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Welcome to our first blog post, a space to share insights into the work we do and ideas on how to keep your garden happy, healthy and looking its best!
We find this time of year very exciting at Gardenio... the ground is slowly waking up and coming back to life, and everything is waiting eagerly for the arrival of spring. This also makes it one of the best times of year for garden rennovation projects, leaving plenty of time to get things in tip top shape before warmer weather arrives.
Today we thought we'd talk you through one of our favourite options for any outdoor area: decking. Not only does decking add character to your garden, it can also increase the value of your home by up to 20% in the long-run.
Plan carefully and choose a style
When it comes to decking, planning really is essential. Don't worry, you don't need to have a background in landscape architecture to make the right choices for your garden, but it is important to consider the following options carefully:
Function of the deck
Consider why you want a deck and what its main use will be. Is it a walkway to reach another area, or a space for dining and seating? The purpose of the deck may affect the materials and size you ultimately decide on.
What garden aesthetic appeals the most to you? Decking can be remarkably versatile, offering varying height levels and the choice between curved and straight lines.
Style of decking
Perhaps the trickiest part of all is going to be deciding on the material that works best for you. From PVC (made from polyvinyl chloride) to composite, there is a choice to suit different styles and budgets. Here are some of the most popular options:
Softwood
Softwood decking, made of fast growing coniferous trees. The least expensive option, this form of decking is easy to work with and widely available. Softwood offers a lovely natural look for your garden, but it does need to be thoroughly treated before use, to protect it from fungal disease and insects.
Hardwood
Made from slow growing trees such as ash or oak, hardwood decking may not be the most budget friendly option - but it can preserve its look for many, many years if well maintained. While more expensive than softwood, hardwood decking is durable and should stand the test of time.
Composite
Growing rapidly in popularity, composite decking offers greater durability and lower maintenance that most wooden decking. Produced using a combination of recycled wood and plastic, composite decking requires no sealant or stains following installation. This makes it one of the most eco-friendly and sustainable decking options available. To find out more about how composite decking works, you can take a look here.
Installing your decking
To ensure the lifespan of your decking, the installation process must be carried out properly. A high quality subframe is essential, to avoid problems with your decking at a later date. In many cases, creating your decking subframe will contribute to as much as half the labour and materials cost as the decking itself. Getting it right can make all the difference, so this isn't a part where any shortcuts should be taken.
Bear in mind there are additional elements you'll also need to prepare, such as hidden fasteners, fascia boards, along with the right screws, starter clips and joist brackets.
If you want to find out more about how we work to install our decking, you can email us at info@gardenio.co.uk.
A beautiful, well-built deck will add new life to your garden, creating a space for you to enjoy for years to come.
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