Aberdeen Decking Blog
Make a 3D model of your decking for free?
By Simon Elms 10 January 2007 Comment
Google SketchUp 6 is a 3D modeling software tool that’s easy to learn, simple to use, and lets you place your models in Google Earth. Are you remodeling a kitchen, landscaping your back yard or adding timber decking to your home? Google SketchUp makes it faster, easier and a lot more fun. From simple to complex, from conceptual to realistic, Google SketchUp helps you see your vision before you build it.
Composite Decking: An Environmental Choice
By Simon Elms 10 January 2007
The new kid on the block in decking is composite decking. As the new kid, not many understand it very well, even thought there is not much difference in it and the wood it comes from. Composite decking is a mixture of sawdust and a binder to give it form and structure. This recycling makes it a good environmental choice, as the wood that goes into its construction is the waste from other wood products, and no trees have to be cut down specifically to make it.
How to Use Composite Decking
Composite decking responds to similar procedures as wood itself. It is designed to be cut with a saw, nailed, or screwed in place like wood as well. Yet for all its similarities it can surprise you with its subtle differences.
The primary difference is in planning to use it; composite decking uses preformed molding that completely formed trims, so that you don’t have to miter the joints to build the base trims for the posts and so forth. This means that when you are planning on it, it is important to consider all these joints and just how you want to use them. Then you can purchase the right pieces up front.
It can also take much less maintenance than wood. Wood should really be treated at least once a season, but composite decking can rely on the strength of its base to resist weather better. This can help offset the costs of the decking and help make the choice an easier one. This trait can also help with the environmental claims, as many fewer chemicals are sprayed into your personal environment.
There are many reasons that can lure you to use composite decking and possibly offset its higher cost. Environmentally, it can be more responsible than wood and yet remain easier to work with than some of the other decking options out there. It boils down to whether the environmental concerns and lower maintenance make it more appealing to you.
Softwood or hardwood decking?
By Simon Elms 10 January 2007 Comment
One of the question is get asked most is “Can you please advise me on the difference between pine decking and hardwood decking?”
Pine is a soft wood. It is the most popular type of decking in the UK, mainly because it is the cheapest. It is much paler than hardwood (and, some say, less attractive) but it can be stained in a variety of colours. Pine must be treated to be suitable for decking. From a construction point of view, treated pine is much lighter than hardwood so it’s easier to work with and puts less pressure on supporting structures. Pine is also more readily available than hardwood, and is sourced from pine plantations that are farmed in a sustainable manner.
Hardwood offers a richer and more textured aesthetic than treated pine, which is probably its main attraction. It’s also denser and stronger than pine, allowing a longer lifespan. Many builders will also tell you it’s more resilient to the weather. Hardwood comes from older growth trees, making it harder to source and more expensive to buy (than pine). There are also environmental concerns with hardwood, as it is not as renewable as pine. Hardwood species include Jarrah, Ironbark, Blackbutt and Karri.
Decking care and maintenance
By Simon Elms 9 January 2007 Comment
- Furniture should be placed on rubber feet or mats to minimise damage to the decking.
- Put pots on bricks to allow the air to circulate and to prevent a build up of mould.
- Check bolts and screws regularly and tighten if necessary.
- Regularly clean the decking with a brush to remove dirt. A stiff brush should also remove mildew and algae.
- Occasionally remove mildew, algae and dirt with a pressure hose or deck-cleaning liquid.
- Once a year, add a clear water repellent.
- Check for damaged decking boards and replace as necessary.
Step by step decking
By Simon Elms 9 January 2007 Comment
The basic principle of constructing a deck is to attach the decking boards to a timber frame that consists of horizontal joists attached to vertical posts. It’s always advisable to consult a professional when undertaking a major building project. However, here’s a guide for constructing a small decking area.
1. Measure out the area the deck will cover and work out where the posts will go. A deck should be supported by posts on all corners and every 1.5m (5ft) around the perimeter, although more posts are required if the deck will be supporting heavy loads.
2. Dig holes 300mm to 400mm (12in to 15in) deep and 300mm (12in) wide for the posts. Put a building block in the bottom of each hole and place the post on top of this. Use a spirit level to make sure the posts are upright, then fill the holes with concrete. You must wait for the concrete to harden before continuing with construction, which should take one to two days.
3. Using bolts, attach the joists to the outside of the posts at the desired height to form the outside edge of the frame. Leave the posts long, as you can attach rope later to form a banister.
4. Attach joists to the inside of the frame every 300mm to 450mm (12in to 15in), using either joist hangers or screws.
5. To improve the stability and prevent any sideways movement from the deck, add shorter lengths of wood (150mm x 50mm/6in x 2in) every one to two metres (4ft to 6ft), perpendicular to the inside of the joists.
6. Screw the decking boards to the joists, leaving a gap of 6mm to 10mm between each board. This will allow the boards room to expand during wet periods. It will also ensure sufficient drainage and ventilation. If using hardwood, drill the holes in advance. Decking boards are usually laid at 90 or 45 degrees to the joists. Always lay decking when the boards are dry.
7. Once the decking boards are attached, use string to form a straight line along the edges of the deck and saw them all off in one go. Allow the boards an overlap of about 5cm (2in) over the frame. Paint the cut ends with a sealant to prevent water penetrating the deck.
8. Paint the deck with a coloured deck stain if required and coat with a clear water repellent.
Choosing your decking materials
By Simon Elms 9 January 2007 Comment
You can use softwood or hardwood for decking. The most popular choice in the UK is softwood that’s been pressure treated with a preservative to prevent rotting.
Standard components and decking boards are available from DIY stores and timber merchants, and should last about 25 years. Ready prepared decking kits are also available. Hardwood decking boards don’t require pressure treatment.
Always ensure the wood has been obtained from a sustainable resource – look for the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) label. See www.fsc-uk.info for more details.
Decking boards are usually 75mm to 150mm wide. The wider boards are quicker to lay (because there are less of them), but narrower boards are often considered to look nicer.
Grooved boards are available; these offer better grip particularly when it’s wet. It’s possible to choose coloured boards, too, although you can always paint the decking once it’s built. Whichever type you choose, it should have rounded edges to protect feet and improve drainage.