A Guide to Traditional Timber Decking Products

Timber decking products remain the dominant force in the market and are growing in popularity all over.

The reason for this popularity lies in the fact that timber decking products are natural, durable and harmonious and also an excellent alternative to enhance our gardens or terraces.

Types of Traditional Timber Decking

There are two basic types of traditional timber decking products that you can choose from depending on their durability and price.

Timber Decking Boards

#1. Softwood Timber Decking: Softwood timber decking uses softwood timber, which comes from faster growing, evergreen or coniferous trees like pine, Scandinavian Redwood, Spruce and Larch. Softwood decking is a more cost-effective option than hardwood decking as it is easily available. A disadvantage of choosing this type of timber decking is that the installation as well as regular maintenance will cost you more for it to last.

#2. Hardwood Timber Decking: Hardwood timber decking utilizes hardwood timber that is sourced from slow growing or broadleaved trees. Hardwood timber takes a longer natural process and hence is difficult to produce than softwood timber. That is why it is more expensive. Nevertheless, hardwood decking is an extremely durable and hard wearing decking solution, irrespective of the outdoor environment as it is made from wood that grows slowly in tropical conditions.

Certifications Needed for Traditional Timber Decking Products

Prior to choosing timber decking boards that you would like to use for your home, ensure that they are made of certified timber. The forestry department states that deforestation is the world’s second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Hence, to contribute to reducing environmental impact people in the field of construction are encouraged to source wooden materials from sustainably managed forests, where trees are replanted as soon as they are cut.

There are over 50 certification programmes worldwide that address the different types of forests. But, the two most well-known certifications are Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

The FSC is a global certification system that enables people to identify and purchase wood from well-managed forests. PEFC, on the other hand is an international organization dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management (SFM) through independent third party certification. It is not a standard agency but a mutual recognition scheme that does not only focus on the ethical aspects of SFM but also the processing of timber, resulting in a larger emphasis on the supply chain than FSC.

Timber Decking Boards

Features of Traditional Timber Decking Products to Look For

#1. Durability: The durability of your timber decking greatly depends on the type of wood that you choose, the weather conditions it will be exposed to, and your ability to maintain it. Even if softwood has a shorter lifespan than hardwood timber, softwood decking features tightly packed wood fibres, which gives deck boards excellent strength and durability.

#2. Sustainability: As we said earlier, softwood decking tends to have been cut from coniferous trees that grow back quickly. Hence, you need to ensure that all its timber is supplied from sustainable sources and uses a certified system to provide traceability from forest to finished product.

#3. Maintenance: Staining and cleaning is a part and parcel of owning a timber deck. Without staining, timber decks can turn grey. That is why, regular maintenance and cleaning is important to remove or prevent formation of mold and moss from the wood.

#4. Installation: How difficult is the installation going to be? Keep this factor in mind before you choose your timber decking product.

#5. Cost: Are you ready to spend more, or do you have a limited budget? Weigh out your options, to see what fits your budget. A good research will help you invest money on a right product that too within your specified budget.

Conclusion

Timber decking products are also known to be versatile, allowing us to build it in almost any size or shape.  Other than that, this type of decking is far simpler to construct than any other type of traditional patio. This traditional timber decking product is one of the most environmentally friendly products ever.