise an area to be level with a conservatory or to add a patio-style area to your garden. The main two types available here at eDecks are Hardwood and Softwood Decking, and we have included some benefits of both, as well as a comparison so that you can discover which would work best for you.

Hardwood

Generally speaking, timber is split into two main types; hardwood and softwood. Hardwood is sourced from slow growing trees, which are often referred to as broadleaved trees and Softwood comes from faster growing, evergreen or coniferous trees. Apart from taking a longer time to be produced, by nature, hardwood is more difficult to process than softwood, which is one of the reasons why softwood is lower in price than hardwood decking.

Softwood

Durability is super important when choosing your ideal timber, and because decking is laid outside, you need to opt for the variety that will stand up to outdoor conditions all year round. If you are looking for more of a quick fix, short term solution, it may be that a budget option works just fine for you, however, if you are wanting more of a long-term investment, then investing in a better quality of wood will pay dividends.

Hardwood

As mentioned, hardwood decking is made from a number of different broadleaved trees, such as oak, ash and beech, and these trees are often grown in temperate climates where they tend to be deciduous, or tropical climates where they tend to be evergreen trees. The wood of these trees is slower in its growth, making it a harder, more durable timber.

Softwood

Softwood decking is made from coniferous, evergreen trees such as pine and spruce, and about 80% of the world’s timber is softwood. To use softwood decking, it must be suitably pressure treated with preservatives, to protect it from fungal and insect decay in addition to deterioration from the environment. Due to availability, cost effectiveness and ease of installation, around 90% of decks are made from softwood decking. Hardwood decking tends to be more expensive and requires more care, but is available in a range of attractive colours.

In a nutshell, softwood decking is;

Cheapest type of decking
Value for money
Has wood fibres which are tightly packed together and this structure gives the boards the strength and durability needed to last
Readily available
Pressure treated boards
Can be stained a different colour
Cut from coniferous trees which are quicker growing and therefore more economical
Come in a variety of designs

Whereas, hardwood decking;

Are FSC certified boards
Certain types have a unique invisible fastener system
Is the warmest, most natural material
Is like an indoor floor, outdoors
Tropical hardwoods are very durable
Needs a greater expertise in carpentry skills than softwood

eDecks offers some of the best deals on Hardwood and Softwood decking around, including all of the installation supplies and tools you may need. Our Hardwood starts at £6.02p per metre with Softwood starting at £2.52p per metre. Not only do we provide plenty of unbeatable deals but also:

Dusty hardwood balau from £4.51p metre and Softwood decking starting at £0.81p per metre!

Call for bulk deals and discount.

Super-fast FREE delivery on orders over £100*

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge. Please check the eDecks website for more details.

Vistalux Roofing: A Guide

February 20, 2018

eDecks

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Here at eDecks, we have our sister site eRoofs, which showcases a wide variety of roofing materials, suitable for all projects, and today we are going to discuss Vistalux Corrugated PVC Roofing sheets. Vistalux PVC is a versatile, corrugated rooflight sheet suitable for car ports, canopies and gazebos. They are economic and lightweight and are super easy to cut, drill and install with standard DIY tools.

Vistalux sheets are available in a choice of corrugated profiles in both clear or translucent tint options as well as being UV resistant for durability. As mentioned, Vistalux are lightweight roofing sheets, and on average, the lightweight sheets are 0.8mm, Heavy Duty 1.1mm and Superweight 1.3mm, which does vary by profile.

How to Install Vistalux Roofing Sheets

For a car port or lean to installation you will need:
- Vistalux PVC Sheet
- Vistalux PVC Wall Flashing
- Vistalux PE Eaves Fillers
- Vistalux Super Fixings
- Flashing Tape
- A minimum slope of 5 degrees is essential in any structure to ensure water run-off: 10 degrees or more is better.
To Cut the Sheets:
- Arrange the sheets loosely on the roof and mark hole positions and any necessary saw cuts with a felt tip pen.
- Sheets should overhang the roof by 60mm to allow a rainfall to run-off into the gutter and should be wide enough to cover the barge board at the side.
- If cutting is required use an angle grinder with a metal slitting blade or fine tooth saw at a shallow angle with pressure. Support the sheet to minimise vibrations.
- A good tip when cutting, is to sandwich the sheet between other sheets with the part to be removed protruding.
- If a sheet has to be cut to a finished width, make the cut in the slope of the corrugated sheet.
- Avoid drilling and cutting sheets in very cold weather as warm sheets will be less prone to damage.
Drilling the Sheets:
- Pre-drill the sheets before fixing. Holes for fixings must be drilled larger than the fixing to allow for expansion – around 10mm for a 3mm sheet.
- Drill the sheets singly with a masonry bit, using a low speed drill and light pressure. Then support the sheet securely under each hole position when drilling.
- There should be at least 5 fixings per support across the width of the sheet.
Flashing:
- Vistalux wall flashing to match the sheet corrugation is installed at the top of the slope. The Wall Flashing is then fixed firmly into position with Butyl wall flashing tape which then forms a watertight seal between the sheet and the wall.

