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As the summer season unfolds, it’s natural to desire more time in the sunshine. Whether you head to the beach, the countryside, or simply out into your own garden, embracing the great outdoors can provide you with boundless benefits for your mental and physical well being.
So why not bring the outdoors a little closer to home with an impressive home decking installation? Decking is a magnificent invention that helps to elevate your outside space, making it easier to eat, drink and relax in the summer sun.
But as with any home improvement, you need to make sure that you’re making the correct design choices for your space. Read on to learn more about the common decking design pitfalls that you should avoid in order to cultivate the ultimate outdoor experience.
One of the biggest pitfalls when it comes to choosing your decking material is opting for a type that is not well suited to your space. Whether you’re opting for natural wood, plastic or a mixture of the two, it is best to consider your budget as well as the localised weather conditions your decking will be exposed to on a regular basis. The key types of decking materials to choose from include:
Composite wood or lumber is made from a mixture of plastic, wood fibres and a binding agent, where this is designed to replicate the appearance of natural wood. Composite decking is the perfect option if you’re looking for a durable material that is resistant to fading, warping and water damage. If you want to enjoy your decking space without worrying about the demands of regular upkeep, then composite wood can provide you with a low maintenance option designed to look fantastic for years to come.
Timber decking is typically made from real natural wood, where species such as cedar or pressure treated lumber are common choices for domestic properties. Hardwoods tend to be more expensive than softwoods, but these last longer with the proper upkeep. Investing in this kind of decking can add value to your home, but you will have to take care of the wood to ensure its longevity. You can also expect natural cracks and defects in your timber that aren’t usually seen in composite options.
UPVC is a type of plastic, where it can be used to make decking boards designed to resemble natural wood. This can be cheaper than hardwood or composite alternatives, where it is also lighter in weight making it easy to transport and install. UPVC is typically water resistant, meaning you don’t have to worry about wood rot or water damage. The downside of this is that water may pool on the plastic surface, resulting in slippery decking conditions. You may also find that the plastic look of UPVC cheapens the appearance of your property, where this is the sacrifice to be made for budget friendly and low maintenance materials.
Another common pitfall is choosing the wrong finish or stain for your decking, where this can affect its overall appearance and influence how long wearing the materials can be. If you’re dealing with authentic timber decking, then you should apply an effective wood stain to help protect your boards from rainfall and the sun’s UV rays. This will help to preserve its natural colour, where you can also invest in oil based or varnish stains for a high shine finish.
Staining can be preferable to painting your decking, as this allows you to appreciate the natural grain of the wood whilst also providing an easier to maintain look. New composite boards and UPVC decking don’t require staining or painting, as they are already sealed with a protective layer as standard.
Beyond your choice of material, you also need to think carefully about your space when installing decking. A pitfall to look out for is choosing a generic decking design that has not been crafted for your garden or property, meaning it is likely to look clunky and out of place. Some design points to consider with regard to this may include:
Other decking related pitfalls to look out for concern how you will decorate and accessorise your space. Whether you’re fitting cabin or garden decking, it is important to think ahead to the kinds of outdoor furnishings you’d like to include and plan for these accordingly.
If you’d like to install a hot tub as part of your decking space, it’s important to build your decking around the tub or leave space for its installation. It is a lot more difficult, not to mention expensive, to cut a space in existing decking boards.
You will also need to consider broader decking features such as step access and fencing before you make your installation. Considering the layout of your decking beforehand will ensure it can be accessed easily whilst preserving an attractive appearance. You can also consider whether you’d prefer timber, composite or rope fencing for the edges of your decking area.
One of the most popular ways in which decking is used is for garden furniture, where this raised platform allows you to enjoy the outdoors without having to situate yourself on the lawn. It is important to plan for the kinds of furniture you’d like to install, creating decking areas in the shade or with ample leg room to ensure you can create a comfortable outdoor space. Consider how eating and drinking hubs can also be included, where an outdoor bar or firepit can be added to the decking space if you take the time to plan ahead.
Another great way to decorate your decking is with careful and deliberate planting. A key pitfall of a hasty decking installation would be if you haven’t considered how this new space will complement your existing greenery in addition to providing an elevated place for more shrubs and flowers. When designing your decking layout, consider how you can use plants to connect your decking area with the rest of the garden, where tall shrubs, decorative planters and climbing vines can help to bridge the gap between these separate areas.
This is where drainage also plays an important role, especially if you’ve opted for a non porous plastic or composite decking option. Proper irrigation systems, drainage holes and guttering in and around your decking space can help to reduce cuddling and in turn manage the risks of slipping when the deck is in use.
Alongside all of these design considerations, another major pitfall to avoid is choosing the wrong decking installation company for your needs. You should always do your research before choosing a team to work with, comparing quotes and making sure the company you select has all the resources and materials to hand that you require.
It is always best to read reviews or take local recommendations before making your final selection, where you want to be sure of a high quality end product for your property.
At Fitrite, we offer a wide range of high quality plastic decking installation services, where you can choose from UPVC and composite materials to suit your property’s requirements. In addition to this, we can install sturdy UPVC or composite fencing for your outdoor space, guaranteed to complement your decking installation. Also choose from our impressive selection of balustrades, garden rooms and hot tubs to complete your space.
To find out more about our composite or plastic decking, get in touch with our team today.
