Building a deck is an excellent way to extend your living space to the outdoors. Decks provide an inviting space for hosting barbecues, family gatherings, or simply enjoying a serene evening. But when it comes to choosing the right decking material, wood is a popular choice among many homeowners in the UK. It brings an inherent beauty and warmth that is hard to match. However, not all woods are created equal. Some species are naturally more durable and weather-resistant than others. Then there are composite materials that mimic the look of natural wood but offer more durability. With so many options, how do you choose the best one for your outdoor deck? Let’s delve into the various options and their features to help you make an informed decision.
Natural Hardwood Decking
Hardwood is a classic choice for decking. It is robust, durable, and comes in various species each with their unique characteristics. Hardwood decking can be pricier than other options, but it offers an unmatched aesthetic appeal and longevity.
Teak Decking
Teak is considered the gold standard when it comes to outdoor furniture and decking. It is an extremely durable and resistant hardwood species. Its high natural oil content makes it resistant to water, decay, insects, and mould. Over time, teak patinas to a beautiful silver-grey colour. However, teak’s durability and beauty come at a cost, making it one of the most expensive decking options.
Ipe Decking
Another hardwood species worth considering is Ipe, a South American wood known for its extreme hardness and durability. Ipe is almost as durable as teak and comes with a much more affordable price tag. Its rich, chocolate-brown colour and strong grain patterns provide a striking appearance.
Cumaru Decking
Cumaru, another South American hardwood, is also a good choice for decking. Similar to Ipe, Cumaru is very hard, durable and resistant to insect attacks and rot. It is available in warm, reddish-brown tones with some colour variations, adding visual interest to your deck.
Treated Softwood Decking
While hardwoods are lauded for their durability and beauty, treated softwoods like pine, spruce, and cedar are also reliable choices for decking. They are less expensive than hardwood and composite options, yet offer commendable durability when properly treated and maintained.
Those who want a softer, lighter deck often choose cedar. Aside from its aesthetic appeal, it is also rot and insect resistant. Cedar does require annual maintenance to preserve its colour and prevent weathering.
Composite Decking
If you want the appearance of timber decking without the maintenance, composite decking is a great alternative. Composite boards are made from a mixture of wood fibres and plastic, so they resist the drawbacks of traditional wood decking like rotting, warping, and staining.
Composite decks are very low maintenance. They don’t need to be refinished, and they are resistant to insects and rot. They also come in a variety of colours and styles, allowing you to match your deck to the aesthetics of your home.
The Durability of the Wood
Another essential factor to consider when choosing decking material is durability. Hardwood species like teak and ipe are known for their exceptional durability, but they are also costly.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, treated softwoods can be a good choice. These woods undergo a process that enhances their natural durability, making them resistant to decay, insects, and weather elements. However, they require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition.
Composite decking, on the other hand, offers high durability with minimal maintenance. While it may not have the same natural warmth and texture as wood, it is highly resistant to rot, insects, and weathering.
Maintenance Requirements
When selecting your decking material, consider how much time you’re willing to dedicate to its maintenance. Wood decks, particularly those made of untreated timber, will require regular care to maintain their appearance and durability.
If you choose a hardwood deck, expect to oil it annually to protect the wood and keep its colour. Softwood decks, on the other hand, need to be treated or painted regularly to prevent rot and insect damage.
Composite decking requires much less maintenance than wood. A simple wash with soap and water is typically enough to keep it looking its best. However, some people find that composite decks can feel less natural and warm compared to wood.
Picking the right type of wood for your outdoor deck depends on your personal preference, budget, and willingness to maintain it. Whether you choose a natural hardwood, treated softwood, or composite deck, each material has its own beauty, performance, and maintenance needs. Make sure to consider all these factors, so you can enjoy a beautiful and durable outdoor living space for years to come.
Modified Wood Decking
Modified wood is another type of decking material that has gained popularity in recent years. This type of decking board is made from softwood that has been treated with a process to enhance its durability and resistance to the elements. The result is a decking material that is as robust and long-lasting as hardwood, but at a fraction of the cost.
The process of modification involves treating the wood with heat or chemicals, which alters its structure and makes it more resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation. This process does not involve any toxic chemicals, making modified wood a safe and eco-friendly choice.
Kebony and Accoya are two of the most well-known brands of modified wood. Kebony uses a process that involves heating the wood in the presence of furfuryl alcohol, a by-product of sugar cane production. The result is a durable, low maintenance wood that resembles tropical hardwoods in appearance. Accoya, on the other hand, is treated with acetic anhydride, a derivative of acetic acid. This results in a wood that is extremely durable and stable, with a lifespan comparable to that of teak.
Modified wood decking is a solid choice for those who love the look of natural wood but are concerned about the environmental impact of tropical hardwoods. Moreover, it is also a great option if you want a deck that requires less maintenance than traditional wood decks.
Aluminium Decking
When looking for a long-lasting, low maintenance decking material, aluminium could be an option worth considering. While not a traditional decking material, aluminium has many benefits that make it an appealing choice.
Aluminium decking boards are incredibly durable and resistant to the elements. They will not rot, warp, or splinter, and are resistant to insect damage. This resistance makes aluminium decking a long-lasting option, which can withstand even the harshest UK weather conditions.
One of the key benefits of aluminium decking is its low maintenance. Unlike wood, aluminium does not need to be stained, painted or sealed. Simply washing it down with a hose is enough to keep it clean and in good condition.
Furthermore, aluminium decking is available in a variety of colours and finishes, so you can easily find a style that matches your outdoor furniture and overall aesthetic. It can also provide a modern and sleek look to your outdoor space. While aluminium decking is typically more expensive upfront than wood or composite decking, its durability and low maintenance can make it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Conclusion
Choosing the right decking material for your outdoor space in the UK boils down to your personal preferences, budget, and how much maintenance you are willing to commit to. From the natural warmth and beauty of hardwood decking and the cost-effectiveness of treated wood, to the low maintenance of composite decking and the durability of modified wood and aluminium, there are plenty of options to suit every need and style.
A deck can truly transform your outdoor space, making it a perfect place for entertaining, relaxing, or simply enjoying the outdoors. By taking the time to consider the different decking materials available, their pros and cons, and how they align with your lifestyle and tastes, you can ensure that you choose the best option for your deck. Once installed, all that’s left is to enjoy your new outdoor living space, confident in the knowledge that you’ve made a sound, long-lasting investment.
