A raised deck can offer the perfect outdoor space for your home, helping you bring the outside in and providing a seamless transition between your home and garden. Whether you want to create an outdoor space where you can relax in the summer and enjoy the nice weather or somewhere to entertain guests, decking could be the solution that you need.
Building your own decking can be a relatively straightforward DIY job and is often easier and more affordable compared to laying block paving or flagstones. There are various different materials to consider when building a deck, with tons of different colours and styles to choose from so that you can make your deck unique to your style and ensure that it fits in nicely with your home.
Why Choose Composite Decking?
If you are searching for the perfect material to use to build your own deck, composite decking boards are an ideal option. Composite decking is designed to be easy to install and does not require as much maintenance over time compared to wooden decking. In addition, due to the fact that it is made from a combination of both wood and plastic, composite decking is less susceptible to rot, mould, warping and other problems, meaning that it will likely last you a very long time with the right care and maintenance. Unlike wooden decking, composite decking is ready to use immediately after installation and does not require sanding, painting, oiling, or sealing. You can also get anti stain decking from Ecoscape UK. This composite decking has been pre-treated with an anti-stain solution to help it stay looking and feeling like brand new for even longer.
Preparation and Planning
Once you have chosen your composite decking material, the first step is planning and preparing the area. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines to ensure that your warranty remains valid. Choose a suitable location for your deck considering all the factors that might impact it including privacy, sunlight, shade, and wind. You may find it helpful to plan your deck to scale using a pencil and paper, trying to be as accurate as possible. If you are planning to build your decking next to your house, make sure that it is no less than 150mm below the damp proof course and that no air bricks are covered. Leave the composite decking boards on a ground sheet on the site and keep them covered for at least 72 hours before installation to allow them to acclimatise.
Building the Deck
Once you’ve prepared the area, it’s time to start building the deck. If you plan to build a timber base frame, ensure that your timber has been structurally treated. To ensure proper ventilation, make sure that you leave a 40mm gap beneath the fascia boards. All cut ends of timber and drill holes should be treated with two coats of preservative. Mark out pilot holes when drilling to ensure that your fixings are as accurate as possible, and be sure to only use screws that have been specifically designed for the job. Make sure that all screws are secure, but not overly tightened. In some cases, you may need to cut a deck board to accommodate an obstacle. In this case, begin by marking a guideline in chalk and then carefully cut along it using a jigsaw.
Safety First
Your safety is important when building a composite deck, so be sure to firmly secure any timber and composite boards when you are drilling or sawing. Use safety goggles when drilling to ensure that no pieces of the composite or timber can cause damage to your eyes. Protective gloves are also important when you are handling timber or applying preservatives to the wood. When applying preservatives to the timber frame, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for drying and safety measures. If you need to use a jigsaw to cut your composite boards to size, wear a dust mask and safety goggles for protection. You might also find it helpful to get a second pair of hands on site – ask a friend for help with building your composite deck, especially when moving heavy joists and composite products.
Caring for Your Composite Decking
Composite decking boards are a popular choice since they do not require as much ongoing maintenance and care as wooden decking, while lasting longer since they are protected against rot, moisture, and warping. However, it is important to stay on top of regular deck maintenance to ensure that your composite decking boards remain in the best condition for as long as possible. Use a high-pressure hose on a regular basis to remove dirt and debris from the decking and keep it looking clean and tidy. Bear in mind that high water pressure can cause damage to the composite, so it’s a good idea to use a gentle setting and keep the nozzle at least 300mm away from the boards when cleaning.
Even if you have invested in anti-stain boards, it is important to remove anything that could cause stains to the decking, like grease and oil, as soon as possible. You can get specially designed composite deck cleaning solution to keep your deck looking its best. Avoid sanding the decking since this can cause damage. Scratches and scuffs may blend into the decking over time, or you can repair them using a soldering iron depending on the manufacturer. If you notice any chips or cracks in your decking, you can get composite deck repair kits, which involve a specially designed filler, to fill the gaps and restore your deck to as good as new.
Composite decking boards are an ideal choice for building your own deck at your home. Whether you want somewhere comfortable to relax in your garden or a nice outdoor space to entertain guests in the summer, composite decking is a great choice of material. Along with being easy to build yourself, composite decks will last for a long time and are resistant to moisture, rot and insects.