Tag: decking

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

Transform Your Small Garden with These Easy Ideas

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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.

Credit: JRooh on Pinterest

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!

Credit: Ideal Home on Pinterest

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!

Credit: Selbermachen on Pinterest

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!

Credit: Rachel on Pinterest

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.

Want to Know More About Composite Decking?

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Choosing the right decking for your garden can be intimidating, with so much choice why wouldn’t you be hesitant? Here at eDecks, we have a wide range of fantastic decking to ensure you receive the highest quality products. A particular favourite of ours is composite decking, not only is it extremely versatile and weatherproof but it’s also great for the environment thanks to the fact it can be recycled.

RealGroove™ Composite Decking

We worked alongside our manufacturer to invest in development to bring you an exciting and improved product. The RealGroove™ Bark Effect Composite Decking requires little upkeep no need for yearly treatments this product will look great year after year. This product boasts many unique properties and at 22mm thick it is durable and features its brand new fully grooved bark effect indentations. Traditionally Composite decking has ‘scratched surfaces’ giving the bark effect finish. But, with its all-new, actually scored indentations, RealGroove™ has a long-lasting anti-slip surface, which will out-last other similar products on the market. Composite decking is a mixture of recycled wood and plastic, combined in such a way that this product will even outlast hardwood decks! So if you’re looking for an investment that lasts, look no further.

Credit: eDecks

Castle Top Composite Decking Boards

These boards are manufactured only for eDecks, this Solid Castle Top board is an exclusive you won’t find anywhere else. They are made from recycled timber and plastics the composite decking combines their unique properties and is perfect for use outdoor around the garden as well as hotels, pubs and leisure centres. Looking for a safe way to deck your garden? Composite deck board boasts excellent anti-slip properties that will keep performing year on year.

Credit: eDecks

Evergrain Dual Sided Composite Decking

Evergrain Dual Sided decking is unlike conventional composite decking, each side offering a unique colour. The enhanced grain on either side of this board offers a truly versatile rich decorative finish however you decide to use it, the dual board allowing you to get creative with your outdoor space. This deck board has been co-extruded to give a deep wood-grain pattern. Not only is this pleasing to the eye but gives this board incredible anti-slip properties, even when wet. Incredibly, Evergrain composite decking will not rot, fade, split or splinter.

Credit: eDecks

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.

New Garden Designs for You to Try in 2022

Garden Design Ideas 1 Comment

It’s the start of a new year, which means you can get started on those resolutions! Was yours to give your garden a complete revamp? If yes, you’re in the right place, here at eDecks we carry a wide range of goods to transform your garden. Including decking of all shapes and colours, pergolas and bars to suit your style!

Open up your garden with dividers

Adding dividers in your garden can make areas feel closed off but not if you make it work to your advantage. A decking kit with rope handrails creates a separate environment in your garden that can be designated for seating and relaxation, which is particularly useful in busy gardens like those used by children and animals. Using planters as a separator can also add much-needed greenery in a perhaps smaller garden and makes the division flow naturally.

Credit: @house_proud_dads on Instagram

Dedicated hot tub area

Love the spa but can’t afford to get there every day? Why not build a zen hot tub area and make your garden the ultimate relaxation zone? We offer a wide range of hot tub gazebos that sit perfectly on both paving and decking and can be made to fit hot tubs of any size. Not only that but our brand new hot tub steps match our gazebos to a T, so your garden can be a matching haven!

Credit: @house_proud_dads on Instagram

Pergola and decking seating area

Pergolas and decking go together in perfect harmony, which is why we sell them together! No matter what size your garden is, adding a sheltered seating area is always a good idea. Our customer Mia has matched her furniture to her pergola and decking to create a relaxing and private area, which can be hard to find in new build homes. By placing a pergola at the end of your garden beside panelling it offers protection from all sides!

Credit: @miafelce on Instagram




Build a children’s play area

Once you’ve built the perfect zen area for yourself to relax in, you’ve got to remember to keep the kids busy! This custom playhouse made by our customer, Jake with our red cedar shingles on our softwood decking is a beautiful way to make your garden child-friendly without disrupting the aesthetics you have worked hard to create there.

Credit: @callyprojects on Instagram

Revamp your fencing

Fencing is the frame of your garden, so if your garden is looking a little bit dull switching out the fencing might be a great way to bring it to life! We recently launched some new contemporary fencing which you can read about here so we have an even wider range to match your style. Whether you’re in a new build home or an old Victorian terraced house, new fencing goes a long way.

Credit: J Landscapes on Facebook

Looking for the best deals on any garden items?

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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