Decking Fitter Edinburgh Scotland: Once spring arrives every year some of us with a garden in Edinburgh start wondering about spending more hours outdoors. Lately it appears to be increasingly fashionable to spread our living area into the garden. Installing garden decking is one of the most efficient ways in which you can do this. It allows you to walk, sit and entertain outdoors without the threat of your shoes getting caked in mud each time it rains.
While you may reckon that the installation of a bit of decking would be a simple undertaking, it can in fact be fairly tough. If you're not really that great at DIY, getting the assistance of an expert might be judicious. There are a number of decking fitters in Edinburgh, if you do decide that you require a bit of assistance with your deck installation. So, before continuing with the project you will have to hunt for a reliable Edinburgh decking installer who will be able to successfully take on the task.
Why decking you might well be asking? Well, an area of elevated decking can create a really attractive feature for your garden, in addition to providing a useful area for relaxing and spending a bit of quality time in the open air, it's also great for entertaining guests and friends during the milder months. An adequately fashioned and constructed decking area can easily in addition improve the value of your home in Edinburgh, and maximize your functional outside space.
Before starting building your deck it will be a good idea to do a swift check with the local town council offices and find out if there are any restrictions to building decking on your property in Edinburgh. The construction of decking on older homes is banned in some areas, while in other areas decks above a specific height are not permitted. Asking about this before you start is obviously sensible, in order to keep yourself protected from any confrontational situations later, and eliminate any chance of you being asked to get rid off your illegal garden decking by the authorities. Asking for advice and guidance from your local Edinburgh deck installer should be the first step, as they will almost certainly have dealt with identical circumstances while doing previous jobs, and will know about exactly what actions need to be taken.
The actual design of the decking that you decide on will obviously be inspired by your personal taste, but in order to get it right, your local decking contractor can provide a helpful understanding of what may and may not give good results in your specific garden. When you have decided on a layout, your deck fitter will have to get the ground ready and mark out the boundaries of your decking.
If the location of your new decking is firm and flat the preparation of the ground will be simpler than if it's sloping or at risk from flooding. At this moment your Edinburgh decking fitter should check the area for hidden piping, manholes and electric cabling to make certain that no damage or restrictions will be caused by the deck. Seeing that a firm and sturdy base is crucial to prevent your decking from shifting in the future, this kind of groundwork is vitally important.
When all of this vital preparation work has been done and a firm footing is ready, the building of your decking can proceed. It can be impressive how fast an expert deck installer can complete this phase of the deck build process and it will not be long before you can be using the eye-catching and new improvement to your living space in Edinburgh.
When perfectly maintained, decked areas can look impressive, but will rapidly begin to look tatty if they're ignored and permitted to disintegrate. You ought to give your decking an effective treatment as soon as it is erected to help prevent this issue. Problems like blackening, a build up of algae, splitting, fading and warping are common in decking that hasn't been properly treated. There are numerous different sorts of paints, preservers, stains and oils that can be applied to decking, together with restorers for decks that have already been impacted.
All you need to do now is begin your search for garden decking installers. Edinburgh and its surrounding area boasts several specialists who will be able to help with your new decking - go here to send them your details.
Advantages of Garden Decking
- It Looks Great in Any Sort of Garden
- It's Durable and Long Lasting
- Provides Valuable Outdoor Space
- Great for Entertaining
- Low Maintenance (Relatively)
- It's a Relatively Inexpensive Form of Landscaping
- It's Quick to Install
- Adds Value to Your Home
- Doesn't Get Muddy - Can be Used in all Weathers
- An Attractive Feature in Your Garden
- Decking Helps to Zone Your Garden
Winter Maintenance for Composite Decks
Composite decks are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and low maintenance requirements. However, homeowners in Edinburgh who opt for composite decking are often surprised to discover that when wintertime hits, their decking materials react differently to climatic variations than a conventional timber deck would.
What follows is a look at what to expect from your composite decking in the winter months, as well as some maintenance tips.
The Removal of Snow - When snow builds up around your home, the natural reaction of many homeowners in Edinburgh is to haul out the snow shovel and get to work. However, shoveling is not the way to clear your composite deck of snow. Snow shovels can gouge the surface of your deck, causing permanent and unsightly damage.
Instead, try sweeping the snow off your deck. You can also use salt to melt the ice, but if you do, don't forget to rinse off the salt residue once the weather warms up.
The Growth of Mould and Mildew - Many homeowners in Edinburgh who bought composite decking when it was relatively new were shocked to discover that after being exposed to winter rains, their decks showed signs of mould and mildew growth. Despite the protective plastic in these decking materials, the wood fibres are still susceptible to mould and mildew, particularly in moist weather conditions.
Many manufacturers now add mould inhibitors to the decking material to help prevent the growth of fungus. Additionally, the best defence against mould and mildew is regular cleaning. Keep your deck clear of leaves, dirt and other debris, which act as food for mildew. Make sure your deck boards have proper spacing to allow for air circulation, and remove any potted plants from your deck during the winter months, as water can pool beneath them and provide a breeding ground for mould and mildew.
If mould and mildew growth does occur, it's important to tackle the problem immediately to prevent any further staining or damage. In most cases, scrubbing with liquid dish soap will take care of the problem. If you use a deck cleaner, follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Colour Changes - In theory, composite decking offers the best of both worlds. The timber provides aesthetics and strength, while the plastic provides protection against the elements. In reality, while the plastic does shield the wood from most sun and moisture damage, it doesn't always fully encapsulate every wood fibre. As a result, your deck may end up with some exposed wood fibres on the surface. These wood fibres can fade when exposed to the elements, and may even rot away over time. During the winter in Edinburgh, a composite deck may experience some discolouration.
