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1. Is the use of timber for decking environmentally
friendly?
Yes. Unlike most construction materials, wood comes from
a renewable source. All our softwoods come from Europe where the area of
productive forests is increasing every year.
2. What are hardwoods and softwoods?
Hardwoods come from deciduous, broadleaved trees while
softwoods come from coniferous, evergreen trees. Hardwoods are generally
classified as naturally durable without treatment while softwoods have to be
treated. However, not all hardwoods are suitable.
3. Which is best for decks?
Either can be used but the majority of decks are constructed in treated softwoods as
these are generally more available, cheaper and easier to work with. Hardwoods
require much more maintenance and if left alone, they will fade quickly to the same
colour as softwoods.
4. Does treated timber vary in colour?
Yes - there are always variations in colour between one piece of wood and
another, depending on the relative proportions of heartwood and sapwood in each
piece. The colour will fade as it is exposed to the elements, going initially to a warm
brown and then to a natural silver grey.
5. Grooved or plain deckboards?
We will show you samples of both at the design consultation stage. The
choice is yours.
6. How long will a timber deck last?
The life of a deck depends on the quality of the original timbers, the
preservation treatment used and the design of the structure. Our decks are guaranteed to
last for up to 15 years, and are expected to last much longer.
7. When should decks have a handrail?
Decks which are 600mm or more above ground level need to have a handrail 1.1
metres high to comply with Building Regulations. On lower decks, handrails
can be provided for decorative purposes. Alternatively, fence panels, planters,
benches etc. can be used.
8. Will my deck need much maintenance?
We believe that a deck is there to be used, not to give you work for your
weekends, and we try to design our decks to minimise any work necessary! We suggest that all decks are regularly brushed with a stiff broom to remove
any natural bits and debris which drop on it throughout the year. Once a year, we recommend you give your deck a more thorough cleaning using a pressure
spray. There are also a number of proprietary cleaners available if it gets badly
stained. The original wax finish we use on the softwoods will weather out over a
period of time and the colour of the timber will then fade more quickly. The fading
can be slowed down by applying a wax coat every other year, hardwoods need to be
oiled more frequently to maintain their colour. Depending on the wood, we suggest
oiling every 6 to 12 months. If no treatment is applied, the hardwood will fade to
the same colour of the softwood
9. Are softwood treatments harmful?
No. The treatment we use is entirely safe for humans, pets and plants.
10. Where can I site my deck?
Anywhere! The location will depend on you, your garden and what you want to
do on it. It can be sunny or shady, high or low, large or small - it's up to you.
We believe that when the design is right, you will find yourself using it without
realising how you got there!
11. Will my deck be 'unique'?
Yes. All the decks we design are tailored to our customer's properties and
specific requirements. The variations possible are virtually endless but we are
careful to advise you if any of the particular items you specify are likely to be detrimental
in the long run
12.
Will a deck support a hot tub or a summerhouse?
Yes. We can design your deck to support almost anything you want to put on
it. It is vital that the decking structure is properly designed by a structural
engineer and the appropriate stress graded timber used.
13.
How expensive is a deck?
This will vary enormously depending on design, size and so on. Our decks
range from £4,000 upwards but the cost will depend on you. We really need to see your
site to be able to talk more about budgeting, but there are usually ways we can suggest
to reduce costs to a minimum while still giving you what you want. We always
like to ensure that you get value for money.
Any more questions?
Please ring us on 0845 370 7790 and we will try to answer them directly.
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