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
Top 50 firms awarded 52bn of projects in the last year
New engineering data shows.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
UK Construction Week, London is here !
Debuting major international pavilions and much more.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.