Choosing the right type of decking material is crucial when building a deck in the UK. With a temperate oceanic climate characterized by mild temperatures, abundant rainfall, and damp conditions, durability and weather resistance should be key considerations. Consulting with professionals like fencing Aldershot can offer valuable insights into selecting decking materials that are well-suited to withstand the challenges posed by the local climate, ensuring your deck remains sturdy and attractive for years to come.
Hardwood Decking
Hardwood decking offers unparalleled beauty and durability. Some of the most popular quality hardwoods used for deck boards in the UK include:
Ipe
- Extremely durable with a 40+ year lifespan
- Dense, heavy, and naturally slip-resistant
- Rich brown tone that grays gracefully to silvery gray over time
- Naturally resistant to moisture, insects, and decay
- Requires no chemical treatments
Cumaru
- Known as “Brazilian Teak” – very dense and hardy like Ipe
- Lifespan of up to 25 years with proper installation
- Light brown color that matures into reddish or golden brown tones
- Higher oil content helps repel water and moisture
- Rare tropical species – sourced from responsibly managed forests
Garapa
- Excellent durability and stability
- Resistant to insect attacks and fungal decay
- Light honey brown color with some color variation
- Minimal shrinkage and expansion with stable grain patterns
- Sourced from sustainable forestry plantations
Durability and Pest/Decay Resistance
The dense grain and rich oil content of quality hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, and Garapa make them incredibly resilient against rot, fungal attacks, moisture damage and insect infestation – without any need for chemical preservatives.
Properly installed, exotic hardwoods can last over 40 years in tough outdoor conditions with minimal upkeep required. Their unmatched lifespans allow them to retain value and avoid frequent replacement costs.
Maintenance Requirements and Costs
While hardwood decking materials are more expensive upfront than softwoods, their superior durability results in lower long term maintenance costs. Minimal routine maintenance is required:
- Annual/biannual light cleaning with a stiff broom or power washing at low settings
- Re-oiling every 2-3 years to maintain the freshly-installed look
Take simple precautions like clearing furniture and allowing proper drainage to prevent standing water, and quality hardwood decking will retain its resilience and beauty for decades before needing replacement. Their longevity offsets the higher initial price tag.
Softwood Decking
Softwoods like pine and cedar are more affordable and widely available decking options. The most common types used in the UK are:
Pine
- Made from Scots pine or redwood pine wood
- Relatively smooth face with some knots
- Tendency to warp or crack over time
- Susceptible to insect attacks and fungal decay
- Low cost and readily accessible
Cedar
- Known for its mild, fresh fragrance
- Stunning grain patterns
- Resists damage from moisture and humidity
- Vulnerable to mold, mildew and decay
- Needs frequent staining/sealing
Douglas Fir
- Visually resembles oak with dramatic grain patterns
- Resilient against rotting and insects
- Retains shape well with limited expansion/contraction
- Can develop splits, cupping and checking without proper maintenance
- Moderately affordable softwood option
Affordability and Accessibility
Softwoods provide a more budget-friendly solution for decking needs. Their lower density makes them easier to cut, shape and install without power tools. This also reduces transportation costs.
Softwood’s faster growth compared to dense hardwoods increases availability and supply to meet demand.
Maintenance Needs and Lifespan
The trade-off for softwood’s affordability is higher maintenance requirements and shorter lifespans around 10-15 years. Their softer composition is more vulnerable to moisture, mildew, and pest damage.
Regular re-staining and sealing is needed to prevent cupping, cracking and rotting while retaining visual appeal. Sealing must be redone as often as every 1-2 years.
Without diligent care, softwoods can develop problems like splintering, warping, and mushrooming. Make sure proper moisture mitigation and ventilation techniques are used during installation to maximize lifespan.
Composite Decking
Explanation of Composite Materials
Composite Decking combines recycled wood fibers or plastic polymers with bonding agents to make durable, low-maintenance deck boards. The recycled base materials act as a filler while the polymers/binders allow shaping and protect against moisture.
