Author: eDecks

How to revive your decking in four easy steps

It’s incredibly important to keep on top of your decking maintenance. You’ve spent a good deal of time and money on your deck, but it’s starting to show its age, or maybe you’ve fallen behind with maintenance. Whatever your reason for wanting to revive your decking, there are plenty of ways you can do it yourself without having to pay for expensive contractors (or even hiring one at all!). Here are four easy steps that will help restore the smoothness of your once-perfect decking:

What you’ll need:

1. Clear the decking

To begin, you need a completely clear decking space so you can thoroughly clean it, remove any furniture blocking access to the wood. Grab your tough brush and give the decking a good sweep to dislodge any dirt. Don’t worry if the brush doesn’t clear any tough dirt, the cleaner will loosen those up!

Your decking should be completely clear and all loose debris swept away.

2. Clean the area

Before you power ahead, read the instructions on the back of the packet of your chosen cleaner. Some cleaners don’t need water and can be poured directly onto your decking.

Pour your decking cleaner over the decking and immediately scrub it into the surface then leave it for 15 minutes to soak in. We used Ronseal Decking Cleaner as it removes dirt, grease, fungus, stains, algae, and mildew and saves you the hassle of heavy scrubbing.

Ensure the decking cleaner is thoroughly scrubbed in.

Once 15 minutes have passed, grab your pressure washer or hose and thoroughly wash your decking. Enjoy watching all the dirt buildup wash away and seeing your decking slowly revive!

Use your hose or power washer to wash away the dirt!

3. Stain your decking

Whilst this step is optional, we do recommend staining or treating your decking with an oil. We used a Cuprinol Anti-slip Deck Stain which colours your deck with a tough, durable water-repellent protective coat that resists cracking and peeling caused by weather. For Cuprinol, apply 2-3 coats evenly along the grain, avoiding overlaps, and allow each coat to dry fully before recoating. The stain should dry within 2-6 hours, depending on the nature of the surface and the weather conditions.

Cuprinol Anti-slip Decking Stain with invisible anti-slip microbeads gives a semi-transparent, matt finish that will revive your decking!

4. Enjoy your perfect decking!

After all that hard work, enjoy how perfect your clean decking looks! It’s now ready for warmer weather, BBQs, and plenty of footfall.

Recreate this beautiful softwood decking using our individual boards and rope handrails!

Looking for the best deals on decking?

Check out our amazing deals here on the eDecks website!

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most projects – and any products we sell online. Contact eDecks here for personalised advice for your project today.

At eDecks you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

48 hour delivery on many products

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

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

Non-slip decking: What is the best wood to use?

Non-slip decking is a great way to make use of your garden all year round. Not only can it be customised and personalised, but it also allows you to create alluring and safe outdoor spaces. Many people choose garden decking to create functional areas for families whilst some just prefer it to a traditional garden.
Softwood and hardwood have their own individual qualities so it’s important to consider what the space will be used for when it comes to choosing the best timber for decking. We’ve compiled a comprehensive analysis of the two, to help guide your decision.

Softwood and hardwood


Hardwood timber comes from trees that are slower to mature. Oak and Beech are just two examples of hardwood trees you might find in the UK. They’re made up of a more complex structure and will lose their leaves in autumn and regrow them in the warmer months. They’re more often found in temperate countries where they will only shed occasionally.

Softwood trees are much faster growing and in great supply. They’re coniferous and retain their needles all year round. Some examples are Pine, Redwood, and Cedar.

Price difference


Price will most likely be one of the biggest deciding factors when it comes to choosing the timber for your non-slip decking. Due to its fast-growing nature, softwood is widely available meaning it has a lower price than hardwood. Hardwood’s complex structure makes it more difficult to process. When combined with how long it can take a hardwood tree to grow, you can justify the higher price.


Other pricing factors may also influence your decision. For example, softwood decking will need treating or staining. It will also depend on where you are building your garden decking and on what type of surface. Will you need to prepare your ground? There are extra costs to consider but, ultimately, adding non-slip decking to your home can add value to a property.

Durability and ease of maintenance


In terms of their durability, softwoods are generally less dense which makes them more susceptible to moisture and rot. However, if the wood is treated and sealed before the decking installation, you can improve its resistance to bad weather. Bear in mind that softwood decking will need annual maintenance to ensure it keeps its look and durability. Most softwood timber decking boards will have a 15-to-20-year lifespan.

Whilst hardwood decking boards require less maintenance than their softwood counterparts, it’s still advisable to do so. Softwood or hardwood decking boards are still timber. This natural material is likely to weather and age naturally, so staining, oiling, and cleaning your deck as needed will help to keep it looking fresh.

Hardwood decking is known for its longevity. Woods like Yellow Balau and Cumaru are renowned for their water resistance and their stability and can last for up to 50 years. For the most part, it can be left alone and will uphold its robustness. The average life span for a piece of hardwood decking is from 30 to 50 years.

