Decking
© Hedgehog Designs: 1 Avon Rd, Heywood, Manchester.
© Hedgehog Designs: Manchester.
Decking designed, supplied and installed Manchester
1. How long will the deck last?
2. Are decks slippy?
3. Do I need a handrail?
4. Smooth or grooved planks?
I use pressure treated timber for the decking and the structure, which is guaranteed against fungal and insect attack for 15 years. Good design and drainage can ensure the deck lasts even longer.
Wood is not particularly slippy when wet. However algae grows on the surface of the timber (especially in winter and in areas of deep shade) This algae is slippy when wet. Power washing or using a stiff brush annually will easily remove this algae and restore your deck to its original non slippy state. If you’re still worried about slipping a non-slip coating can be applied or boards with embedded aggregate strips can be used.
Handrails are only required when there is a potential to fall more than 2 ft from your deck.
Grooved planks need a fall along their lengths to ensure they drain properly, screws are less visible as they are deep in the groove.
Smooth planks are no more slippy than the grooved, screws are more visible and I would recommend the use of hidden fittings (more expensive).
