Groove side up and other decking mistakes you might be making
Homeowners are being warned to avoid these decking mistakes to avoid a DIY disaster and to ensure a long-lasting deck.
The gardening experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have given DIY enthusiasts some words of advice to prevent any costly errors when laying their own decking.
Groove side up and other decking mistakes you might be making
Experts say that installing decking with the grooves facing may be the wrong way.
Those who are thinking about sprucing up their garden this summer by adding some bespoke decking should be cautious to avoid any mistakes. These can work out extremely costly both in the short and long term.
Design, size and materials are all vital components that must be considered in detail before carrying out any DIY work. This is to not only minimise mistakes but to create the perfect outdoor space to entertain guests for a summer barbeque.
A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk said: “Standard redwood decking timber can be a fantastic alternative to a patio and is a great way of extending outside living space.
“Laying your own decking may seem simple especially if you’re an experienced DIY-er but it doesn’t come without its difficulties.
“The most surprising thing people find they’re getting wrong is installing the decking with the grooves facing up. These grooves might only help with water runoff if built on an angle, so if you want your decking to last a long time it’s best to have the smooth side facing upwards.”
GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk’s seven DIY decking mistakes to avoid:
Groove side down
Despite the common belief that you should lay deck boards with the groove side up, it’s actually more effective to have the smooth side on display. This is because the grooves encourage air circulation beneath the deck which stops it from rotting. There’s no real extra grip achieved through having the ridges up and they can increase the difficulty of cleaning a wooden deck.
Getting the size wrong
Make sure you carefully plan how much of your garden you want to cover with decking. Too little and you won’t have enough space to fit furniture and planters on. But too much and you can lose the natural feel of the garden – leaving no space for wildlife to flourish.
Not allowing a gap
As wood is a natural material it will expand and contract under different conditions. When humidity it tends to expand due to the increase in water in the air and when the moisture is drawn out this is when decking can contract. Composite decking won’t change form as much as real wood. However, it can change size depending on whether it’s hot or cold. This is why it’s important to leave a gap between the boards, as it gives your deck adequate space to change without damaging the integrity of the entire structure.
Not using good quality wood
If you’re looking for a deck that’s going to last for an extended period of time, then it’s advisable to use good quality hardwood or opt for composite decking instead of softwood. Hardwood and composite decking not only last a lot longer but they look great and are less likely to become a safety hazard.
Not sealing any holes
Underneath the deck can become a rat’s new home if you don’t make sure there aren’t any gaps for them to crawl into. You can do this by filling in the frame of the deck with hardcore, soil or any other available material. If you want to be extra cautious, you can put chicken wire or mesh around the edge of the decking, although this may affect the overall aesthetic.
Overcomplicating the design
Often when it comes to decking design, more is less, especially when you’re doing a DIY job. Adding benches, lights, and planters are all ways to spruce up your decking but do these things separately. Adding too much to the design can make it look cluttered and lead to mistakes when cutting and installing
Not sealing the deck straight away
Not sealing the deck straight away can lead to the wood weathering quickly, thus rapidly decreasing the life span of your deck. Newly installed wood is in the best condition to be coated and sealant is easy to come by, it can be found in most DIY or hardware stores or at Garden Buildings Direct.
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