Decking

[gobbypunk]

So to any of you that do decking I have a deck to refurbish and I can mill Cedar decking boards but all the decking boards sold in like T P they all have grooves down them is this needed is it better to have them what do you all think 

 Cheers. Mark

[sime42]

I'd say that they're needed. I think their main function is to reduce the slipperyness in the wet. I speak from experience of installing a few deckings plus almost going arse-over-tit a few times on people's decks, that have been down a few years. Algae tends to build up on the surface of the wood to make it extra slippery.

 

You can get special coatings that contain sand to increase friction, they help but probably wouldn't remove the need for the grooves I'd guess.

 

 

 

 

[GarethM]

I've seen them installed both ways, but was always told grooves down allows better surface area to keep the timber dry and prevent warping as the flat surface is usually sealed/painted etc.

Edited May 1 by GarethM

[AHPP]

Most decking is outrageously dangerous (slippery). Crasser than astroturf. From a liability point of view, I'd sooner install nuclear power stations. 

Edited May 1 by AHPP

[Stere]

 I wouldn't bother as it just seems a place to retain water longer and dirt, making  it harder to clean etc.... Also non grooved decks looks alot more classy & expensive & bespoke.

 

 Grooving while it might help abit with regards to grip  doesn't seem to do that much as they are still like an ice rink if they get green.

 

Local council have miles of B&Q type board walks. They have all have had "sand paper" anti slip treads retro fitted. Some boards have broken in under 5 yrs from new  but maybe   cedar would last alot longer the cheapo stuff?

 

 

 

Personally I don't think decking is that well suited to the UK climate especially the Welsh one, unless you don't mind  doing a pressure wash & re- oiling regular.

 

But the climate  here means it wants to revert to a  "celtic rainforest" everthing goes green very fast. SE UK is abit different.

Maybe sho shugi ban is the answer?

 

 

[sime42]

 

5 minutes ago, AHPP said:

Most decking is outrageously dangerous (slippery). Crasser than astroturf. 

 

Rate in order of crassness;-

 

Patio Heaters

AstroTurf

Hot Tubs

Decking

 

[sime42]

8 minutes ago, Stere said:

 I wouldn't bother as it just seems a place to retain water longer and dirt, making  it harder to clean etc.... Also non grooved decks looks alot more classy & expensive & bespoke.

 

 Grooving while it might help abit with regards to grip  doesn't seem to do that much as they are still like an ice rink if they get green.

 

Local council have miles of B&Q type board walks. They have all have had "sand paper" anti slip treads retro fitted. Some boards have broken in under 5 yrs from new  but maybe   cedar would last alot longer the cheapo stuff?

 

 

 

Personally I don't think decking is that well suited to the UK climate especially the Welsh one, unless you don't mind  doing a pressure wash & re- oiling regular.

 

But the climate  here means it wants to revert to a  "celtic rainforest" everthing goes green very fast. SE UK is abit different.

Maybe sho shugi ban is the answer?

 

 

 

Plus, decking makes a lovely cosy space for rats to make their nests. And slugs.

[AHPP]

20 minutes ago, sime42 said:

 

 

Rate in order of crassness;-

 

Patio Heaters

AstroTurf

Hot Tubs

Decking

 

 

Crass

+

Decking

Astro

Patio heater

Hot tub

-

Tolerable

[GarethM]

3 minutes ago, AHPP said:

Crass

+

Decking

Astro

Patio heater

Hot tub

-

Tolerable

Sod the list and just have the hot tub

[sime42]

What's wrong with just having a good old fashioned bath?