Fixing:
- Start fixing the sheets – Eaves Fillers are used under the sheets at all support positions to prevent roof ‘chatter’ and to support the sheets when fixed.
  - Use screws, caps and washers to secure the sheet – the screw is sufficiently tight when the washer under its head can just be rotated with finger and thumb.
Joining the Sheets:
- If the sheets need to be joined end to end, ensure an overlap of at least 150mm for a ten degree slope or 300mm for a five degree slope.
- Use a strip of Butyl Sealing Tape to prevent dust and dirt getting between the sheets.

It is important to remember:

Vistalux can be used in temperature conditions from -20˚C to +60˚C
Any paints or preservatives applied to the supports must be thoroughly dry prior to fixing the sheet to avoid any damage
We recommend that any surfaces of support immediately under the sheet is light in colour or white
False ceilings, insulation or any other opaque material must not be placed under the fixed Vistalux sheets, as the temperature in the gap between these and the sheet could rise to over 60˚C, which could then cause distortion or discolouration
To clean the sheets, use warm soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth
Before use, ensure you store the sheets indoors on a flat dry surface in cool surroundings

eDecks offers some of the best deals on Vistalux Roofing Sheets around, including all of the installation supplies and tools you may need. Not only do we provide plenty of unbeatable deals but also:

Handy FREE installation guides.

Super-fast FREE delivery on orders over £100*

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge. Please check the eDecks website for more details.

Garden Seating: Finding Your Perfect Love Seat

February 14, 2018

eDecks

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Spring is thankfully not that far away, and so now is the optimum time of year to start thinking of making changes in your garden. Whether you have a large or small area to utilise, we have a wide variety of garden seating including arbours and arches to give you the option of being able to further enjoy time spent in your garden. Come Spring and Summer, imagine yourself and your loved ones taking a well-deserved seat underneath our pretty arches and arbours, with a glass of your favourite tipple in hand, watching the sun go down.

Romana Arbour £159.71p
The Romana Arbour by Grange is a simply styled garden structure that will add to the look and character of your garden. The arbour features a curved canopy and a bench that will make sitting and relaxing in the garden, throughout the summer months, an absolute pleasure. You will find a small area of trellising to either side of the seating and beams above your head to be able to grow your favourite flowers and plants.

Carrara Arbour £168.64p
Put those finishing touches to your garden this summer with the quality and aesthetically pleasing, all-new Carrara Arbour. With a well-constructed solid roof, sturdy seat and trellis to the side and back, this arbour will create an attractive addition to almost any garden. So, come on, what are you waiting for! Get those climbing plants growing up the trellis now and create your very own private garden seating!

Omega Top Arch with Seat £169.85p
This beautiful arch and seat will add character to any garden. With its diamond trellis, perfect for growing flowers and climbing plants, this arch has a perfect balance when price matters and so does quality! The Omega Top Arch with Seat is pressure treated to protect the timber from rot and decay and you will find that fixings are included with this product.

Montebello Arbour £179.86p
An elegant yet sturdy garden arbour with a bow top roof, and finished off with a decorative diamond. Dress it in your favourite climbing plants to give it a whole new character. The Montebello Arbour has been designed with a distinctive arched roof and sturdy slatted bench, and this arbour will add a beautiful touch to any garden. An arbour to suit both traditional and contemporary gardens, whatever your taste.

Valencia Garden Arbour £188.48p
The Valencia Garden Arbour has a look of a beach hut, with a solid roof and trellis to the sides and back it is an ideal arbour which to grow your plants. The Valencia Garden Arbour is a beautiful arbour which you can sit morning, noon and night to get further enjoyment from your garden and the wildlife which inhabits it. This arbour is sturdy and robust and comes with all required fixings.

Apex Arbour £229.59p
Delivered to your doorstep flat pack, the Apex Arbour is easy to assemble and has been beautifully designed to create a relaxing and private place to sit and relax. The timber has been pressure treated to protect the arbour from rot and decay, ensuring this is going to give you ultimate value for money. It has a slanted style bench which is comfortable on its own, or to add further comfort you could dress it up with cushions and throws.

Livomo Arbour £278.91p
The Livomo Arbour is the ultimate in practicality and style. Designed to create a relaxing and sheltered place to sit whilst enjoy your garden, the roof and back are solid to provide a good shelter from any summer evening breezes. The bench lid also lifts up to reveal a handy storage compartment beneath, which is ideal for storing cushions or small garden tools.

Contemporary Garden Arbour £329.62p
The Contemporary Wooden Garden Arbour from eDecks that forms part of a stunning Contemporary Garden product range that is set to impress. This new and stylish Wooden Garden Arbour announces its presence with modern straight lines and a classic curving roof. Throughout the summer months this look at home when dressed up with soft furnishings, but can equally be used in its traditional sense, to house an array of garden climbers and creepers. A truly inventive example of a modern garden arbour.

