Decking boards
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The timber merchants and board makers have been in dilemma for years regarding the type of materials to be used in the making of decking boards.One option is wooden decking board, but then the struggle is to choose from the variety of woods available in the market.
There are many choices when it comes to the size, material, composition and colour, but there are other matters as well, such as cost, durability, eco-friendliness, maintenance and so on.
[edit] Types of decking boards
[edit] Pressured softwood
This product is made by applying pressure to softwood. This product is popular with customers for its price, durability and ease of installation. However, it is generally not environmentally friendly and can require a significant maintenance.
[edit] Harwood
This variety, which is made from hardwood trees, is generally more expensive than pressured boards. This type of board is considered safe from rotting, warping and splitting but it does require some degree of regular maintenance. It is not always environmentally friendly and can be difficult to instal.
[edit] Composite
These boards are made of wood flour and plastic that is recyclable. These boards are protected from mould, moisture and insects and are easy to maintain and instal. However, this type of decking can be expensive and is thought by some to be harmful to the environmental development.
[edit] PVC
These boards are similar to the composite boards and are made only by a single material-plastic, which makes it easy to maintain and recycle. It is not prone to warping or splitting. It can be expensive and may look artificial. It is considered by some to be environmentally friendly, easy to instal and easy to maintain.
[edit] How to decide
When it comes to choosing a decking board, customers can choose depending on priorities and use. People who want boards that are long-lasting may wish to select composite and PVC boards that have zero wood. People looking for easily installable boards may prefer to choose softwoods. In the case of people looking for environmentally friendly boards, keep in mind that every board has some negative effect on the environment, but the least harmful ones may include recycled material.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.
The Remarkable Pinwill Sisters: from ‘lady woodcarvers’ to professionals. Book review.
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.