Decking oil. Decking oil, as the name suggests, is an oil based decking treatment which allows all the natural beauty of your wood to shine through.  A good quality decking oil will protect your deck at the same time as reviving and restoring its colour.  Decking oils come in a range of colours, including clear and can dramatically change the colour of your decking if you’re not careful.  It is for this reason that it’s recommended to try any new colour of decking oil you plan to use in an inconspicuous part of your deck before attacking the whole deck and regretting it.  Oils with UV filters are also available for anyone who might be concerned about the effects of the sun on their deck.

Decking stain. Decking stain, as you’d imagine, is intended for use by those people seeking to change the colour of their deck.  Available in either a straight colour-altering option or as a stain and seal option, decking stain comes in a range of colours to suit your requirements.  The advantage of a stain and seal decking product over a straight stain is that your wood is coloured and protected in one single treatment.  Normally requiring 2-3 coats, a stain and seal deck stain will either have a matt or satin finish depending upon the product you choose.

Decking paint. Although commonly used in the United States, decking paint is thought by some European purists as being quite a drastic option when it comes to treating your deck.  Deemed by some as completely sacrilegious, depending on the condition of your deck and your desired look, with a bit of planning, decking paint can be a good solution.  The main issue with painting a deck is keeping it looking good as weather and time take their toll.  If not properly finished, a painted deck has a tendency to peel and look worn quicker than, for example, an oiled deck.  Although you can help prevent this deterioration by introducing a high quality deck sealer to your project, painting a deck does appear to be a bit of an ongoing battle.

Decking preservative. Decking preservative is the generic term used to describe any specialist decking product which is designed to protect the wood.  Generally speaking the list will include oils and seals.  Which you choose will depend to a large extent on the final finish you’re hoping for and the condition of your deck.  As with all products, if you’re in any doubt as to which decking preservative might best suit your specific needs for your project, you should always double check with your decking supplier or a trusted DIY shop.

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Lawn. Lawn, if laid and maintained properly is a stunning backdrop for any garden, formal or informal.  That said, if you’re looking for a space to set up an outside eating or relaxing area, lawn is unlikely to be your best bet.  With a tendency to hold water after a downpour, the last thing you’d want when enjoying your fine dining is wet feet and muddy shoes!  What’s more the wear and tear caused by the traffic on terrace or patio isn’t ideally suited to most lawns.

Concrete. Although concrete can look cold and basic, with a bit of imagination and shopping around, you’ll be able to find a concrete solution which makes a great outdoor space.  Available in precast units; ready to pour varieties and with a whole host of tint options, concrete terraces are long-lasting, quick to construct and easy to maintain.  What’s more you can even use concrete to create terraces which look convincingly like stone and tile.

Railway sleepers. Using railway sleepers is an extremely popular way of dressing gardens these days and can be used to create some stunning effects, when it comes to creating borders, raised beds, decks and paths.  The downside of this option as an alternative to garden decking, is that it’s likely to prove expensive, no matter whether you choose to invest in reclaimed or new railway sleepers.  That said, if price isn’t an issue for your project, the effects created by railway sleepers can be superb.

Brick, slate and stone. Brick, slate and stone have been used for many years to create interesting and eye-catching terraces and patios.  Extremely hard-wearing and suggesting quality, each of these options offer a whole host of different design solutions, both modern and traditional.  That said, many people shy away from brick, slate and stone for two man reasons.  One is the price and the other is the skill which is required to successfully lay the terrace.  The latter is likely to be a particular issue if you’re planning a DIY project.

Gravel. Gravel is a seriously low-budget option if you’re looking for a hard, outdoor surface solution.  Not celebrated for its beauty, its comfort under foot or its stability when it comes to placing and moving chairs and tables, gravel is nevertheless a good option if cash is in limited supply.  If you do opt for gravel for your patio or terrace, it’s definitely worth shopping around to look at the different colour and size options before committing to a standard gravel.

Tiles. Tiles are a very popular terrace and patio covering in continental Europe.  Where the climate is warm, tiling can be a really effective way of flooring your outside space.  That said, in the UK, tiles can appear very cold in winter and, without the right surface or make-up, can take harm from extreme temperatures as well as becoming slippery when wet.

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Here’s how to calculate your decking area:

If your deck is square or rectangular, calculating its area couldn’t be easier.  In this case, order to calculate the total surface area of your deck, all you need to do is measure the length and width of your deck and then multiply one by the other.  For example, if your deck is 10m long and 8m wide, the calculation is 10m x 8m = 80m2.  Once you’ve calculated the surface area of your deck, you need to add 5% to the total, to allow for wastage.  In the example we’ve given, the calculation for wastage is 80m2 x 5% = 4m2.  So, in this instance, you’d need to order 80m2 + 4m2 = 84m2 of decking in total.

