Costly Decking Blunder: Incorrect Installation May Result in Expensive Repairs, Garden Expert Warns
**Sun, Sun, Sunshine! With summer on the horizon, many homeowners are eager to give their gardens a makeover, transforming their outdoor space into a sun-soaked haven.
A well-crafted garden deck is the perfect spot to unwind, basking in the sun's warm embrace on a glorious day. But, if installed incorrectly, it can swiftly turn into a slippery and perilous area.
Craftsmanship counts, as poorly laid decking is more prone to warping and rotting. Thus, you might find yourselfLighten your wallet by a staggering £2,400 or more to recuperate the damage, depending on the size of the area and the type of boards you select.
James Lewis, an expert from MyBuilder.com, has warned about a common error that can shorten your deck's lifespan. "It's a surprise how often decking is incorrectly installed," James told The Sun.
Decking Do's and Don'ts
Incorrectly installing decking is a frequent mistake committed by both DIY enthusiasts and professional tradespeople alike. One of the most common blunders is laying the decking upside down, with the grooves facing up.
The error is pervasive, with many people assuming that this is the proper method for building decking areas. They even cite aesthetic preferences or the belief that it reduces slipping as reasons for this installation style.
However, according to James, the correct way to install decking is with the grooves in the wood facing downwards. Contrary to popular belief, having the grooves facing up won't prevent slipping. On the contrary, it increases the risk of trapping water and debris, leading to rot and a shorter lifespan for your deck.
In some cases, decking has grooves on both sides. If this is the case, it's designed to be installed with the wider grooves facing downwards and the narrower ones facing up, as suggested by the manufacturers.
A Healthy Deck is a Happy Deck
To keep your deck in tip-top shape, remove algae and grime regularly, according to Mark Irving, an expert at DIY supplier Build & Plumb. "A regular cleaning regimen will prolong your deck's life and prevent the buildup of dirt," Mark explained.
Use a specialized decking cleaner for the most effective results, always following the manufacturer's instructions. Warm water and dish soap can also serve as a gentle, yet effective, cleaning solution for removing dirt and stains. Be sure to rinse your deck thoroughly after cleaning and allow it to dry completely before moving furniture back onto the deck.
For an added layer of protection, apply a good quality deck sealer to the surface of your deck once a year. This sealant creates a barrier that prevents moisture penetration and decreases the likelihood of wood rot.
The Cost and Longevity of Decking
The most affordable decking material is pressure-treated softwood, costing approximately £2,400 for an average-sized deck, including both materials and installation costs. With proper installation and maintenance, you can expect the lifespan of timber decking to range from 15 to 30 years.
Composite decking, made from plastic or synthetic materials, tends to cost about double the price of wooden boards. However, it boasts a staggering lifespan of up to 50 years, adding approximately 20 years to the lifespan of wooden decking. Composite decking is also more weather-resistant, requiring less frequent cleaning and maintenance than wooden decking.
A well-constructed deck in a home-and-garden setting, when correctly installed, can provide an excellent home-and-garden lifestyle outdoor space for relaxation and enjoyment. For instance, installing decking with the grooves facing downwards, as recommended by experts, will ensure its longevity and prevent damage from water and debris buildup, maintaining a healthy home-and-garden lifestyle and saving homeowners potential repair costs.
