Timber Decking is a Great Addition to Your Garden

If you have a garden then you might want to think about updating its look with some garden decking. Decking is a lovely alternative to a hard, concrete or paved patio.Also, a timber deck creates a transition between the interior and exterior in a way that a concrete or paved patio just can’t. Your garden decking doesn’t have to be the same as your neighbour’s because there are different types of decking and different ways of building the deck.

No matter what sort of wooden decking you choose, a good timber treatment will mean that the wood will fare better in bad weather. Treated timber often looks better than untreated and it is less likely to suffer from woodworm and other problems that can affect the wood. You’ll probably be surprised by the durability and toughess of hard and solid woods. Treated and sealed timber is more weatherproof and stays looking at its best for longer.

Many people choose the attractive, warm tone of redwood as their material of choice for garden decking. Like many other timbers redwood comes in a number of different grades. Which grade you choose will determine how durable the wood is and how long it will retain its original appearance. When you are choosing redwood you need to bear in mind that color can vary from a very lightly toned red to a rich red brown color. When shopping for wood you need to know that decking comes in different grades and some grades may require a different type of timber treatment to others. Wood that is suitable for decking comes in the following grades: construction common, construction heart, clear heart and B grade.

If you plan on fitting the decking yourself rather than calling in someone else, then you need to be aware that a good deck requires a strong foundation. Decks need a strong foundation, because they are designed to hold a lot of weight. If you have the confidence and experience to build a large structure like a decking area, you’ll find that your local DIY store or garden centre will stock all of the materials you need. If you aren’t so confident, there are any professional firms who can build the deck for you.

Some people prefer their decking attached to their home so that the whole thing looks more of a piece, whereas others may prefer to have a free standing deck in the middle of the lawn. Whatever you decide, you should also remember that once the deck has been constructed, it will need regular maintenance. You should use wood preservatives on your deck as this helps to protect if from the weather, as well as keep it looking good. Although some people choose composite wood for their deck, you’ll find that the look and feel is nowhere as good as a natural, warm looking hardwood deck.