As manufacturing processes and technology improves, exposed wood and discolouration are becoming less and less of a problem; however, it is something to be aware of. You can head off a lot of these issues by carefully selecting a quality composite deck manufacturer.
Composite decking was created to address many of the issues associated with timber decks, and it has become a sought-after and successful garden decking material. But it is important to bear in mind that "low maintenance" does not necessarily mean no maintenance, and the quality of composite decking varies between makers. The best way to make sure you will be satisfied with your composite decking is to do your research, pick a high-quality product, and keep the surface of your deck clean through the winter months.
How Long Will Wooden Decking Last?
The lifespan of timber decking largely depends on various factors such as the quality of installation, the sort of wood used, maintenance and exposure to the elements. Hardwood decking, including species like mahogany, ipe and teak, can last 50 years or more with adequate care and maintenance. Softwood decking like spruce and pine usually lasts around ten to fifteen years. Timber decking can be kept in optimal condition and extended in life through regular maintenance tasks like cleaning, sanding, and sealing. By using a sub-frame or deck blocks, you can prevent your garden decking from rotting due to moisture. Installing and maintaining your timber decking properly can yield a long-lasting and beautiful enhancement to your outside area, but it's crucial to bear these factors in mind when estimating its projected longevity. It's also worth noting that the frequency of use and footfall can impact the lifespan of timber decking, as heavy use can cause wear and tear and shorten the overall lifespan of the decking. By engaging a professional installer to design and build your timber decking, you can ensure it's installed to the highest possible standards, resulting in a longer lifespan and maximizing the value of your investment.
Lighting Options for Decking
A well designed lighting scheme could be essential part of your outdoor deck in Edinburgh, particularly if you enjoy spending peaceful evenings outside. You can use subdued lighting within the decking itself, be it small LED lighting to the larger garden deck lights. A good idea is to buy the lighting in a pack form, since it will have everything you will need to install them successfully into your garden deck. You could even use accent lighting to highlight certain features on your garden deck, such as plants, sculptures, ornaments, water features or trees.
Accent lights can be simply connected to your decking, because all the fixtures will typically be supplied with the lights. Floodlights can be attached to posts, walls or trees, and are very effective for bathing your decking area in a mellow light. For safety and security, there are lights which can be mounted in the surface of your decking, to highlight stairs, paths and level changes in outdoor spaces. Your outdoor lighting fixtures can be simple, unobtrusive and subtle, or you could choose highly ornamental lighting fixtures that are designed to form part of your decking in themselves.
Does Decking Add Value to a House?
Various factors, encompassing the quality of installation, overall design, and the preferences of potential buyers in your specific market, determine whether decking can augment the value of a house. Here are some points to think about:
- Market demand: Decking's appeal can fluctuate based on the local housing market and the preferences of potential buyers in your area. In particular regions, outdoor living spaces, including decks, are in high demand and can significantly raise the market value of a property.
- Maintenance considerations: Ongoing maintenance requirements can be a point of concern for buyers, even though decking is visually appealing. Wood decking, specifically, may mandate regular sealing, painting or staining to retain its appearance. In contrast, composite or PVC decking materials typically impose lower maintenance needs, offering an advantage.
- Kerb appeal: Enhancing the overall kerb appeal of a house, well-designed and well-maintained decking can create an attractive outdoor living space and leave a positive first impression on potential buyers.
- Regional factors: Property value can also be influenced by regional factors such as climate, local housing trends and cultural norms when it comes to decking. Considering the preferences and expectations of buyers in your area is worthwhile.
- Additional living space: Decking, effectively extending the usable living space of a house, offers an outdoor area for dining, relaxation and entertainment, which can be appealing to buyers, particularly in regions with favourable climates.
The value enhancement provided by decking is subject to variability, and it's important to understand that it may not always result in a one-to-one return on investment. Substantial roles are played by the overall condition of the property, the quality of the decking installation, and the integration of the deck with the existing architecture and landscape.
Contemplating the addition of decking to increase the value of your property in Edinburgh? It's a good idea to consult with local estate agents or appraisers knowledgeable about your specific market. In your area, they can offer valuable insights into the potential impact on property value.
Garden Decking Near Edinburgh
Also find: Juniper Green garden decking, Bonnington garden decking, Craigentinny garden decking, Wallyford garden decking, Newington garden decking, Currie garden decking, Leith garden decking, Trinity garden decking, Ratho garden decking, South Gyle garden decking, Danderhall garden decking, Portobello garden decking, Corstorphine garden decking, Loanhead garden decking and more.
Garden Decking Related Work
Any established Edinburgh decking fitters ought to be happy to help with: decking quotations in Edinburgh, the design of wood decking, the installation of raised decking, the installation of non-slip garden decking in Edinburgh, pergola installation, decking removal, composite decking installation, installing decking around a tree Edinburgh, fence installation Edinburgh, wooden deck installation, the installation of metal patio decking, hardwood decking, uPVC decking installation, artificial grass installation, the fitting of low maintenance decking, the fitting of eco-friendly decks in Edinburgh, the installation of cedar decking, wooden deck renovation, wooden deck design Edinburgh, installing deck seating, fitting patio decking around a pond, the construction of timber garden decking, arbour installation, building split level garden decking, patio decking treatment, cedar garden decking Edinburgh, garden shed installation, timber decking preservation, the fitting of anti-slip garden decking in Edinburgh, installing patio decking lighting and electrics and other decking related services. Listed are just an example of the jobs that can be carried out by decent decking fitters. Edinburgh decking companies will be happy to tell you about their full range of decking services.
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