Decking Fitter Folkestone Kent: It is perfectly natural that homeowners in Folkestone start thinking about spending more of their time outdoors once the summer season approaches each year. The truth is, extending our living space outside into our gardens has grown more popular than ever over the last few years. The installation of an area of garden decking is one of the most efficient ways by which you can do this. It allows you to walk, sit and entertain outside without the threat of your feet getting plastered in mud each time it rains.
Though you might consider that fitting a bit of decking in the garden would be a straightforward undertaking, it can actually be fairly challenging. If you are not really so good at DIY, getting the assistance of a professional would probably be better. There are a number of decking fitters in the Folkestone region, if you do decide that you require some help and assistance with your deck installation. Consequently, tracking down a reputable Folkestone decking installer should be your main priority before proceeding with this project.
As opposed to a hard, cold patio or paved area, decking provides a far more comfortable surface on which you can sit, walk or even lay down. It provides an awesome area for entertaining guests and outside dining, and is generally considered to be more visually pleasing. A correctly planned and erected deck area can additionally increase the value of your home in Folkestone, and maximize the functional outside living space.
Before you start putting up your decking area it can be worthwhile to carry out a quick check with your local council offices and see if there are any limitations to building decking on your property in Folkestone. The construction of decking on older homes is restricted in some regions, whilst in others decks above a particular height aren't allowed. Making sure about this in advance is definitely best, so as to keep yourself protected from any confrontational predicaments down the road, and evade being forced to dismantle your illegal decking by the council. A number of decking fitters in Folkestone will carry out this check for you, or otherwise offer you help and advice, as they will no doubt have experienced similar situations whilst undertaking past assignments.
While an expert decking fitter in Folkestone, can offer a helpful insight into what may and may not work in your specific garden, the final look and style of your decking will depend on your own individual taste. A few local decking fitters will be able to offer an in-house design and planning service to help you get the perfect result. Laying out the boundaries and getting the ground ready for your decking will begin once you've settled upon a suitable design.
If the ground area inclines or is at risk from flooding there will be extra work needed to make ready the surface than when it is firm and flat. In the early stages of the project your decking contractor should check the area for buried manholes, piping and electric cables to make certain that the work involved will not cause any problems. To prevent your finished deck from moving around over time, this sort of ground preparation is extremely important, in order for you to finish up with a solid and stable base.
Once all of the preparation work has been executed and a firm foundation is in place, the construction of the decking can proceed. The project will advance quite swiftly now, and before very long your deck will start to become recognisable as the decking fitter modifies an area of bare terrain into an eye catching and attractive feature which you will take pleasure in for many years.
A well designed area of decking can be a impressive feature for your garden, but if it's not properly cared for is can quickly begin to look tatty. To help prevent this issue, you ought to give your decking a suitable treatment immediately after it is erected. Untreated timber decking commonly suffers from splitting, fading, discolouration, warping and a build up of mould. There are a number of different kinds of stains, paints, preservers and oils that can be applied to decking, in addition to restorers for decking that has already been impacted.
If you've determined that decking is a great option for your garden, you can begin your search for a professional decking installer. Folkestone and its surrounding area boasts several deck specialists who will be able to help you with your decking - go here to send off your requirements.
Advantages of Garden Decking
- Adds Value to Your Home
- It's Durable and Long Lasting
- An Attractive Feature
- Decking Looks Great in Any Kind of Garden
- Decking Helps to Zone Your Garden Space
- It Can Be Built Quickly
- Doesn't Get Muddy - Can be Used in all Weathers
- It's a Relatively Cheap Form of Landscaping
- Ideal for Entertaining
- Low Maintenance (Relatively)
- Provides Extra Outside Space
Composite Decking Folkestone
With the deforestation of our world going the way that it is many people in Folkestone are looking for alternatives in relation to using wood. You will find that simply because of technology advancing every single year people now have an option in relation to the material they use for building decking inside their back garden. Now rather than using wood to be able to build a deck for your garden in Folkestone you will find the you are able to use a material known as composite decking. There are lots of advantages to actually using this kind of material and in the following paragraphs we are going to be looking at a few of these.
