Frequently asked questions

There are three main areas in which Fitrite operates – Domestic, Park Home and Commercial clients. All three arms of our business use the same high-quality Fitrite range of products including the Fitrite uPVC deck board and Balustrading. The services offered are different, but all come with the same attention to detail and level of customer service we pride ourselves on.

Fitrite at Home caters to homeowners who want to add a new dimension to their gardens at their residential properties. We offer a bespoke service from start to finish including deck removal and installation.

Fitrite on Parks caters to Park Home and Holiday Home owners who want to add a deck to their lodges and caravans. We still offer the same tailored customisation options, taking into consideration plot size, lodge styles and park regulations. Find out more about fitting decking for caravans.

Fitrite Commercial provides unique solutions to corporate and commercial clients. From family-friendly environments such as cafés and restaurants to high traffic and light-industrial uses such as building sites and garden-centres, we have an eco-friendly solution for most requirements.

Unlike most decking guarantees, ours covers the decking, balustrade, fencing, accessories, aluminium subframe and installation. In the unlikely event something needs fixing or replacing, we’ll do it free of charge – we don’t just refund a percentage of the original cost like other companies do.

Often when you search for decking you come across several problems:

• Manufacturers who don’t offer installation, leaving you with the hassle of finding a reliable installer.
• Small building or landscaping companies that can fit but have to buy the boards from a manufacturer and aren’t specialists – you’re unlikely to get a warranty.
• Who will plan and design your deck, project manage and take responsibility for its safety? Most probably you.

At Fitrite we look after you from your first thoughts and inspiration, through design and planning to installation and for the entire life of your warranty.
You’ll still be involved in all the fun bits of the design – choosing colours, lighting & accessories and planning the shape of your deck.

After that, you can simply relax and let us create your dream outdoor space.

No, don’t worry about it. Our decking replacement service takes care of everything for you.

• Our expert team will remove your old decking and fully prepare the area ready for your new Fitrite deck.
• We will dispose of all waste responsibly, recycling everything we possibly can.

Not at all, in fact an uneven area is often the reason why people choose decking – to make it more accessible and usable.

• Our expert team will do all the groundwork necessary to ensure a suitable foundation for your new deck.
• We will remove all waste and recycle everything we can.
• We will build a subframe to accommodate any changes in ground levels and carry out any other works that our surveyor specifies, or that you request.

Underneath decking boards sits a subframe – in the same way that floorboards sit on top of joists inside your house. A sturdy subframe is important for the stability and safety of any deck – even a low level one!

Traditionally decking subframes are made from timber, which is treated with a preservative to help protect from the natural aging process and decay over time.

Fitrite provide the option of an aluminium subframe to provide total peace of mind that the hidden foundations of your decking will not deteriorate over time and remain completely maintenance free.

The cheaper composites are made of a lower quality recycled uPVC and/or a WPVC mix and some may even have a rubber content (This isn’t good for fire provision and structural properties).

Cheap decking providers do not offer installation. The cheaper composites are made of a lower quality recycled uPVC and/or a WPVC mix and some may even have a rubber content (This isn’t good for fire provision and structural properties).

Cheap decking providers do not offer installation.

Like most things in life, you get what you pay for. At face value composite decking is more expensive than some timber decking, but it is actually more cost-effective and better value when you consider;

• Fitrite decking will last at least twice as long as timber.
• You will only need to invest in Fitrite once, whereas you will probably need to replace timber two or three times over time.
• You will enjoy more use out of your Fitrite deck throughout the year.
• Timber decking becomes unsafe and unusable for many months of the year due to slippery algae and rot.
• Fitrite is waterproof and rot proof and features our anti-slip surface so it stays safe to use whatever the season, whatever the weather.
• There’s no continued expense with Fitrite.
• Fitrite stays looking as good as new with little effort.

Think about the time and continued cost of maintaining a timber deck, factor in the expense of paint or stain, repairs and pressure washing and it soon adds up.

No matter how much time and money you spend maintaining a timber deck, it will never look as good as it did when it was new. Fitrite decking just needs cleaning occasionally with soapy water to keep it looking as fabulous as it did the day we installed it for you.

