Decks and screens are a great way to create or transform any area. With its rich warm texture timber boards make a great addition for all entertainment areas. With such vast colours, mixed grains and textures, screening has the natural ability dress up and hide the not so appealing areas. It is the perfect material to make your very own peaceful, tranquil hideaway right in your very own home. These are a great way to add value to your property as well. Creating or transforming decks or screening off areas will help increase your living space.
When deciding on decking or screening, the species of the boards and other structural components chosen should be considered. Factors such as exposure, site location, maintenance costs and the initial outlay. Often spending more time in the pre planning stage will save both time and money in the long run. Being natural material, timber decking and screening will expand and contract, both in length and width. Allowance must be made to ensure to boards do not come from there fixtures. Board spacing will help prevent this. Depending on the width of the board, a spacing gap between the boards of 2.5mm – 4mm for 90mm boards, and 5mm -6mm for 140mm boards. A 10mm gap between boards and external walls of adjacent buildings is recommended for drainage. When installing the decking or screening you must take into consideration if the boards are wet or dry. When laying boards down wet, once dried out the gap between each board will increase. However, if the boards that were laid are extremely dry, when wet the gaps could close and even force the boards to start cupping in extreme cases. Decks can be built in close proximately to the ground but is recommended 1200mm minimum. This will help with ventilation and future inspection/maintenance. A deck on the ground is achievable but must be built with ground-contact wood durability class 1 timber, and the substructure needs to be adapted for minimal height. Joints should be staggered across the run of boards. Only join on the same joist every fourth run.
Composite decking boards provide a sturdy and easy to care for option for decking areas. Crafted from a mix of timber fibers and plastics these boards replicate the appearance of timber while offering superior durability against fading, staining and moisture. Unlike timber, composite decking doesn’t need staining or sealing making it both budget friendly and environmentally conscious. Offering a range of colors and finishes to choose from, composite decking boards are perfect for a low maintenance deck.