The very first thing we want to point out is that this composite decking is really made from recycled materials for instance milk jugs as well as other plastic containers. You need to realize that if these plastic materials weren't recycled into composite decking there's a pretty good possibility that they would've simply ended up in our landfills. You're in addition going to recognize that this can be used as traditional wood because it can be cut or drilled much like any other kind of wood product you may wind up using. And for this reason you'll not need to hire a professional in order to install this decking at your house in Folkestone as it's something you are able to do yourself, if you want to.
An additional benefit you are going to discover that this item has over traditional pressure treated wood is the fact that this won't have harmful chemicals sprayed all over it to be able to preserve it. Another thing that is not only useful to the planet but also frees up your time would be the fact that this material is maintenance free this means you aren't required to do anything to it each and every year. Of course this isn't 100% maintenance free mainly because every once in awhile you may want to spray it down with a hose to keep it clean.
If you've ever had a wooden deck at your house and sure you have had to replace wood from time to time but that is not going to be a concern as this material is incredibly durable and long lasting. I should mention that while a standard wooden deck dose not have to have the planks replaced every single year, a composite that will hardly ever need to be replaced is better. You ought to also be aware that this is really a very economical choice for your decking material, because there's no maintenance needed. Needless to say I should mention that this sort of decking can be a little bit more expensive than traditional wood.
Composite decking is becoming incredibly popular right now and for those of you in Folkestone who plan on adding or redoing your current deck this will be a good choice. Another thing about using composite decking would be the fact that it can increase the value of your house when you are looking to sell.
Anti-Slip Garden Decking Folkestone
What is Anti-Slip Decking? - Non-slip decking refers to decking materials that have a surface texture or coating to increase traction and reduce the risk of slipping, especially when the surface is wet or slippery. This type of decking is typically used in outside areas such as terraces, swimming pools and patios to improve safety and prevent accidents.
As well as being safer, anti-slip decking is also often more resilient and resistant to weathering and wear compared to conventional decking materials. This makes it a popular choice for outside areas, such as around patios, poolspondsgarden ponds and terraces. By eliminating the risk of slipping, non-slip decking can provide peace of mind for householders in Folkestone and make these outdoor spaces more enjoyable and safer for everyone.
What Are the Benefits? - The benefits of non-slip decking include:
- Enhanced visual appeal: Non-slip decking can add a visually interesting texture to a deck surface, giving it more style and character.
- Increased value: By improving durability and safety, anti-slip decking can increase the value of a property, making it a smart investment for property managers and homeowners in Folkestone.
- Increased versatility: Non-slip decking can be used in a wide range of settings in Folkestone, including commercial, industrial and domestic, making it a flexible choice for a host of applications.
- Increased safety: By providing a better grip, non-slip decking reduces the risk of slipping and falling, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
- Improved durability: Non-slip decking materials often have a more rugged surface, which can stand up better to weather, heavy foot traffic, and other factors that can cause wear and tear.
Decking Furniture Folkestone
There are now a large number of pieces of furniture that you can purchase for your garden decking in Folkestone. But before you purchase any make sure that it's going to complement any furniture that is already there, and if your decking area is not that large then be careful not to over clutter it. Better to opt for 1 or 2 top quality pieces of furniture on your decking, than lots of shoddy items. (Tags: Deck Furniture Folkestone, Furniture for Decking in Folkestone, Decking Furniture Folkestone)
Deck Repair
Homeowners, odd job men, or a professional deck construction and repair specialist can execute repairs to decking depending on their skill set and equipment. The repair must be carried out by a skilled and experienced individual to make certain that it is done effectively and safely.
What kind of repair work may be necessary?
Decking repairs can vary depending on the material and condition of the deck. Some common repairs include:
- Fixing drainage issues - Deck drainage problems can cause wood and structural damage if not addressed.
- Fixing broken or loose railings - Safety is a priority when it comes to deck railings, so it's vital to repair any that are loose or broken promptly.
- Treating for insect damage - Wood-boring insects such as woodworm can weaken the wood and affect the deck's stability over time, making it necessary to treat for these insects.
- Waterproofing - When water seeps through the deck, it can lead to damage of the wooden boards and the underlying structure. To prevent this, waterproofing the deck is recommended.
- Repairing or replacing damaged supports - Support damage beneath the deck can cause instability and necessitate repairs or replacement to ensure the deck remains stable.