Timber decks are likely to be the cheapest you’ll find, but even the expensive ones come with a whole host of problems:

Timber Decking

• Requires constant maintenance – painting, varnishing and repairs.
• Over time, wood will rot, split, swell, twist, fade and even crack and splinter.
• Wood isn’t waterproof so it attracts algae making it slippery and sometimes too dangerous to use.
• Wood is a fire hazard right next to your home.
• Repair and replacement of damaged areas soon makes the deck look untidy and patchy – new boards stand out from the older ones which have become weathered and worn.
• Timber decking is not environmentally friendly – trees are chopped down for their manufacture, and chemicals have to be used as preservative treatments and for regular maintenance.
• Timber decking usually requires screws or nails for fixing, these are unsightly and can become dangerous over time.

Fitrite Decking

• Fitrite decking is maintenance-free, it requires no painting or chemical treatment, simply cleaning with soapy water will keep it looking as good as new.
• Fitrite decking is guaranteed to last, it won’t fade, rot, swell, twist, warp, or splinter – it will look as good in 10 years’ time as it did the first day you walked on it.
• Fitrite decking is totally waterproof so it won’t go green with algae and it features a special non-slip surface so it’s safe to use all year round.
• It’s very unlikely that repairs will ever be needed and with our 10 year guarantee you don’t need to worry about it. However should anything need to be replaced, it will be a perfect match.
• Fitrite deckboard is kinder to the environment. No trees are felled in its manufacture as it is made using recycled PVC. Additionally no harmful chemical preservative treatments or paints are required.
• Fitrite decking uses our specially designed hidden fixings for a neat and tidy finish. There will never be any sharp rusty nails or screws to worry about.

Unlike wood, this plastic decking option will not warp or rot due to water damage. UPVC decking is less susceptible to moisture and insects and additionally, they don’t require aesthetic maintenance such as painting and staining.

You want to be assured that you’re hiring a reliable and professional service. Be sure to check a company’s accreditations, reputation and their guarantees. If you’re still unsure, some companies have a showroom which might be beneficial to go and take a look at.

Make sure your hot tub is on a strong base and has appropriate ventilation to prevent wood rot or water damage. Also, be sure that there is enough space in the area you want your hot tub. You should consult the company carrying out your hot tub installation if you have any concerns.

The most common wood for decking includes cedar, redwood and pressure-treated. Aside from this, decking can be broken down to softwood, hardwood and composite. PVC decking is an increasingly popular option due to its water resistance. Composite decking is also a durable option, saving you time and money.

You should look out for good communication from your decking installer, a proven track record and someone with knowledge of the project will help you find someone reliable. Experience and a proof of licence/insurance are also good to look out for.

Decking around your hot tub is a great idea! Bamboo and Teak hardwood decking are both good options. They resist water and rot as they are more durable. Premium composite decks are also a valid option, and you can look into aluminium decking. Choosing something good quality and durable is important to prevent water damage, rusting, mildew and algae.

Before making any decking decisions, choose your favourite hot tub and then you can start to plan out your decking ideas. You should consider the power source of your hot tub, access to the motor and be mindful of the orientation to the sun. If you’re still unsure, contact a hot tub installer to find out more.

You can put a hot tub on most varieties of decking, including composite and UPVC which require the least maintenance. But they can additionally sit on wooden decking. It’s important to consider the weight of your hot tub when picking out your decking.

Using a professional company is the best way to guarantee a high quality finish on  your decking. You want to avoid any costly mistakes during the building stages, so outsourcing to a supplier can reduce this problem.

Lodge decking comes as Timber, UPVC and Composite decking. All three are durable against weather damage, UPVC and Composite are more resistant in this way because they are made of a blend of recycled materials and wood.

Long lasting decking is the way to go. This could vary from treated pine, redwood and Brazilian hardwood, to composite decking. Both are more resistant to rot and water damage!

Composite decking can work really well, as can UPVC decking. They both require minimum maintenance and are durable. They are also both less susceptible to water damage, warping and rot.

Balustrades are railings supported by balusters, forming a small row of columns topped by a rail. They are usually made from wood or stone, creating a beautiful parapet to a balcony, bridge or terrace.

UPVC Balustrades are highly resistant and require no staining or treatments. They are a low maintenance decking alternative and they are safe and easy to use. They comply fully with building regulations and have a high durability.

A few things to consider would be where you are putting the balustrades, the strength of them, secure fixings, cleaning and maintenance.  You also want to make sure the installation is safe and has appropriate fixings to keep it secure.