One of the first things you learn when you’re interested in DIY home renovation is that different types of materials come with different price tags. So it’s no surprise that decking comes in many varieties; most popularly, cheap softwood boards and expensive hardwoods like teak or treated pine. There are also composite decking boards which are made from a composite of recycled plastics, so there are lots of types for us to explore in this article.

We’re about to give an opinion on which solution might be best for your decking project, but before I do, let us quickly go over some background info. When using wood (instead of synthetic decking boards), one reason why people choose softwood over hardwoods is that they assume it will be cheaper. This can be true for certain projects, but not always. It really depends on where you buy your supplies from and what quantities you buy. A really big advantage of using hardwoods though is that they are naturally more weather resistant than softwoods.

What must be considered before you begin shopping for your decking boards? If you plan to use composite products, make sure it’s a good one with no plasticisers added. Do not buy any product containing more than 1% polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Some companies might claim their product contains only small amounts but if anything over 1% has been used there will be stability problems long term and this usually shows up as cracks in the end product which means the finish will start flaking off after about 3 years or so. You should also try and stick to either European or North American brands when buying composites.

What about oak?

Oak decking can be a great choice in some situations, however, you need to understand that it can warp. It’s also very susceptible to weather changes and it accepts stains differently than other wood types. If you want to be absolutely sure about no cracking or warping, make sure you choose a product that is specifically advertised as ‘protected’ (which basically means the top layer of the product has been infused with resin).

Oak can look great though and if done properly will last for many years – not only that but its main benefit is that it will be much cheaper than most premium decking materials. Make sure you are ready for this though because even protected oak takes at least 14 months before it looks finished!

If money isn’t an issue then go with composite or pressure-treated pine. They are both easy on the eye, tough enough to withstand most weather. So there you have it, these are just a few of the main types of decking products available on the market. With all products, it’s best to choose a high-quality decking supplier with plenty of experience delivering top quality products.

Having a patio fire pit in your garden comes with a range of all-year-round benefits. Today, we are going to share with you 4 of the main benefits of patio firepits.

1- Adding Ambiance
Firepits are an amazing piece of garden furniture for adding ambience to your garden. With them bringing a beautiful crackling sound as well as the glow from the fire itself.

2- Wood Disposal
A firepit is an excellent place for you to dispose of any wood that is suitable for fires. Meaning, if you are someone who has a lot of wood going spare with no way to dispose of it.

3- Adding Heat
A fire pit is a great piece of furniture that offers you a way to bring extra heat into your garden. This is good for summer evenings when it starts to become cooler. Or in the cooler months when you still want to sit and relax in your garden. Making it possible for your garden to be used all year round.

Outdoor decks are vast these days, and there are plenty of individuals having one designed for themselves and their garden space. This gives them a place to relax, eat, cook, and revel in plenty of activities out on their own decks so perhaps you will be ordering one too? That said, you need to discover the perfect wood to make use of. You need a great exterior deck, so you already know that you are getting the best product possible.

Many people are picking out composite decking boards at the moment because it provides them with the best surface for any great back garden deck. There are reasons that are many why the composite deck wood is one of, if not the best. There are 4 reasons we would like to touch on right now, covering endurance, simplicity, safety, and cost-effectiveness:

1. Endurance – The composite wood is supposed to endure even the toughest climate conditions. Since homeowners are searching for any deck which is long-lasting and durable, the composite wood offers that.

2. Safety – Being safe with an outdoor deck is among the paramount concerns for many people, especially parents. The composite wood is going to make certain it stands up correctly to poor weather. Since there is lots of times in which it is able to get slippery in the UK, this particular wood will assist you to avoid accidents from happening.

3. Simplicity – Once this deck type is defined up, the upkeep is fairly straightforward. The deck won’t ever need sealing or maybe staining. Once in a while, it is going to need a jet wash. This can keep your deck looking fantastic for several years in the future.

4. Inexpensive – The cost is going to be a little more for any deck made from composite wood materials though it’s well worth the additional bucks. Decks made from these supplies is not going to have to be replaced like various other ones which are made from wood which will fall and warp apart. This really is inexpensive for future years and well worth the original cost.

People in the UK are extremely satisfied with their exterior decks if they have them made from composite wood materials. They may be able to have plenty of fantastic times around the deck, with virtually no upkeep. They already know they’ve created a wise investment that will last them a long time. This will make them happy, and they may be able to invite individuals over constantly for enjoyment on the deck of theirs.