(Q) Is decking slippery?

(A) This must be the most commonly asked question. Decking only becomes slippery if it gets dirty. The best way to keep a deck clean is to use a good stiff broom and water. Keep the deck clean of mildew and so on and it will last longer and stay slip free. 

 

(Q) Is grooved decking more non slip than smooth decking?

(A) The simple answer is no. Grooves where introduced to help aid the flow of water. If a deck is designed and built properly, with gaps between the decking, and a slight fall then water will not be a problem. I find that the grooves actual make decking more prone to be slippery because its harder to clean than a smooth deck. I usually as a rule only use smooth decking. I only use grooved decking as part of a design feature.

Also if you are ever down at the beach or near a pier look at the timber used for the walkways. They are never grooved. Also on ships. All walkways are smooth timber.

 

(Q) Do decks attract rats?

(A)  The underside of a deck is a very inhospitable place if built correctly. A weed suppressant membrane is laid down first and kept in place with stone chipping. The small gaps between the decking make it difficult for any food to fall through. Also because of the gaps the underside of a deck is not a dry place.

 

(Q) Whats the difference between hardwood and softwood decking?

 (A) The term hard and softwood are biological terms. Hardwoods come from broadleaved trees and softwoods from quicker growing conifers (evergreen). The biological term has no reference to the actual hardness or softness of the wood.

For decking purpose's we use timber that has the best resistance to fungal growth. Softwoods are least resistant and are pressure treated to help with this. Most hardwoods used for decking have very high natural resistance to fungal growth and do not need any treatments. 

In terms of pricing there is a big difference. Hardwoods are harder to work with and need a lot more care and attention. Also because of there very high fungal resistance, the timber has a very high corrosive property. This means that the timber will corrode normal steel screws so more expensive stainless steel screws should always be used to fix the decking boards. These factors plus the actually pricing of the timber means that hardwood can be as much as double the price or more than softwood decking. 

 (Q) How long does decking last?

 (A) A well looked after deck (soft or hardwood) should last for at least 15 years. The trick to longevity of a deck is keeping it clean. Just a good stiff broom will do the trick.

 

(Q) Whats the best way to treat or colour my decking?

 (A) Decking actually does not need any further treatment. All proper decking boards will weather naturally and gradually start silvering. The speed of the weathering process depends on many factors (such as amount of over head sun, water, etc). Most of the hardwood decking boards have beautiful natural colours and graining. It is possible to preserve the natural colour of a hardwood by regularly oiling or preserving the wood.

Most hardwoods do not take well to colouring/staining. If you want to stain the decking then the best option is a softwood deck. There is a variety of colours available. I usually suggest a more natural colouring or a dark colouring. You can also use a colour stain in a clear preserve. This means that you can colour the deck with any colour you want. Red, blue, purple, pink. You name it and it can be used. I would suggest getting professional advice. Also I suggest never using varnish. Varnish is usually a gloss coating that "sits" on top of the timber. I mean that it does not penetrate the wood. This means that when its time to redo the deck all the varnish will need to be removed before a new coat can be applied. I suggest using a wood preserve. The preserve is similar to an oil based product and when you want to reapply you simply clean the deck and apply.

 

(Q) Can I put a shed/summerhouse or a jacuzzi on a deck?

 (A) Yes. If the deck is reinforced properly.

 

 (Q) Is decking sustainable?

 (A) Decking is very sustainable and most respectable decking retailers will only sell decking sourced from sustainable forests.

 

 (Q) Won't weeds and grass grow through my deck?

 (A) If a proper weed suppresant membrane is laid down first no weeds/grass should be able to grow through.