Look and feel


Look will no doubt be a priority when choosing the best non-slip decking. A garden is an extension of a person’s home. So, the look and feel of it needs to reflect that. As well as coming in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and heights, the wood you choose will have the most noticeable difference.

Hardwood decking is more comparable to having an indoor floor outside. It’s typically smoother due to its more complex structure. The shades tend to be dark with a much warmer tone. These can be anything from a brown tone to a darker, golden brown. Hardwood decking is also unlikely to need staining unless you’re after a different look for your garden.

Softwoods are typically a much lighter shade of timber decking. When treated it has a pale green tinge to the wood. Just like a tan, after a few weeks outdoors, it will turn more golden. If you choose to use a stain, then you can make the wood much darker, even closer to a hardwood shade. With softwood, you have more options to customise it.

When you should use each


It’s good to think about what you will be using your garden for when considering the best timber for decking. Will it be exposed to the elements? Will it be a high-traffic area? For example, if you have a swimming pool or a hot tub, hardwood generally has better moisture resistance.


How heavily will your deck be used? For the average household, softwood decking is perfectly suitable and durable for an average amount of use. If your deck will need to withstand heavy foot traffic and will see lots of use, then consider hardwood.

Looking for the best deals on decking?

Check out our amazing deals here on the eDecks website!

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most projects – and any products we sell online. Contact eDecks here for personalised advice for your project today.

At eDecks you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

48 hour delivery on many products

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

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

Make The Most of Your Decking in the Autumn Evenings

Darker and cooler autumnal evenings need not put you off using your decking – making the most of your garden decking into the evening to create an extension of your home.

As we head into autumn, the days are getting shorter. Making comfortable additions to your decking area will encourage you to spend more time outside, even as it gets darker or colder, whether it’s investing in garden furniture or non-slip decking. Here’s how to make the most of your garden decking in the autumn evenings.

Maintenance

The most important part of being able to make the most of your decking, particularly in the colder months, is maintenance. Over the summer, most garden decking sees heavy use. While you should maintain your deck throughout the warmer months, it’s even more important to do so during winter. When the deck gets wet and cold, a build-up of moss or algae can line the surface.

While eDecks’ non-slip decking is very low maintenance, it will still benefit from regular brushing with a stiff broom. Pressure washing your decking once a year is recommended. This will remove the dirt or algae which heightens the risk of slipping. eDecks decking stays safe even with a build-up of moss and algae, but we would always recommend a thorough, annual clean. This will also refresh the deck’s appearance after a long summer, so you can enjoy it in the autumn evenings.

In order to keep your deck looking its best even into winter, consider oiling or staining your decking boards. This will prevent water from getting into the timber and rotting your decking boards.

Garden furniture and furnishings

To make the most of your decking in the autumn evenings, there are a few things you will need to think about. When it comes to choosing garden furniture, you need something that can withstand rain and cold temperatures. Your garden furniture should be made of hardy, weather-resistant materials.

It’s important to note that to minimise damage to your non-slip decking, use rubber feet for any garden furniture.

Warm blankets, cushions and throws can also help to increase the cosy factor by bringing the indoors outdoors. Choosing colours and fabrics that are bright and welcoming helps to bring colour to even the darkest evening.

Outdoor heating

Even in the summer months, if you’re sitting outside, you may feel a slight chill in the evening. When you need a little more than blankets on your garden furniture, outdoor heating can warm things up. There are plenty of options out there for outdoor heating. Most of them are either powered by electricity or gas. For those interested in either of these varieties, there is plenty of choice in what you go for.

A good option is getting warmth and light from a fire pit. However, you need to be extremely careful when lighting fires near or on your decking. Make sure you take the right advice and check carefully whether it’s appropriate. Never place a fire or a fire pit directly on your decking. Always ensure it is raised and that there is something between the source and the surface of the deck. Consider investing in a screen to help prevent sparks or embers from travelling, particularly if it’s windy.

Our non-slip decking is perfect if you’re concerned about slippery decking in the colder months and evenings.

Looking for the best deals on anti-slip decking?

Check out our amazing deals here on the eDecks website!

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most projects – and any products we sell online. Contact eDecks here for personalised advice for your project today.

At eDecks you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

48 hour delivery on many products

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

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

Get Summer-ready with Our Brand New Bars

Summer is just around the corner and it’s time to get your garden ready. If you’re considering being the host of the hottest garden parties, you need only one thing: a garden bar! If you have always dreamt of owning your own bar, now is the time to purchase one – starting at just £99.99 (INC VAT) who can say no? Serve drinks, food or whatever your heart desires with either our pull out wall bar or standing structures. Interested? Let us tell you more…

Timber Fold Out Wall Mounted Drinks Bar

Our Timber Fold Out Wall Mounted Drinks Bar is fantastic for gardens with limited space. Simply fold it out and serve drinks, add chairs on either side and enjoy relaxing in the sun! Since this bar is a spacious 600mm wide, you’ll have plenty of space to place whatever you and your guests want to enjoy. This bar is also ideal for pubs who want to expand their business in a beer garden, why not serve your customers speciality drinks outdoors to make the most of how popular beer gardens have become?