If your deck is an “odd” shape, the best way to tackle the project is to split your deck into square or rectangular “chunks” which you can mark out on your plan; measure; calculate and add together to reach your total decking area.  Although this can seem more complicated to begin with, you should find that, with a bit of consideration, your deck is easily split into neat and easy to measure chunks.  NOTE: Once again, don’t forget to add your 5% for wastage.

When you’re measuring your decking plans, it’s important not to forget to allow for steps and any other areas which may be tucked away from the main area of your deck before placing your final order.

Because most decking is sold and priced in m2, it’s best to measure your deck in m2.  A m2 of decking is a section of decking which measures exactly one metre by one metre.  That said, decking is normally sold in packs, which may, or may not measure exactly one m2 (in most cases it won’t).  If this is the case, your decking supplier will normally provide you with an accurate indication of the m2 covered by each pack, allowing you to calculate with confidence.

IMPORTANT: No matter what size your deck, you should always allow for the 5% wastage as this will allow you to complete your project in the knowledge that you’re not going to run out of deck.

Finally, many decking suppliers offer decking calculators to help simplify things, but these calculators still rely on accurate measurements, so it’s important to be careful with your measurements, even if you’re using an online calculator!

Here are 4 simple steps to getting your decking looking great again:

1. Check to see if your deck has a surface coating, such as a varnish or lacquer. If your deck does have a surface coating or finish, you’ll need to start by stripping away that coating.  You need to remove the old coating to get access to the wood to give it a really deep-down clean.  If your deck doesn’t have a surface coating or finish, you should start your restoration process with a thorough clean (see step 3. Below) because uncoated wood is likely to have a covering of dirt, grime and fungus which needs to be removed before a new finish can be applied.
2. If your deck has a varnish or lacquer, it’s important to use a specific deck stripper which is suited to the particular finish on your deck.  If you are in any doubt about the finish on your deck, or which stripper would best suit your specific project, a good deck supplier or DIY shop will be able to help.
3. Once you have exposed the bare wood of your deck, a power washer or a solution of general purpose deck cleaner and a stiff brush should be used to remove all traces of dirt and fungus to expose the clean wood underneath.
4. Once your wood is as clean as you can get it, it’s time to apply your chosen sealer, stain or coating to protect the wood.  It is important to choose protection which will help your deck withstand the weather conditions it comes up against.  When choosing the right finish for your deck, it’s worth deciding what sort of finish you want and also whether or not you want to protect your deck from discolouration caused by the sun.  Either way, it’s important to protect the wood from water damage, fungus and insects.  Once again, if you are in any doubt about the most suitable product to protect your deck (eg.  if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions or specific risk of insect attack), ask a decking expert for specific guidance for your project.

As with all projects involving paints and chemicals, be careful to follow the manufacturers instructions for use and respect all Health and Safety guidelines to the letter.

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There is little doubt that there is a direct correlation between how well maintained a deck is and its life expectancy, so it’s important to make the right maintenance decisions throughout the life of your deck.  Regular cleaning with the right products is really important after your deck has been installed and it’s important to make sure you are familiar with any specific requirements of the deck you choose.  The first of the maintenance decisions you’ll make for your deck involves the selection of a suitable finish for your hardwood decking.

Some of the most commonly used finishes for hardwood decking are:

1. UV oil
2. Teak oil
3. Generic outside decking oil, or
4. A stain of some sort

UV oil is the preferred option for anyone who wants to protect their decking against any sun or light related damage or discolouration.   Typically, decking will grey with age and sunlight.  If you want to avoid this greying, a UV oil will certainly help.

Teak oil and generic outdoor decking oil on the other hand are commonly used finishes for decking and all types of garden furniture.  Teak and generic outside decking oil preserve the natural look of your decking by penetrating the wood, providing nourishment and helping protect it against mildew and algae.

If you want to change the colour of your wood, you can choose a stain to achieve your desired colour.  If you choose a combined stain and seal option, not only will you be able to achieve your colour goals, you’ll be able to seal your wood at the same time.

Here are our Top Tips for whichever method you choose:

1. Always make sure that your deck is dry and clean before applying any finish.
2. To ensure maximum protection, apply at least two coats of your chosen finish after installing your deck.
3. Make sure you oil your deck at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and again before winter arrives.
4. Always follow the instructions on the tin of your chosen finish.  Failure to follow these important instructions will reduce the effectiveness of the finish.

