We take pride in installing the ideal flooring design for homes. However, we forget that homes have gardens which can also be designed. What’s there in your garden? Grass that collects weeds? Plain stone slabs? There’s a simple solution to that. Outdoor decking can spruce up your garden and transform it into a pleasant space.
Why Decking Is Worth Considering
Just like flooring can transform a room, so can decking. Decking can also mark an area that is often assumed to be empty grassy space. A deck can be designed to house a table set, a grill, or a space to spend the evenings without the moist grass.
Decking offers a seamless transition from the home to the garden compared to paving. Bi-fold and French doors that open to a deck create a connection between the home and the garden.
Decking Boards or a Decking Kit?
This is usually the first of many decisions to make in this segment of home improvement. This particular choice is dependent on the existing structures at the site.
Choose decking boards if there is a pre-existing sub-frame in the space, or if there is a builder who will construct a custom sub-frame for a different design or height. Use of boards gives you the choice to be particular about the species, finish, and layout. However, your design will require you to undertake a significant portion of the decking project.
Starting fresh and want a simple, uniformly-designed deck? A decking kit is probably your best option. These kits consolidate boards, joists, fixings, and come with directions based on the dimensions of the area you want to cover. While not as customisable, a decking kit is a much easier choice for you and/or your builder if you have limited deck building experience.
Choosing Your Material
Your first option is softwood (usually pressure-treated pine). If you’re on a budget, this is a good choice, but expect to stain or oil it every year or two.
Next is the hardwood option. You will greatly reduce upkeep costs and labor with hardwoods because, while they will not rot, they will gradually weather to a more dull, gray appearance, which some people end up preferring.
The last option is composite. You will have a better experienced and overall safer deck with softer and splinter-free composite boards. These are more expensive per square meter and are comparable to other woods on a 20-25 year basis. The trade off is they do not look or feel like timber.
Getting the Groundwork Right
While decking boards are the main component of a deck, they greatly rely on the base for support.
- A level, dry base allows for the deck to remain stable.
- The base joists should also have airflow and be placed in a way to allow airflow beneath the deck and support the joists. Without airflow, timber will gradually rot.
- Composite decking can still build up algae & moss.
Integrating Decking with the Rest of Your House
If you’re getting new flooring, think about new decking too. You can choose new decking that is the same color as your flooring, or you can place your new decking so it aligns with the flooring in your kitchen. This helps make your ground floor look like one continuous space.
If you’re trying to choose between a decking kit and boards, or you need help choosing which would look best in your garden, let me know and we can discuss it!