Picture this. You’ve spent time and money having your dream decking installed, your garden looks amazing. That summer is full of BBQ’s and garden parties, your friends and family just can’t get enough!
But years go by, the British weather takes its toll and your deck isn’t what it used to be. There are some loose boards that you’ve been meaning to replace and the wood is beginning to fade. The average lifespan of a timber deck is 10-15 years, so if you’re reaching that milestone it might be time to consider a replacement. Unless you’ve followed our tips…
Mayfield are proud to be one of the leading suppliers of uPVC decking in the UK. Our teams work hard up and down the country, installing decking at holiday parks, static caravans and residential properties.
We’re pretty clued up when it comes to decking, whether it’s a bespoke project for your garden or a whole fleet of decks for your park. We want to help you get the most out of your Sundeck, so here are our top tips to make it look fantastic for longer.
3 Ways to Keep Your Decking Looking Great
Here are our tips to keep your decking looking great for years to come.
1. Switch from Timber to a uPVC or Composite Decking
While composite decking has been a standard for the park home and holiday park industry for decades, the majority of residential properties are still using standard timber deck boards. While timber looks lovely, your timber deck only has a 10-15 year lifespan so you can expect general wear and tear in the first couple of years.
Cracks and splinters will begin to appear, the decking will fade and the wood is likely to become slippery as mildew or algae starts growing on the surface. Due to rainfall, the wood could rot causing it to sag or begin to crumble away. None of these things are easy on the eye, but the bigger concern is safety.
When you use uPVC decking boards, like the Hampton Range, you won’t have to worry about any of these things. uPVC is weather-resistant, so it doesn’t rot or become slippery and unsafe. Our premium range is also fully weather tested, we guarantee it won’t fade and offer a 12-year Colourfast warranty with every deck.
Composite or uPVC decking has a lifespan of 25-30 years – double that of timber deck. If you want a decking that will stand the test of time, and continue to look great year after year, make the switch to composite!
2. Install Aluminium Decking Sub-frames
Something we’ve been working on at Mayfield HQ is reducing our timber usage. While timber does have benefits and is still prominent in most design projects, we felt it was time to look for a sustainable alternative. Aluminium decking sub-frames are significantly less damaging to the environment and extend the lifespan of your decking.
Aluminium is one of the most environmentally-friendly materials on the planet. According to this article by Origin, of the 1 billion tonnes of aluminium produced in the last 100 years, 75% of it is still in use. That’s partially down to it being a strong, sturdy and durable metal but it is also widely recyclable which makes it a very attractive material in many trades.
Like our composite deck boards, aluminium doesn’t rot or sag. Unlike timber, it is impervious to moisture, insect and fungal attacks. As it is so long-lasting, it also makes it a cost-effective option – you won’t need to think about replacing your aluminium sub-frame any time soon.
All of these benefits make our aluminium decking sub-frames worth considering if you are looking at ways to make your deck last longer.
3. Use the Right Aftercare Products
Both our Hampton and Focus ranges are extremely low maintenance products that require very little upkeep to keep them looking brand new. When it does come to cleaning the deck, you must use the right products. Using the wrong cleaning materials could actually damage your deck, reducing its lifespan.
Whether you have a composite deck or a timber deck, there are specially designed chemical compounds that will maintain the boards without causing any damage. Our favourite product is the Wash Bomb.
The Wash Bomb can be used to clean virtually anything and is environmentally friendly. It’s so easy to use and doesn’t leave any annoying residue on your decking. Its unique compound makes it the ideal product for uPVC or timber decking.
You can buy the Wash Bomb and other decking cleaning products online here for decking cleaning products
Need Some Help?
These are our top tips to help you increase the lifespan of your decking and ensure it is looking brand new for years to come. Our team are on hand to offer any advice or answer any questions that you may have about decking upkeep.
Mayfield roup design and install decking up and down the UK, with our network of trusted suppliers ready to help when you need it. From replacing old decks to installing a fleet at your holiday park, Mayfield are on hand to help.
And, because we want you to get the most out of your new decking, we’re happy to talk you through our aftercare recommendations or help you take the next step in switching from a timber to a composite or uPVC deck board.
All you have to do is give us a call on 01202 233 959 or email us on enquiries@themayfieldgroup.co.uk
Fancy designing your own gorgeous Sundeck? Go ahead! DeckMe allows you to create a bespoke deck, including loads of our decking accessories, for your holiday home or static caravan.
To find out more about our Sundecks, get a quote or get some decking inspiration look us up on www.themayfieldgroup.co.uk
FAQs
Q: How long does a timber deck typically last?
A: The average lifespan of a timber deck is 10-15 years.
Q: What are the signs that my timber deck needs replacement?
A: Signs of wear and tear include cracks, splinters, fading, slippery surfaces due to mildew or algae growth, and rotting wood.
Q: What are the benefits of switching from timber to uPVC or composite decking?
A: uPVC and composite decking have a longer lifespan (25-30 years), are weather-resistant, won’t rot or become slippery, and offer a safer and more durable option.
Q: How long is the warranty for uPVC decking?
A: The premium uPVC decking range offered by Mayfield comes with a 12-year Colourfast warranty.
Q: How do aluminium decking sub-frames benefit the environment and the deck’s lifespan?
A: Aluminium is environmentally-friendly, as it is widely recyclable and has a long-lasting, strong, and durable nature. Using aluminium sub-frames can extend the lifespan of the decking.
Q: How does aluminium compare to timber in terms of resistance to moisture and pests?
A: Aluminium is impervious to moisture, insect attacks, and fungal attacks, making it a superior choice compared to timber in these aspects.
Q: Is aluminium decking sub-frame a cost-effective option?
A: Yes, due to its long-lasting nature, aluminium decking sub-frames are considered a cost-effective option, as they won’t need frequent replacements.
Q: What are the main benefits of low-maintenance decking like Hampton and Focus ranges?
A: Low-maintenance decking requires minimal upkeep to keep it looking new, saving you time and effort.
Q: How do I properly clean and maintain my decking?
A: Use the right aftercare products specifically designed for your decking material. For uPVC and timber, consider using environmentally-friendly compounds like the Wash Bomb.
Q: Where can I buy the Wash Bomb and other decking cleaning products?
A: You can purchase the Wash Bomb and other decking cleaning products online through Mayfield’s website.
Q: Does uPVC decking look attractive and suitable for residential properties?
A: Yes, uPVC decking, especially premium ranges like the Hampton series, is designed to look fantastic and is suitable for both residential and holiday park use.
Q: Can I customise my decking project for my garden?
A: Yes, Mayfield offers bespoke decking projects to cater to individual garden requirements.
Q: What are the additional safety benefits of using uPVC or composite decking?
A: uPVC and composite decking materials are less likely to splinter or develop dangerous cracks, providing an added safety advantage.
Q: Can I install the decking myself, or do I need professional help?
A: While some may choose to install their decking themselves, it is often recommended to seek professional installation for the best results and longevity.
Q: How can I protect my deck from harsh weather conditions?
A: Using weather-resistant decking materials like uPVC or composite and applying appropriate aftercare products can help protect your deck from the elements.