Welcome to our Decking Buying Guide. Decking is the ideal way to extend your living space outdoors, adding beauty to your home or holiday property. With a range of decking options available from various companies, it can feel overwhelming knowing which one to choose. This guide will walk you through the considerations and choices so you can find the perfect fit for what you’re looking for.
What You Should Consider Before You Buy Decking
Before jumping into the various decking options, sit down and think about your purpose, budget, and location, and how these will affect your purchase. Here are some factors you should sit through:
- Purpose: Are you decking out a residential garden or holiday home? This will affect the material, size and style you choose.
- Budget: Decking comes in a wide range of price points, so having a budget in mind will help you narrow down your choices. While timber may seem cheaper initially, uPVC decking can offer better long-term value thanks to its low maintenance.
- Location: Is your decking going to be exposed to harsh weather, or is it in a more sheltered spot? Decking options that are weather and stain-resistant, like uPVC, can save you time and money in maintenance.
Decking Material Options
Once you have a clear idea of priorities, now it’s time to look at the different decking materials available. Each option comes with its pros and cons, so let’s break them down.
Wood or Timber Decking
Wood decking is a classic choice for many homeowners.
Pros:
- Aesthetic appeal with a traditional look
- Can be stained or painted to match your preference
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance, such as sealing, staining, or even replacing boards
- Prone to rot, splintering, and insect damage, especially in harsh weather conditions
Composite Decking
Pros:
- Low maintenance, only requiring occasional cleaning.
- Resistant to rot and insects.
Cons:
- It can fade over time with exposure to UV rays.
- More expensive upfront compared to traditional wood.
uPVC Decking
uPVC decking is made entirely from plastic but is designed to mimic the appearance of wood.
Pros:
- 100% recyclable, making it an eco-friendly choice
- Highly resistant to weather, stains, and fading
- Won’t splinter or rot, making it safe for children and pets
Cons:
- Limited in terms of customisation
uPVC decking has seen a great increase in popularity since January 2004, which can be seen in the graph shown below.
Why uPVC Decking is the Best Option
For those looking for long-lasting, low-maintenance decking, uPVC is an ideal choice. Unlike wood, uPVC decking doesn’t require sanding, staining, or sealing, and its weather resistance means it won’t warp or rot over time. This makes it particularly well-suited to the UK’s unpredictable climate, where damp conditions can quickly take a toll on timber decking. Also, if you’re conscious about the environment, uPVC decking is often made from recycled materials and can be fully recycled at the end of its lifespan. uPVC decking over traditional wood could reduce your long-term costs as well since it requires little upkeep and doesn’t need replacing as often.
Design Considerations for Your Decking
Choosing your material is only part of the process. The design of your deck is a whole nother thing to consider.
Size and Layout
Think about how you plan to use your deck and the space you have available. For a smaller garden, you might want to keep things simple with a single-level deck. Larger areas can accommodate multi-level designs, which can add visual interest and define different zones, such as seating and dining spaces.
Colour Options
uPVC decking comes in a wide range of colours, allowing you to tailor it to your home exterior. Choose neutral tones if you want your decking to blend with its surroundings, or darker shades if you want something that stands out.
Decking Accessories
To get a nice finished decking area, add unique accessories. Gates and balustrades can improve safety, especially if you have young children or pets, while decking lighting can extend the use of your deck into the evening. uPVC decking works well with loads of accessories, giving you the ability to design your ideal deck.
How Mayfield Decking Can Help
If you’re looking for high-quality, low-maintenance decking options, Mayfield Decking offers a wide range of uPVC solutions. Whether you want something bespoke for your garden or are decking out a holiday home, our expertise in designing and supplying uPVC decking and accessories ensures you get a durable and stylish solution. Browse our website today.