Generally speaking, timber (or lumber as it’s sometimes called), is split into two main types:  hardwood and softwood.  Hardwood timber, which is used for hardwood decking is sourced from slow growing trees, which are often referred to as broadleaved trees.  Softwood timber, which is used for softwood decking comes from faster growing, evergreen or coniferous trees.  Commonly used hardwoods for decking are: ipe, teak, iroko and cumaru.  The most commonly used softwood for decking is pine.

Apart from taking a longer time to be produced (by nature), hardwoods are more difficult to process than softwoods.  This is another reason why softwood decking is a lower cost option than hardwood decking.

When it comes to choosing the most suitable decking option for your decking project, the questions you should really be asking yourself are:

1. How durable is the option I’m considering?  Durability is really important when it comes to choosing the right decking for your project.
2. Which option will stand up best to the conditions in my garden?  Because your decking (of course) is going to be outside 24/7, you need to be sure to choose an option which will stand up to the outdoor conditions all year round.
3. How will the option I choose look, both immediately on installation, and after it has weathered?  If you’re looking for a short term “look good” solution, it may well be that a budget option will work just fine.  If however, you’re looking for a long-term, investment decking solution, then there’s no doubt that investing in a better quality of wood will pay dividends.

In relation to each of these important decking questions, hardwood decking will outperform softwood decking every time.  In order to explain, because hardwood decking is made from wood that is grown slowly, in tropical conditions, it is an extremely durable and hard wearing decking solution, no matter the outdoor environment.

Although softwood decking is undoubtedly a cheaper, more economical decking solution, if you are investing in decking for the long term there is little doubt that hardwood decking will prove more economical long term.  Although softwood decking will look great when you first install it, it will typically start to show real signs of decay after a couple of years. Hardwood decking, on the other hand, with a bit of maintenance, will last for many years.  In fact some varieties will even start to look better as they age.

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Hardwood Decking Types:

Ipe Hardwood – Ipe Hardwood originates from South America and is dark brownish olive to dark olive in appearance. Ipe is popular as a decking material due to its insect resistance and durability as well as being naturally fire resistant.

Teak Hardwood – Teak Hardwood originates from Indonesia and starts life as a golden colour before turning into a classic silver-grey patina. Because of its superb weather resistance qualities, Teak is used in a variety of ways, from out-door furniture to garden and boat decking. Unlike other species, Teak boasts natural oils which eliminate the need for preservatives and sealants.

Iroko Hardwood – Also known as ‘African Teak’, Iroko wood is native to Africa and starts its hardwood life as a yellow wood, which quickly darkens into a rich brown colour. It is used in a variety of ways, from the construction of flooring, worktops and decking to boat-building and even musical instrument construction. Iroko is unaffected by insects, fungus, acids or alkalis, making it the ideal choice for decks.

Cumaru Hardwood – Also known as ‘Brazilian Teak’, Cumaru wood is native to South America and starts life as a deep red/yellow wood before turning into a classic silver-grey patina. Cumaru decking is exceptionally strong and boasts a Class A Fire Rating (the same as concrete or steel) which, together with its anti-decay and anti-insect damage characteristics, makes it ideal for decking.

Hardwood Decking Prices:

*Prices From: According to Oct 2011. Prices will Vary.

Winter Guide To Cleaning Hardwood Decking:

1. Clear the decked area.  If at all possible, make sure your decking surface is free of all obstacles so you can concentrate on cleaning rather than moving chairs and tables around.   Avoid dragging furniture around the deck at all costs and if needs be organise a helping hand before you start.

2. Brush the deck thoroughly twice a year.  Use a stiff broom to give your deck a thorough brush twice a year, followed by a jet wash using a pressure washer if possible (that said, don’t use an industrial grade pressure washer as it might damage the wood).

3. Clean with warm water and soda crystals.  To clean your decked surface on a budget (whilst being mindful of the environment), use warm water and soda crystals. Spray warm water over the decked surface and sprinkle with soda crystals; leave for a few hours and once dry brush using a stiff broom.

OR 4. Clean using dedicated cleaners.  There are a number of chemical cleaners available on the market, which will clean and rejuvenate your decking timber. Look out for a chemical specifically designed for your type of timber and purchase it from a reputable source. Normally these chemicals are highly concentrated, so depending upon the size of your deck, you’ll probably find that one to two liters will do.

Safety and Best Practice Tips:

1. When working with chemicals, always read the health and safety information included with the product and wear appropriate protective gear.

2. Before cleaning your decked area contact the store from which you bought the timber to ensure you’re taking the right steps.

3. Always test your cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it across the whole deck.

Image by flickr under cc license.