How to Create a Child-Safe Deck with uPVC Decking Boards

As your family grows, you’ll probably want to start thinking about ways that you can make your garden more accessible for new additions. But of course, with young children around, safety should always be your top priority.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways that you can achieve both a safe space for your little ones to play, while also maintaining a nicely landscaped outdoor space. If you’ve ever considered installing a deck, or already have a traditional wooden deck but are concerned about potential hazards, uPVC decking boards can be an excellent, child-proof solution that provides both safety and style. Curious to find out more? Keep reading!

Why Choose uPVC Decking?

uPVC decking boards have been a popular choice for homeowners for quite some time, and they offer a number of benefits that make them a great choice for family-friendly gardens:

• Low Maintenance: Unlike wood, uPVC decking requires very little upkeep. It doesn’t need painting or sealing and is resistant to stains and scratches.
• Durability: uPVC decking boards are highly resistant to weather conditions, including rain, sun and frost, making them long-lasting and reliable.
• Slip Resistance: Safety is very important with young children around, and uPVC decking is designed with a slip-resistant surface, which helps prevent accidents – especially when it’s wet.

Planning Your Child-Safe Deck

Much like any garden project, you’ll want to start with putting a plan together. Do some research and start thinking about what you want to achieve from installing decking in your garden.

Choose the Right uPVC Decking Boards

Picking the right uPVC decking boards can be massively helpful for creating a safe environment. You should pick boards that are specifically designed for high-traffic areas and that offer a textured surface for better grip. For example, our range of uPVC decking in Doncaster provides options with slip resistance properties, which is ideal for homes with children.

Design for Safety

While designing your deck can be fun, with so many colours, layouts and accessories to choose from, you’ll also want to think about some of these safety features:

• Non-Slip Surfaces: Make sure that the uPVC decking boards you choose have a non-slip finish. This is especially important around areas where children may run or play.
• Smooth Edges: Avoid sharp or rough edges on the decking boards. Smooth, rounded edges can prevent cuts and scrapes.
• Secure Railings: Install sturdy railings or balustrades around the deck to prevent accidental falls. Make sure the gaps between the posts are narrow enough to prevent children from squeezing through.

Installing Your uPVC Decking Boards

If you’re choosing to install your uPVC decking boards yourself over working with a professional team, there are a few things you can do to make sure that it’s constructed safely.

Foundation and Support

A well-constructed foundation means a safe deck, so check that the base is level and stable to prevent any wobbling or movement. Use treated timber or metal supports to create a robust structure. Altitrite’s uPVC decking boards are designed to be installed with precision, ensuring a secure and level surface.

Proper Fixing

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for fixing the uPVC decking boards. Use high-quality screws or clips designed for uPVC decking to ensure that the boards are securely fastened. Proper installation reduces the risk of loose boards, which could pose a tripping hazard.

Regular Inspection

Once installed, regularly inspect your uPVC deck for any signs of wear or damage. Check for loose boards, sharp edges, or any other issues that could affect safety. Promptly address any problems to maintain a secure environment for your children.

Adding Extra Safety Features

The great thing about decking is just how versatile it is, and there are plenty of accessories you can add to make it a safe and enjoyable space for the whole family.

Safety Gates

You could install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs leading to the deck. These gates should be sturdy and easy to use, but not so easy that young children can access the deck without supervision.

Soft Flooring Options

You could even add soft flooring materials, like outdoor rugs or mats, to create play areas on the deck. Not only will this add extra cushioning in case of falls, it’ll also make the deck more comfortable for children to have fun on.

Shade and Hydration

To make sure that there’s adequate shade on your deck to protect children from overexposure to the sun, you may want to think about installing a pergola to help keep them cool. Pergolas not only provide some much needed shelter on hot days, but also look fantastic when added to decking – check out this recent project we completed below!

Maintenance Tips for a Safety

Finally, keeping your uPVC decking child-safe doesn’t just start and end with installation. While uPVC decking boards are popular because of how little upkeep they require, you’ll still need to do the odd bit of maintenance to guarantee that it’s kept safe for every member of your family to use.

Regular Cleaning

Keep your decking clean by regularly sweeping away debris and cleaning any spills quickly. Use a mild detergent and water to wash the decking boards, making sure that any slippery residues are removed. Fortunately Fitrite’s uPVC decking is resistant to stains, so this shouldn’t take you long!

Inspect for Damage

Every now and then, you should also check your deck for any signs of damage, such as cracks or loose boards. Fix any issues immediately to stop them from becoming bigger hazards.

Looking for uPVC Decking in Doncaster?

At Fitrite, our impressive selection of uPVC decking boards, uPVC fence panels and uPVC garden room solutions have the power to completely transform your garden. Committed to unparalleled quality, our team of experts are dedicated to delivering your dream installation.

Our highly skilled team of professionals can provide design suggestions and layout expertise, helping you make the most of your deck’s style and practicality. Because we’re experts, we can ensure that your installation makes your garden more functional for your needs, providing tailored space for relaxation, dining or even a play area for your kids.

For a safe and stylish deck that’s perfect for your growing family, contact us today to find out more about our uPVC decking boards and get a free quote.

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