Tag: diy

Creating your perfect garden landscape can be hard work, but there are products out there that work all by themselves to make your life so much easier! Weed membrane fabrics are making a huge difference to modern gardens by stabilising the ground, improving drainage and filtration, separating aggregates and spreading imposed loads. Ensuring you choose the right weed membrane fabric for your project means understanding the differences between them – a key one being whether they are woven or non-woven.

Woven Weed Membrane fabric is made by weaving polypropylene tapes together. Using this crisscross pattern makes the fabric super-strong but limits its drainage capabilities compared with the non-woven variety. The strength and hard-wearing qualities of woven weed membrane give it a high tensile strength, making it suitable for use under patios, paths, parking areas and for other applications where a high strength but economical membrane is essential.

Although Non-Woven Weed Membrane has a lower tensile strength than the woven type, it still offers great strength, durability and excellent drainage properties. Non-woven weed membrane is a felt-like fabric made by thermally bonding polypropylene or a mixture of polypropylene and polyester fibres and then finishing using needle punching, calendaring and other methods. This type of fabric is easier to cut, has a high water permeability rate and does not lose strength over time, in the same way as the woven fabric does, when used below ground. This makes it ideal for use beneath driveways and roads and in land and storm water drainage systems, where long-term ground stabilisation and filtration is required.

Woven or non-woven weed membrane can be a gardener’s best friend and whether you are looking for ground stabilisation, separation of sub-base layers, aggregates and other materials, or drainage and filtration, there is now a fabric that is right for the job.

eDecks offers three different types of Woven Weed Membrane, including a Standard strength, Heavy Duty and Super Heavy Duty. Whether it is under your deck, paving, driveway or planting area, weed membrane will prevent nasty weeds coming through. As well as reducing garden maintenance, weed membrane allows water and nutrients to penetrate the soil.

eDecks offers some of the best deals on Weed Membrane 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*

48 Hour Delivery on many products

Handy FREE installation guides and instructional videos

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

Fencing: A Guide to Overlap and Vertilap Fence Panels

February 27, 2018

eDecks

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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. *

Timber Treatments: Why It is Beneficial to Use

February 13, 2018

eDecks

decking Decking Accessories diy gardening Gardening Advice No Comments

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!

Weed Membrane: Advantages of Use

February 8, 2018

eDecks

decking Decking Accessories Decking Advice diy gardening No Comments

Weed control fabrics also known as sheets, covers or weed membrane are an excellent organic and environmentally-sound option for a variety of areas of your garden. It is a practical, easy and clean method weed control and can be very helpful in various situations and is an aid not a remedy. The reason behind it is that any kind of fabric or cover that suppresses weeds by covering them, also keeps fallen leaves and debris from being decomposed and added to the soil.

Weed control fabrics are one of the environmentally friendly alternatives to commercial herbicides. With weed control fabrics, the time limit is the beneficial point, with some fabrics known to last up to ten years. When using weed membrane, remember to remove it after a few years in order to ensure the soil keeps getting nutrition.

Weed membrane is one of the least harmful and most effective measures of protecting your area from weed growth. They can be used to control weeds in areas such as gravel driveways, vegetable gardens, allotments, decking and artificial grass.

Here at eDecks, we sell regular Weed Membrane, with two further options of Heavy Duty and Super Heavy Duty depending on your needs and requirements. It is fairly cheap to buy and simple to lay, and you can also order Weed Membrane Pegs and Pins from us to ensure your weed membrane is securely fitted.

When laying Weed Membrane, it is important to prepare the surface because once it is laid down, you won’t be able to get to it. If you are laying the fabric under decking or a pathway, then it is a matter of removing all plant life from the area and making sure that it is completely flat. A systematic weed-killer will do the job of killing off any existing weeds before you start.