- Reinforcing the frame - Reinforcing the deck frame can help to make the deck more secure and prevent potential safety issues caused by weakened support.
- Replacing damaged boards - A common fix for damaged decking involves the removal of the affected board and the installation of a new one.
- Repainting or re-staining - The deck's finish can degrade over time due to weathering, making the wood vulnerable to damage. Restaining or repainting the deck can help protect it.
- Tightening loose boards - Tightening the screws or nails that hold the decking boards in place can help to stabilize the deck, which may feel unstable due to the fasteners becoming loose over time.
- Fixing cracks or splinters - Neglecting cracks and splinters in the wood of your deck can result in further damage and a higher likelihood of accidents.
Regularly inspecting your decking and addressing issues as soon as they arise is crucial to ensure its longevity and safety.
How Long Will Timber Decking Last?
The lifespan of timber decking is largely determined by a range of factors, including the specific wood species, installation craftsmanship, upkeep practices and exposure to environmental factors. With proper upkeep and maintenance, hardwood decking such as ipe, teak and mahogany can endure for up to 50 years or more, while softwood varieties such as spruce and pine have an expected lifespan of around ten to fifteen years. Regular maintenance such as cleaning, sanding, and sealing can help prolong the life of your timber decking. The implementation of a sub-frame or deck blocks can be a beneficial strategy for preventing moisture-related wood rot in your deck. By ensuring that your timber decking is installed and maintained correctly, you can achieve a striking and durable feature in your outdoor area, while taking into account the factors that impact its longevity. It's important to keep in mind that the frequency of use and amount of foot traffic can affect the longevity of timber decking, as heavy use may lead to wear and tear and a shorter overall lifespan.
Winter Maintenance for Composite Decking
Composite decking is becoming increasingly popular due to its environmental benefits and low maintenance needs. However, property owners in Folkestone who install composite decking are often surprised to discover that when winter hits, their composite decking materials react differently to climatic variations than a traditional wooden deck would.
What follows is a look at what you can expect from your composite decking in the winter months, as well as some handy maintenance tips.
Snow Removal - When snow builds up around your home, the natural reaction of many homeowners in Folkestone 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.
Colour Changing - 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 timber from most moisture and sun 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 Folkestone, a composite deck may experience some discolouration.
As manufacturing processes and technology improves, exposed wood and discolouration are becoming 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.
Mildew and Mould Growth - Many Folkestone homeowners 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 washing up liquid will take care of the problem. If you use a deck cleaner, follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Many professionals in Folkestone don't recommend power washing a composite deck, but if you choose to use one, it's crucial to take extra care not to damage your deck. Use a fan tip nozzle and spray with the grain pattern of the wood. Too much pressure is a bad thing for your decking material, so make sure not to go above the recommended maximum pressure of 1500 psi. Also, take the proper safety precautions when handling any type of equipment.
Composite decking was made to fix many of the issues that are associated with wood decking, and it's become a highly sought-after and successful garden decking material. But it's important to keep in mind that "low maintenance" does not necessarily mean no maintenance, and the quality of composite decking varies between manufacturers. The best way to make sure you'll be happy with your composite decking is to do your research, choose a high-quality product, and keep the surface of your decking clean through the winter.
Garden Decking Related Work
Any quality Folkestone decking fitters should be willing to help with: wood deck planning and design Folkestone, garden decking repairs Folkestone, garden shed installation, hard landscaping, the design of garden decking, wood garden decking Folkestone, composite garden decking Folkestone, building wood decking around a tree, hardwood decking in Folkestone, decking removal, the installation of alloy patio decking, the installation of composite garden decking, installing wood decking around a pond, timber garden decking Folkestone, raised decking Folkestone, artificial grass, patio decking design, fitting elevated decking, the fitting of non-slip patio decking, deck builders, timber decking preservative treatments, cheap decking installers, decking quotations Folkestone, non-slip decking installation, wood deck assembly, the construction of wooden garden decking in Folkestone, patio decking care, bespoke decking, pergola installation in Folkestone, the fitting of anti-slip decking and other decking related services. These are just an example of the tasks that can be carried out by decent decking fitters. Folkestone decking installers will be happy to inform you of their entire range of decking services.
Garden Decking Near Folkestone
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