What Kind of Wood is Best for a Deck
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What Kind of Wood is Best for a Deck?
What Kind of Wood is Best for a Deck?
Building a deck? You're probably staring at a bewildering array of timber options, wondering which decking wood won't leave you regretting your decision with time. We’re often asked which material is ideal… the answer can be complicated as its dependent on several factors.
Let's cut through the timber trade jargon and get straight to what really matters for your garden.
Decking Woods: Customary Choices
Pressure-treated softwood that has been pressure-treated, remains absolutely the most popular in the UK, and for a few good reasons. It is cheap, easily accessible, and when correctly treated, it endures the notoriously unpredictable weather quite well and is moderately durable and inexpensive.
Cedar sits at the premium end of traditional options. This naturally rot-resistant beauty weathers to an elegant silver-grey that many homeowners absolutely love. Cedar's natural oils repel insects and moisture, making it a solid long-term investment. But here's the rub – quality cedar costs significantly more upfront.
The Game-Changers: Hardwood Options
Iroko decking may be its own category! Known for its exceptional durable properties, this African hardwood shrugs off British risks of weather and is naturally rot, insect, and warp resistant. In terms of decking materials, we would consider it the Rolls Royce - costly at the beginning but priceless throughout its lifetime.
Euro Oak deserves some credit as well. It is incredibly strong and has exceptional aged beauty. However, with so many benefits do be prepared to spend a fortune on this iconic option.
Modern Solutions: Composite and Engineered Options
Composite decking has changed the game quite significantly. It is made of recycled wood fibres and plastic which means it has timber aesthetics with no maintenance. Forget staining, oiling, and splinters, all that is required is cleaning with soapy water.
The downside? It can feel quite synthetic underfoot, and more budget-friendly choices can appear very plasticky. Do not be tempted by the cheapest options for the sake of looks, as quality is key here.
Climate Considerations: Our Works in Britain
Timber outdoor choices in Britain must withstand a torrent of driving rain, frost, humidity, and those short bursts of intense heat. The best decking wood suited for UK conditions needs to withstand this unpredictable weather pattern.
As previously stated, moisture resistance is the highest top priority. Woods that are prone to absorb water will likely expand or contract and may eventually warp or split. It is better to look for species that have tight grain structures or those that have been properly dried.
While thermal movement you're right, does expand gaps, some wood species tend to keep that gap closed throughout the year. The tremendous expansion some wood goes through during high temperatures would allow the debris and water trapped in the gap to enter freely. Other types of wood, on the other hand, hardly have any movement.
Installation Considerations
Some types of decking wood are easy to work with while others are an absolute nightmare. Hardwoods pre-drill and blunt blades, while requiring extra forced sharpened blades initiate tough on tools. It is easy to cut cedar, but due to its soft nature, easily damages during installation which is another hurdle.
If you are interested in pulling off a DIY plan, selecting the most durable is pointless if the timber requires grade equipment to install it.
The Eco-Friendly Perspective
British homeowners are becoming more eco-friendly. Look for timber from FSC-certified forests. Composite alternatives tend to have minimal environmental impact, as they frequently use recycled materials - making them more sustainable, without compromising on quality.
Local materials further decrease transport-related emissions. This is an example of transport emissions: European oak is far less distant than tropical hardwoods.
Deciding on What’s Best
After our many years in the timber business, our answer is simple. For most UK decks, pressure-treated softwood from Europe has the best availability, balance of performance, and cost.
If the budget allows, setting it at minimal maintenance will make iroko hardwood the best choice owing to its durability. People wanting a modern feel without maintenance would appreciate quality composite decking as it provides great results.
The "best" decking wood ultimately depends on your priorities – budget, maintenance tolerance, and aesthetic preferences. But armed with this knowledge, you can make an informed choice that'll serve your garden well for years to come.
or send us an email at
sales@uksleepers.co.uk.