Most composites in the UK consist of approximately:
- 60% recycled hardwood fibers or plastic polymers
- 35% polyethylene and polypropylene plastic polymers
- 5% additional additives for color, mold inhibitors, etc
This blended composition results in sturdy, resilient finished deck boards.
Advantages of Composite Materials
Low Maintenance
Premixed staining and molded color variations eliminate the need for periodic staining/sealing. No sanding, re-painting, or protective finishes required.
Splinter-Free Durability
Won’t crack, split, warp or splinter over time. Protective polymers create enhanced longevity and performance.
Moisture, Mold and Pest Resistance
Impervious to moisture absorption and related damage risks. Improved resistance to fungal decay.
Consistent Appearance
Permanent mixed-in colors and patterns don’t fade over time. No discoloration from mildew or UV exposure.
Eco-Friendly Construction
Made from recycled materials to reduce landfill waste. Avoid using unsustainable rainforest woods.
Lightweight and Easy Installation
Weighs significantly less than natural woods. No special tools needed for DIY builds.
Cost Savings
Cheaper lifetime costs compared to maintaining real wood alternatives over 10-20 years.
Potential Drawbacks
Higher Upfront Costs
Composite decking’s premium pricing may strain initial budget limitations. Shop sales to offset costs.
Limited Customization Options
Lack stainability and real variation of natural wood. Limited to pre-set color/pattern offerings.
Hot Surface Temperature
Darker colors absorb more heat. Ensure ample shade availability in warmer months.
Specialized Blade Requirements
Carbide-tipped blades needed for optimal cutting to avoid tear-outs. Consider pre-cuts.
PVC Decking
Features and Benefits of PVC Decking
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) decking provides exceptional resistance to moisture absorption due to its plastic polymer composition.
Slip Resistance
Grain patterns with embossing channels allow drainage and prevent slick surfaces.
Impact Resistance
Flexible, semi-rigid material withstands dropped objects. Won’t dent or scratch deeply.
Fire and Termite Proof
Non-combustible and unappealing to invasive termites.
Color Retention
Permanent, consistent solid or multi-toned coloration.
Durability and Moisture/Pest Resistance
PVC’s impermeable plastic polymers prevent moisture ingress or resultant issues like mold, mildew, warping and cracking.
It will not swell, bow or bend when exposed to water. This durability allows an estimated lifetime over 50 years with minimal maintenance required.
Additionally, PVC naturally deters termites, carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles and other deck-damaging pests.
Environmental Considerations
While PVC production releases harmful toxins like dioxins, decking made from recycled plastic has improved sustainability. Usage of recycled materials reduces landfill contributions.
Seek products made in facilities fueled by clean energy to further minimize ecological impact. Consider donating a percentage of your project’s PVC waste for recycling.
Climate Considerations for Decking Materials
Rainfall and Moisture Effects
The UK’s wet, rainy climate causes issues for decking materials through:
- Direct rainfall causing surface degradation
- Absorption of ambient moisture leading to swelling/warping
- Proliferation of mold, mildew and other moisture-spread fungal decay
To withstand abundant rainfall and humidity, moisture-resistant decking is highly recommended.
Best options for wet weather include:
- Exotic dense hardwoods with water-repellent oil content
- PVC, composite and bamboo decking’s molded moisture resistance
- Regular sealing for vulnerable softwoods like cedar
Install decking on sufficient joist spacing for drainage and ventilation. Use protected foundation materials like concrete piers or treated lumber to avoid splashback decay.
Incorporate supplemental moisture protection elements like rain diverters, drip edges and vapor barriers.
Temperature Variation Effects
The UK’s temperate climate sees average summer highs around 20°C paired with winter lows nearing freezing.
These temperature swings can damage decking through:
- Contraction/expansion leading to cracks and splits
- Freezing moisture causing lasting deterioration
Ideal materials to withstand contraction/expansion are:
- Stable exotic hardwoods like Ipe
- Composite decking’s molded flexibility
Mitigate risks through leaving ample expansion gaps at installation. Optimal spacing is 10mm between boards and 20mm between decking and fixed structures.
