Decking
[edit] Introduction
Decking is a term that can be applied to numerous applications in construction.
One of its more common forms is the platform areas (sometimes raised) in domestic gardens that are used for special functions such as relaxation, for sun loungers or barbecues. These will usually comprise a timber substructure with decking boards laid on top. The decking boards can either be timber (usually pressure-treated) or be made of composite or synthetic materials.
Timber decking boards usually require a degree of maintenance involving painting, preserving or sealing to provide protection and durability. Composites and synthetics typically require no preservative treatment. Some of the composite decking available is made from recycled wood and plastic and although lacking the natural wood appearance, can be cheaper and easier to maintain.
Timber and composite decking can either be laid as strip (typically 120mm wide) or as tiles that measure around 300 x 300mm.
[edit] Other applications
The term decking (or deck) can also apply to:
- The boarding used to support the finishing layer on floors and flat roofs.
- The horizontal (supporting) formwork that is used when casting insitu concrete slabs.
- The prefabricated concrete planks used to form ground, upper floors and flat roofs.
- The boarding (usually plywood) that is nailed to timber rafters to crate the support for the roof finish, be that tiles, slates or metal sheet (e.g zinc, copper, lead).
- The finished surface of boardwalks.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Aluminium decking.
- Ash or oak wood flooring.
- Floor definition.
- Floor insulation.
- Flooring defects.
- Glass block flooring.
- How to fit carpet.
- Insulation for ground floors.
- Predicting service life of timber structures.
- Raised floor.
- Resin flooring.
- Screed.
- Terrazzo.
- The Differences Between Engineered Flooring and Solid Hardwood Flooring.
- Types of floor.
Featured articles and news
Myths and top tips.
CLC plans to ease impact of construction inflation.
BG 50 & VDI 2035 – your questions answered.
Types of domestic heating systems.
Will the way we heat homes change when winter comes ?
Extended reality in a post-pandemic world.
Can XR technology be leveraged in design & construction?
Or are you capping.
STEM ambassadors needed for ICE CityZen award.
Digital gaming competition for UK students aged 16 to 18.
Heritage protection in England vs Australia.
Fire doors and the Fire Door Inspection Scheme.
Three-quarters of fire doors fail inspections
UN International Day for Biological Diversity, May 22.
The role of geoparks, biospheres and world heritage sites.
BSRIA conference 2022, June 23.
Just one month to go ! Find out more here.
Restoring Broadbent’s Bath House
A new gallery for the University of Huddersfield.
Corruption in the construction industry.
What will it take to stop it ?
To celebrate world bee day 2022 !
Just one month until the changes to part L come into effect.
Not forgetting part F and the new part overheating part O.
Heat Pump demand rises by one quarter.
As energy prices jump up in cost.
With people in the UK from Ukraine.
Industry leader Steve Murray takes on role.
An abundant and versatile building material.
How overheating complicates ending gas in the UK.
600,000 heat pump installations targeted per year by 2028.
Cost planning, control and related articles on DB.
Helping prevent those unwanted outcomes.