Decking in Skipton

• reduces the ground preparation required
• provides a surface that floats over the existing ground which can be supported on a system of joists, beams and timber posts
• a minimal amount of excavation is required

For the most part, decking remains close to ground level, completely covering what lies beneath. However, where changes of ground level are dramatic, the view into the space below the decking may be revealed. It may be possible to hide this with plants, trellis panels or boards attached to the side.

Choosing timber
When considering timber decks there are two main choices that relate to the type of timber used. Treated softwoods are lower in price, but not generally as resilient as the more expensive hardwood counterparts. Softwood treatments will extend the life of decking, but most designers agree that hardwoods provide a longer-term investment.

On the level
Decks have added value over solid paving as they can be used to relate to the internal floor level of the house, providing a consistent surface and a strong visual link between the interior and exterior spaces. There are important issues to consider with this solution as, technically, a paving surface should not stand above the damp-proof membrane used to protect the building from rising damp. Stone or brick paving, with their solid base, will bridge the damp proofing and create problems, but decking, as a suspended floor, can resolve this issue if the structure is freestanding and not attached to the house.

There may still be a possibility of rain splashback, especially with summer downpours or driving rain. The separation of the deck from the house wall is thus important, allowing water to drain and air to circulate. It may also be useful to consider introducing a protective canopy or porch over doors or French windows as this can prevent rain penetrating the interior.

In most modern houses the damp-proof course should be noticeable in one of the mortar joints above ground level. In older properties look for air bricks, which allow air to circulate in the cavity beneath suspended internal timber floors. These openings must not be blocked.

One major criticism of timber is that it can produce a slippery surface. This is caused by surface dampness and warmer temperatures, which encourage algae to grow, creating the slipperiness. This also happens on natural stone and concrete, especially if the surface is smooth.

Timber care
Maintenance of the surface is the best method of dealing with this issue, and washing the deck with a light solution of bleach will kill the algae. Some decking companies produce profiled boards to create better grip, but these tend to harbour the algae as the recesses remain damp or wet for longer. Non-slip strips can be designed into the deck, running between the boards to produce a safer surface. Take care not to site decks beneath heavy shade-bearing trees; in general they will also work better, especially in the winter, on south or southwest facing façades.

It is also important to point out that timber weathers in the open air and will change colour and appearance considerably if left to its own devices. The warm glow of new wood will be lost within a season to a rather beautiful silver grey, but if this doesn’t suit your taste, oiling the timber can preserve the colour if you are happy to maintain this every year. Varnish is not a suitable finish, as this will peel and bubble over time, creating an unsightly result.

Stains are the best method of changing the colour and character of timber as they are absorbed into the wood, helping to feed and preserve its quality. Darker stains, such as black or dark brown, can be applied with ease, but lighter stains or clear colours are also possible. In such cases you will need to apply an opaque white stain first, followed by the colour of choice – virtually any colour is possible.



Why Not Call Creative Landscapes - the Decking specialists in Skipton for a FREE Consultation on 01282 841213.

Creative landscapes are involved in designing, implementing, maintaining, or remodelling a garden landscape for private individuals, architects, or town or county authorities. A garden landscaper begins their project by first understanding the client's requirements, and then developing their designs and drawings with the client's input. The landscaper supervises the construction of walls, fences, trellises and other hardscapes. The landscaper has to be responsible for preparing a maintenance schedule, and to supervise the care of the greenery. Garden landscapers can specialise in hardscapes like architectural constructions, or in soft landscaping like grounds maintenance, water features, garden lighting, or turning. We offer some of the most reputable garden landscaping and decking services available. Our competence and experience are what you need to bring your garden to life, and we have a solid track record of getting projects done on time.