Our Fold Our Bar is only £99.99 (INC VAT) – Shop here!

Timber Fold Out Wall Mounted Drinks Bar

Mercia Timber Garden Bar (1500mm x 1000mm)

The Mercia may be the smallest of our three standalone bars but it’s certainly mighty! If you have always wanted to be a bartender you can get your practice in serving friends and family. It’s made from featheredge for the roof and cladding. More importantly, is budget-friendly, so you can make your neighbours jealous without having to break the bank.

The Mercia Timber Garden Bar is only £299.99 (INC VAT) – Shop here!

Mercia Timber Garden Bar (1500mm x 1000mm)

Forest Timber Garden Bar (1800mm x 1200mm)

Larger than the Mercia Bar, but equally as amazing, the Forest Bar is made from larger timbers but follows the same structural flow as the Mercia. What sets this bar aside and makes it really special though, is the bar overhang that is ideal for stools, so potential punters can pull up a chair whilst you serve the drinks. Our Forest Bar stands at 2120mm tall, so you will have plenty of room for drinks and decorations and, if you want to paint or stain your bar to match your garden, timber is ideal for customising.

The Forest Timber Garden Bar is only £429.99 (INC VAT) – Shop here!

Forest Timber Garden Bar (1800mm x 1200mm)

Utopia Deluxe Timber Garden Bar (1800mm x 1200mm)

The Utopia is our premium bar, whilst it is the same size as the Forest bar, it’s clad with matchboard to give a high-end finish and it’s sure to make any garden look like a professional bar area, it also has a shelf where you can serve drinks. What really makes this bar stand out from the crowd is the rear optics support, so you can hang your bottle collection for all to see… If they last long enough to be put on display. All our bars are sent flat packed and made from high quality, treated timber meaning you will be able to enjoy it all year round, in all weather conditions.

The Utopia Deluxe Timber Garden Bar is only £499.99 (INC VAT) – Shop here!

Looking for the best deals on Garden Bars?

Check out our amazing deals here on the eDecks website!

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most projects – and any products we sell online. Contact eDecks here for personalised advice for your project today.

At eDecks you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

48 hour delivery on many products

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

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

Transform Your Small Garden with These Easy Ideas

For many people, their garden is a place to relax and escape from everyday stress. Unfortunately, not everyone has a large garden area, meaning they have to utilise as much space as possible. Here at eDecks, we understand the difficulty of creating a zen area and we’re on hand to help with tips and tricks for transforming your small space.

Lay artificial grass

Having real grass in small city gardens can be redundant as maintenance can be expensive and storing tools is a waste of space. Artificial grass introduces natural tones in small areas and makes the most of an urban environment. If you love nature but struggle to look after plants, plastic ones can look just as good! Adding natural wood furniture to match the plants will bring the area together. In the picture below they added a shaded area with polycarbonate sheets. This provides shade whilst allowing the sun to light the space.

Deck the whole area

Covering an entire outdoor space with decking may seem intimidating but it can make a small area feel dramatic. Hardwood decking or stained decking adds a contemporary vibe that will embrace natural elements, especially if you have plenty of plant life around. If you don’t want to occupy the little space you have with furniture, a bench made of reject decking or sleepers around the outside along the walls will bring the whole area together. Light coloured furniture will brighten up the area – so don’t be afraid to get creative with the paint!

Cover the area with a pergola

Here at eDecks, we love pergolas. They can open up any small space no matter what they’re being used for and break up outdoor spaces, add a hot tub or furniture to create the ultimate relaxation zone. We offer pergolas with decking or on their own, whatever your space requires, they can be customised to fit your needs. Pergolas are also wonderful at maintaining privacy in built-up areas, simply add a roof to keep your neighbours out!

Break up the space with paving

Not a fan of covering your whole outdoor area with decking? Break up the space with Indian stone paving. Separating spaces in gardens is important regardless of the size, you can designate sitting areas to keep a flow. We carry many different colours of paving to match our decking, so your garden can look perfect. If you’re nervous about undertaking such a large transformation take a look at the image below; separated garden spaces allow for seating and an allocated BBQ are, meaning you can make the most out of your small space!

Looking for the best deals on landscaping products?

Check out our amazing deals here on the eDecks website!

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most projects – and any products we sell online. Contact eDecks here for personalised advice for your project today.

At eDecks you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

48 hour delivery on many products

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

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

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