QUESTIONS AND ANSWER FORUM

Why choose decking?
Good decking looks stylish, blends well with the environment and suits traditional as well as contemporary architecture. It is a quality product that will last a lifetime and is therefore excellent value for money. It is easy to look after, can be painted or stained to choice or left to weather naturally. Decking is warm underfoot and can extend the living area of the house into the garden.

Which timber should I choose?
The downside of decking's growing popularity is that a number of different timbers are becoming available, disparate in quality, looks and price. Quite often customers are receiving poor advice, resulting in the wrong choice of decking material. Only specialist decking timber should be used for a deck that will last. THE OUTDOOR DECK COMPANY guarantee their decks and timber for at least 40 years.

Timbers available are Grade 1 DSS (Dense Select Structural) Southern Yellow Pine, supplied by The Cox Lumber Company, the leading deck/ wood supplier in the USA. DSS timber is the hardest and densest pine available. The timber is pressure treated and rendered water repellent. These processes ensure the deck boards resist decay and insect attack for decades.
Other timbers available from the THE OUTDOOR DECK COMPANY are: Iroko and Ip'e both of which are hardwoods

What about railway sleepers and other forms of decking?
It is not advisable to use railway sleepers as they are impregnated with substances such as tar, which can rub off into anything that touches it. The sleepers may also smell very unpleasant when heated up by the sun, let alone the great difficulty in working with them. Untreated timber will soon rot and possibly become dangerous.
DIY decking squares have also been featured in the media, but again the timber must be of the required standard for decks. If the deck is to last, there is considerable work required in laying the correct foundations for the deck as well.

How do I choose a deck design?
THE OUTDOOR DECK COMPANY employs experienced designers who design decks to suit the properties and gardens they will be situated in. The future use of the deck is also taken into consideration. A full installation service is also offered, together with an after care service.

How do I look after my deck?
A well designed and constructed deck requires little maintenance. To maintain your deck, hose it down occasionally.

Does the timber become slippery when wet?
THE OUTDOOR DECK COMPANY does not recommend the use of ridged timber as this will stay wetter for a longer period of time because it holds water for longer. Also there is an opportunity for plant and garden debris to collect in the ridges and cause the deck to become slippery. Smooth timber dries out quicker and if it is properly treated will not be slippery.