Proper ventilation and airflow beneath deck foundations prevent freeze/thaw moisture gathering. Installing boards diagonally can allow slight movement without structural impacts.
Maintenance Requirements and Longevity
Maintenance Needs by Material
Ipe & Other Tropical Hardwoods
- Cleaning: Annual pressure washing
- Protective Oiling: Every 2-3 years
Softwoods – Cedar, Pine, Fir
- Cleaning: Semi-annual light cleaning
- Stain/Sealant Reapplication: Every 1-2 years
Composites – Trex, TimberTech
- Cleaning: Annual soap and water cleansing
- No staining, oiling or sealing needed
PVC Decking
- Cleaning: Occasional soap and water cleansing
- No protective treatments needed
Bamboo
- Cleaning: Semi-annual light scrubbing
- Stain/Sealing: Every 2-3 years
Maximizing Lifespan
Follow these tips to extend your decking lifespan:
All Decking Types
- Allow proper drainage and ventilation
- Minimize direct moisture contact through furniture placement, plant coverage etc
- Clean accumulated debris before it retains moisture
- Apply end caps to prevent water entering board ends
Real Woods
- Follow manufacturer’s gapping recommendations
- Reapply protective treatments on schedule
- Power wash gently to prevent fiber damage
Proactive cleaning and re-sealing paired with moisture-damage prevention allows real woods to achieve lifespans of 15-40 years.
How Long Decking Types Last
| Decking Material | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Ipe Hardwood | 40+ years |
| Cumaru Hardwood | 25+ years |
| Softwoods | 10-15 years |
| Composites | 20-25+ years |
| PVC | 50+ years |
| Bamboo | 25 years |
As shown above, hardwood and composite decking generally survive over 20+ years. More affordable softwoods average 10-15 years before replacement is needed. PVC offers exceptional longevity of 50+ years.
Investing in durable, stable decking materials saves money over time through fewer repairs and reduced replacement costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What decking is best for rainy climates?
Water-resistant exotic hardwoods and composite/PVC alternatives are best for wet conditions. Ipe and similar dense tropicals have natural weather resistance. Composites and PVC are molded from polymers making them impenetrable to moisture.
Are composite decking materials eco-friendly?
Yes. Many feature 95% recycled content from reclaimed plastic, wood fibers and recycled packaging. Avoiding continuous re-staining also minimizes environmental impact long-term. Seek third party certifications to validate eco-friendly practices.
Can I install PVC decking myself?
PVC’s lightweight planks are easy for DIY builds. Use standard woodworking tools for cuts – carbide-tipped blades are recommended. Allow adequate expansion gaps during layout. Follow manufacturer spacing guidelines and attach planks with hidden/side clips firmly into joists.
What is the average lifespan of hardwood decking?
With proper installation and maintenance, exotic dense hardwoods like Ipe and Cumaru survive over 40 and 25 years respectively. Other quality hardwoods average 15-20 year lifespans. Annual cleaning and re-oiling every few years preserves resilience.
How often should deck maintenance be done?
- Ipe & Hardwoods – Clean annually, re-oil every 2-3 years
- Softwoods – Clean & re-seal twice yearly
- Composites – Wash annually
- PVC – Occasional soap & water cleaning
Check boards periodically for issues needing correction before they intensify. Spot treat any mold, splinters or stains as soon as they appear.
Is expensive decking worth the investment?
Quality hardwood and composite decking have higher upfront costs but save money long-term through exceptional durability and low maintenance needs. Avoiding frequent staining, sealing, splintering and replacement costs adds up to clear returns on investment.
Can I stain or paint composite decking?
Staining composite decking is not recommended. The polymer resins do not absorb exterior stains well and will reject applied colors. Paint adhesion is also poor on composite decking – chips and peels quickly. instead select pre-mixed color/pattern options to suit aesthetic tastes.
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