Valencia Corner Arbour £379.93p
Wanting a sheltered, private area in the garden? The Valencia Corner Arbour offers exactly that! A solid structure surrounded by trellis, which whether you are wanting a place to escape the summer sun or simply a hide out for some peace and quiet, this garden seating suits all situations. There are two good-sized backed benches and a table to enjoy breakfast in the sunshine, or a glass of Prosecco in the evening, and plenty of decorative trellis for pretty flowers to bring your garden alive this year.

eDecks offers some of the best deals on garden seating, Arbours and Arches around, including all of the installation supplies and tools you may need.

Not only do we provide plenty of unbeatable deals but also:

Handy FREE installation guides.

Super-fast FREE delivery on orders over £100*

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge. Please check the eDecks website for more details.

Timber Treatments: Why It is Beneficial to Use

February 13, 2018

eDecks

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Here at eDecks we stock a wide range of timber treatments to ensure you can get your decking looking its very best as well as prolonging its life. With so many options to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming, so we have put together this guide to give you a little more information on which product can be used when and where.

Decking Oil
Ronseal’s traditional Decking Oil nourishes and protects the decking boards, leaving a lightly tinted finish. It becomes rainproof in just two hours and can be given a further coat in just six hours to stop water soaking in and damaging your deck. Decking Oil also protects your timber against the sun so that it doesn’t turn grey. In a nutshell, Ronseal Decking Oil will restore the wood’s natural oils, prevent colour fade, protects against scruffs and scratches and leaves a lovely, natural finish. There are four shades available including Natural, Natural Cedar, Natural Oak, and Natural Pine and a 5 Litre tin will cover up to 10 m² with two coats.

Decking Stain
Ronseal’s Decking Stain leaves a tough finish that protects your timber against the weather as well as general wear and tear. The Decking Stain dries in just 90 minutes so it will be ready for action in no time and it is super easy to apply onto softwood or hardwood decking with just a brush. For best results, it is recommended to firstly prepare your decking with the Ronseal High Performance Decking and Garden Cleaner. By using the Decking Stain, you will find that it stops wood from greying, is rainproof in just 90 minutes, resists cracking, blistering and peeling and only needs two coats to be at its potential. There are six colours available, including Rustic Pine, Rich Teak, Country Oak, Rich Mahogany, Mountain Green and Golden Cedar and a 2.5 Litre tin will cover 10 m² with two coats.

End Grain Preserver
An end grain preserver will protect the cut ends of your decking to keep the wood strong and is highly waterproof so will protect the timber from rot and decay. To further protect your decking from the elements, End Grain Preserver can be painted over with a decking stain or oil. It does take 24 hours to dry, but this then keeps your deck strong and protected from water damage. Coverage-wise, one litre of End Grain Preserver will cover up to 8 m².

Decking Restorer
If your current decking is looking a little weathered, you can use Ronseal’s Decking Restorer to save it and put life back into it without having the expense of buying new. The Decking Restorer is quick and easy to use and will fully restore your deck back it its original colour, resulting in bare natural wood which is ready to be protected. Decking Restorer works in just 15 minutes, helps your decking to last longer and brightens and cleans the wood. A one litre tin will cover 15 m² of timber.

Decking Stripper
Ronseal’s Decking Stripper works at stripping all stains and oils off of your wooden decking. It takes just one coat of the treatment and starts to work in just thirty minutes, leaving your decking looking like new, in preparation for a stain or oil. It is really easy to use, and helps wonders if you are wanting to give your deck a new lease of life. You will find that on average, a one litre tin covers 10 m² of decking.

Decking Protector
The Ronseal Decking Protector gives added protection to your decking against the rain and sun, which is going to add longevity of life to your deck as rain can lead to rot and the sun can turn your timber grey. It also makes your decking waterproof to stop any splitting and swelling, is scuff resistant and although it comes in two shades – Natural and Natural Oak, it has a nice translucent finish. With regards to coverage, one litre covers 6 m².

Decking Cleaner and Reviver
If your decking needs a spruce up, the Ronseal Decking Cleaner and Reviver prepares new wood and keeps old and new wood clean. It is beneficial to use before applying a stain or oil as it works as a primer and you will find that the stain or oil sticks to the timber better, giving a longer professional finish. The Decking Cleaner and Reviver helps to make your coating last longer, is fact acting and removes mould and algae.

Here at eDecks you can also find a variety of brushes, including Ronseal branded brushes to help you apply your chosen Timber Treatments, which start at just £2.99!

eDecks offers some of the best deals on Timber Treatments around, including all of the installation supplies and tools you may need. Not only do we provide plenty of unbeatable deals but also:

Super-fast delivery starts at just £7.19!

Fencing: A Guide to Overlap and Vertilap Fence Panels

Decking: Comparing Hardwood Decking vs Softwood Decking

Vistalux Roofing: A Guide

Garden Seating: Finding Your Perfect Love Seat

Timber Treatments: Why It is Beneficial to Use

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