{"id":1336,"date":"2017-08-04T16:13:49","date_gmt":"2017-08-04T15:13:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quotatis.co.uk\/advice\/?post_type=project_page&p=1336"},"modified":"2020-11-16T09:09:38","modified_gmt":"2020-11-16T09:09:38","slug":"terraces-decking","status":"publish","type":"project_page","link":"https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/advice\/guide\/gardening-landscaping\/terraces-decking\/","title":{"rendered":"Terraces & Decking"},"content":{"rendered":"

A terrace or decking is great to add a comfortable seating area to your garden. If you have patio, French or bifold doors a terrace can be wonderful to walk out onto.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A terrace or decking is great to add a comfortable seating area to your garden. If you have patio, French or bifold doors a terrace can be wonderful to walk out onto.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1338,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":[],"tags":[],"tax_works":[13],"class_list":["post-1336","project_page","type-project_page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tax_works-gardening-landscaping"],"acf":{"testimonials":false,"inspirations":[1319,1416],"faq":[1243,1241,1244,1242],"quote_link":"https:\/\/www.quotatis.co.uk\/quotes.html?keyword=terrace-and-wooden-decking&sqn=115897&spn=810","project_page_element_title":"Types of Terrace and Decking","project_page_elements":[{"element_label":"Wood","link_to_element_post":{"ID":1403,"post_author":"10","post_date":"2017-08-11 15:04:33","post_date_gmt":"2017-08-11 14:04:33","post_content":"Setting up wooden decking in your garden can transform it. It can give it a stylish new look and revolutionise how you use your outdoor area.\r\n\r\nBut you need to make sure you do it right. The best decking can look fabulous but the worst can look cheap and degrade quickly. \r\n\r\nFollow these 4 steps to get the ideal wooden decking for your garden.\r\n\r\n

1. Pick the right wood<\/h3>\r\nIf you\u2019re planning on building wooden decking, it\u2019s vital that you get the right wood. Wood colour and quality vary so much that it\u2019s something that you need to consider carefully.\r\n\r\nThink about which colour would look best on your decking. Lighter woods can blend seamlessly and subtly into your garden but darker woods create an eye-catching contrast. Go for whatever suits you - the choice is yours.\r\n\r\nSoftwoods tend to be cheaper than hardwoods. Hardwoods are often more durable and stable than softwoods, but both can last for 25 years plus if you look after them properly. If you\u2019re set on a wood type but can\u2019t find the colour you want, why not see if there\u2019s a wood paint, stain or varnish<\/a> you can use?\r\n\r\n

2. Be creative with your design<\/h3>\t\r\nOnce you\u2019ve chosen your wood, think about your decking design. Most people make their wooden decking out of straight, flat boards. But if you think outside the box, there are plenty of other options.\r\n\r\n\"\"Consider texture. Are smooth, sleek boards your style or would you prefer a grooved or ribbed finish? And do you want flat boards or do you fancy mixing it up with diagonal boards or a herringbone pattern?\r\n\r\nWhatever your property or garden style, you can find wooden decking to suit it.\r\n\r\n

3. Install it correctly<\/h3>\r\nIt\u2019s vital to install your decking correctly. Even the most beautiful wooden decking can look crumby if it isn\u2019t fitted correctly.\r\n\r\nMake sure you lay fabric over the soil where your decking will be to prevent weed growth. You also need solid foundations for your decking \u2013 soil just isn\u2019t firm enough. Plus, if you\u2019re building your decking directly next to your home, make sure it slopes gently away to stop water running into your home.\r\n\r\n

4. Look after it<\/h3>\r\nFinally, make sure you look after your wooden decking. Wouldn\u2019t it be a shame if you got the perfect decking but it deteriorated because you didn\u2019t look after it?\r\n\r\nSome woods come treated while others require treating before you use them. Make sure you treat your wood as and when required to keep it in top condition. You can find out when to do this by consulting the manufacturer and following the instructions on the preservative you use.\r\n\r\nYou should also make sure you keep your decking clean. Not only will this keep it looking good, it\u2019ll also stop it getting grubby and slippery.\r\n\r\nSo finding the ideal wooden decking doesn\u2019t have to be an ordeal. Following these 4 steps should help you get the perfect outdoor area for you and your garden.\r\n\r\nIf you need help sourcing and installing decking, click \u2018Start my project\u2019<\/a> to use our service. We\u2019ll connect you with up to 4 decking professionals who\u2019ll be able to give you a free, no-obligation quote.","post_title":"4 Steps to Getting the Ideal Wooden Decking","post_excerpt":"Wooden decking can look fantastic in your garden. We\u2019ve come up with 4 steps to help you get the ideal decking for you.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"4-steps-getting-ideal-wooden-decking","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2017-08-11 15:04:33","post_modified_gmt":"2017-08-11 14:04:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.quotatis.co.uk\/advice\/?post_type=project_page_element&p=1403","menu_order":0,"post_type":"project_page_element","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}},{"element_label":"uPVC","link_to_element_post":{"ID":1408,"post_author":"10","post_date":"2017-08-14 11:31:33","post_date_gmt":"2017-08-14 10:31:33","post_content":"When it comes to building decking, lots of people assume that they need to use wood. But uPVC is also a great material for decking and is definitely worth considering.\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re thinking about using uPVC, or are unsure what decking material to use full stop, use our pros and cons list to help you decide.\r\n\r\n

