Timber Decking

Timber decking can create stunning seating areas in your garden. Practical advice on creating stunning. Hints and tips on the choice of wood, types of installation and maintenance.

Essentially timber decking is an alternative form of outdoor flooring: boards running one-way are supported on joists running across. The boards are grooved to assist grip, especially when they are wet and the corners are rounded to allow water to run off. Since timber decking will continually be exposed to extreme weather, the wood should be pressure treated with preservatives to prevent rot and decay.

**Types of Timber Decking Kits Available**

**Treat Decks Now**!

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Planning

Choose where you want to site the timber decking. Usually this will be a sunny aspect. Look upon it in a similar way to a patio. Consider carefully the size of the finished project. The structure must be compatible with both the size of the house and garden. You will need to check the fall of the land where the timber decking will be placed. A large slope will complicate the installation process and will inevitably require specialist help. Most projects can be completed as a D.I.Y. project. However, if you want a complicated arrangement of steps and different levels you might have to call in the help of a specialist company. You can choose from a large range of patterns: straight, diagonal, chevron or herringbone. Browse catalogues to get a feel for the type of pattern you would like to have in your garden.

Types of Structure:

Groundlevel

This is probably the most common type and the simplest to construct; it will appeal to D.I.Y. enthusiasts. You don't need to anchor the timber decking to a wall or the side of the house.

Elevated

This is far more difficult to install and it is recommended that you consider professional help. The design must take into consideration the weightbearing load. You will need to think about the safety aspects of protecting the drops, especially where there are children. Balustrades and handrails for the steps are a must. The most common wood used for timber decking are varieties of cedar. This is a softwood and comes in many natural colours. Hardwoods such as teak are naturally very durable and are an excellent choice for timber decking.

**Apply and Protect Timber Decking Stain**

Maintenance

As you install timber decking ensure that any sawn pieces are hand treated with preservative to cover the cut surfaces. Once you have completed your timber decking you could choose to leave the wood and allow time to weather it. Alternatively, finish the wood with sealants or with stain. Using sealants also helps with the on-going maintenance of timber decking. It will be both easier to clean and, more importantly, will repel water. Inevitabley over time there will be wear in areas of heavy traffic. It will also gather dirt and algae and begin to look tired. All timber decking should be brushed regularly and more intense cleaning will be needed from time to time using a high pressure water jet. There are proprietary brands of detergents that can be used. Some will come with anti-algal and anti-mould agents. Always check the instructions before using chemicals. Once you have thoroughly cleaned your timber decking you can apply more sealant or stain to suit your requirements.

Timber decking offers the prospect of an exciting project for a sunny part of the garden. When completed you can site containers and decorative plant pots filled with a host of colourful flowers. Sit out on your garden furniture and admire your handiwork. Get a fire pit for those evenings outdoors, safety fire pits are ideal for timber decking. Another clever option would be to build a pergola on part of your timber decking to grow climbing plants which will give a shaded canopy.

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