If you are creating a planting area where you will be using weed membrane, then you will need to dig the area over well, ensuring you remove all weeds and dig in plenty of organic matter that will release nutrients into the soil. Again, you could use a weed killer rather than weeding by hand, as long as you leave plenty of time for it to take full effect. When digging the area over, remove and sticks and stones that could rip or tear the membrane, firm down the earth and then rake over the area to leave a smooth finish.

Weed membrane comes on a roll, so you will need to finalise the shape and size of the area it is covering before take a pair of sharp scissors to give a neat edging. Roll out the fabric and allow for an inch of overlap where two pieces of fabric will meet. With regards to the edges, cut the membrane to fit the area you are covering and then secure it in place using either landscape staples to pin it in place or decorative rocks and stones.

If you are applying the membrane around existing plants, cut a slit into the fabric from the closest edge and slide it into place around the stem of the plant. If you are adding plants after laying the fabric, set out the plants where you want them positioned, and then for each plant take a sharp knife and cut an X into the fabric, making it just large enough to fit the plant into. Tuck back the flaps and dig a hole using a hand trowel. Put your plant in as normal adding compost as and when required. With weed membrane, you will still need to weed occasionally, but you will be able to pull the weeds easily by hand as they won’t have a chance to get their roots in beyond the top layer.

eDecks offers some of the best deals on Weed Membrane 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.

Decking Paint: The Benefits of Applying Them

February 6, 2018

eDecks

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Decking paint is a fairly new addition to traditional decking treatments such as decking oils and stains. Whereas decking oils and stains are about retaining the natural appearance of the wood grain, decking paints are designed to give a different kind of appearance. Decking paints are available in a wide range of colours and are ideal for older decking which has been neglected and makeover projects if a major decking restoration isn’t possible. They can also be used on new decking if you are wanting an alternative look to the standard decking finish. As well as decking, these kinds of paints can also be used on arbours, arches, pergolas, car ports and much, much more. So whether you are wanting a colourful garden, or something demurer, read on for our top tips on using decking paints.

Benefits of Using a Decking Paint

Resistant to foot traffic and weathering. Paint often fills gaps and cracks and gives a thicker finish, so it can often be useful for repairing wood that has already been damaged a little by the elements and bad weather. Some paints are made specifically for that purpose.
Available in a range of attractive colours. Painting allows you to use any colour you want and because paint is solid, you can completely cover an old colour which leaves your options wide open.
Quick and easy to apply as well as quick drying.
Gives long-lasting protection and colour. It can also often be easier to clean, especially if it is a good quality paint and is allowed to cure properly before put into use as it will then create a hard shell that dirt usually washes straight off.
Paint is more protective of wood and generally speaking, paint resists rot, mould, and sun damage better than other options.
A cheap way to resurrect old, worn decking.

As with all DIY projects, preparation is the key to success. Simply follow these steps to add some colour to your decking project.

Before painting, decked areas should be clean, dry, and free from surface dirt, grit and other surface contaminates.
Remove all garden furniture and other items from the decking so that the surface is clear.
Remove any old areas of decking stain or paint which have started to crack, peel or flake with a jet washer or decking stripper.
Any areas that are affected by mould, algae or fungi should be cleaned with a scraper, stiff broom or brush to remove all surface matter. It is worth treating these areas with a mould and mildew cleaner which will kill off any remaining spores in the wood and helps to prevent re-growth.
If required, use a wood preservative but one that doesn’t contain wax, oil or silicone.
Paint the decking boards with the decking paint working the full length of 2 to 3 boards at a time.
Allow the first coat to dry as per the container instructions.
Apply a second coat as directed by the manufacturer.

Please note that decking paint may not be suitable for decking which has been oiled or treated with a product that contains wax in the last 12 to 24 months.

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

Delivery starts at just £7.19!

Weed Membrane: Woven v Non-Woven

Fencing: A Guide to Overlap and Vertilap Fence Panels

Timber Treatments: Why It is Beneficial to Use

Weed Membrane: Advantages of Use

Decking Paint: The Benefits of Applying Them

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