uPVC Decking Pros<\/h3>\r\n\r\n

Customisable<\/h5>\r\nA big benefit to uPVC decking is that it\u2019s customisable. You can get the material in lots of different colours, which is really handy if you want to coordinate it with your home or garden. Lots of people go for uPVC decking with a wood effect finish \u2013 a great way to get an attractive wood look without having to use the material.\r\n\r\n
Durable and low-maintenance<\/h5>\r\nuPVC is also a really popular decking material because it\u2019s durable. It won\u2019t rot, crack or splinter like wood is prone to. It also won\u2019t stain or need any protective treatment. The most you\u2019ll need to do to keep your uPVC decking looking good is to give it a wash every now and then.\r\n\r\n
Recyclable<\/h5>\r\nAnother bonus to uPVC is that most high-quality types are recyclable. This is great if you want to reduce your damage to the environment. Of course, uPVC is far from harmless \u2013 plastic manufacturing processes burn fossil fuels and add to carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. But using recyclable uPVC will help to reduce the amount of uPVC that\u2019s being manufactured and lower waste levels. \r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\n
Affordable<\/h5>\r\nLots of people also choose to use uPVC for their decking because it\u2019s affordable. It\u2019s generally cheaper than other decking materials, like wood and composite. So it\u2019s well worth considering if you\u2019ve got a tight budget.\r\n\r\n

uPVC Decking Cons<\/h3>\r\n\r\n

Can look cheap<\/h5>\r\nA downside to uPVC \u2013 whether it\u2019s used on windows, guttering or decking \u2013 is that many people think that it looks cheap. Even though there are many uPVC decks out there with a convincing wood effect, lots of people choose wood over uPVC over its appearance.\r\n\r\n
Prone to UV damage<\/h5>\r\nWhilst uPVC is generally pretty durable, exposure to UV light will eventually cause it to deteriorate. Under prolonged sunlight, uPVC can fade and become brittle, which makes it more susceptible to damage. As decking is often in sunlit areas, this damage is pretty hard to avoid.\r\n\r\n
Difficult to repair<\/h5>\r\nAnother disadvantage to uPVC is that it\u2019s difficult to repair. If some of your decking does get damaged, you\u2019ll probably have to replace the whole section. This can be expensive and tricky if your decking is a custom colour.\r\n\r\nSo uPVC decking has a range of pros and cons. If you\u2019re still undecided on which material to use, take a look at our articles on wooden<\/a> and composite<\/a> decking. Or if you need some professional help, click \u2018Start my project\u2019<\/a> and complete our online form. We\u2019ll get you free, no-obligation quotes from up to 4 professionals.","post_title":"uPVC Decking: the Pros and Cons","post_excerpt":"uPVC is a great decking material and is very popular amongst homeowners.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"upvc-decking-pros-cons","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2017-08-14 14:11:11","post_modified_gmt":"2017-08-14 13:11:11","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.quotatis.co.uk\/advice\/?post_type=project_page_element&p=1408","menu_order":0,"post_type":"project_page_element","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}},{"element_label":"Composite","link_to_element_post":{"ID":1413,"post_author":"10","post_date":"2017-08-14 14:04:47","post_date_gmt":"2017-08-14 13:04:47","post_content":"Creating an outdoor decking area can be a great way to ensure you get outside and enjoy your garden as much as you can. \r\n\r\nIf you want to build some decking in your garden, you\u2019ve got several materials to choose from. One of these is composite decking. This is usually made out of a mix of wood and plastic and is very popular.\r\n\r\nTo help you work out if composite decking is the right material for you, we\u2019ve come up with 4 of its top advantages.\r\n\r\n

1. Long-lasting<\/h3>\r\nIf you\u2019re going to put time and effort into installing decking in your garden, you want to know that it\u2019s going to last. Composite decking is a great choice as its weather resistance means that it won\u2019t degrade over time. Whereas wood can rot, you can be sure that your composite decking will be here to stay.\r\n\r\n

2. Low maintenance<\/h3>\r\nOne of the reasons why composite decking lasts so long is because it\u2019s low maintenance. It doesn\u2019t require staining, sanding or sealing like wood does. Like uPVC decking, the only attention it generally needs is the occasional wash.\r\n\r\n

3. Strong<\/h3>\r\nAnother benefit to composite decking is that the quality stuff is strong. Composite decking can often cope with the pressure and use that some types of wood and uPVC can\u2019t. Make sure you choose your composite material carefully to ensure you get the best product.\r\n\r\n

4. Easy to customise<\/h3>\r\nLots of people also choose a composite material because it\u2019s easy to customise. You can get composite decking in lots of different colours and effects, so you can get the look that suits you and your home. In many cases wood effect composite can look more convincing than wood effect uPVC, so it\u2019s well worth considering.\r\n\r\n\"\"

Other factors to consider<\/h3>\r\nOf course, as with most materials, composite does have its downsides. It\u2019s important to consider these before you run headlong into building.\r\n