When it comes to long-lasting outdoor surfaces for your home or business, few materials can boast the enduring power and beauty of composite decking.

Built to last, composite decking is made with an innate ability to withstand the demands of Mother Nature and handle anything man can throw at it – within reason.

That being said, nothing is invincible and even composite decking can falter under extreme conditions and severe force.

If your deck has been in the wars, the task of replacing deck boards can be a necessary evil. Luckily, this blog should help remedy such an eventuality.

Replacing Deck Boards from DeckPlus

Accidents can happen from time to time and, for whatever reason, you may find yourself in the unfortunate position where you need to replace a board or two.

Naturally, the prospect of replacing deck boards can seem a little frustrating for some and outright daunting for others.

If you fall into either of those categories, don’t worry. Replacing a single board or two doesn’t necessitate the entire deck to be torn from its foundation.

In fact, the whole process of replacing deck boards from DeckPlus is actually surprisingly simple!

How to Replace Individual Deck Boards

1. Make two parallel incisions through the centre of the unwanted board you would like to replace.
2. Remove the newly created centre piece, leaving behind a length of board on either side.
3. Use a standard pry bar to lift the remaining deck pieces from the tabs.
4. Remove the tabs on the side of the board with the screw heads showing using a reciprocating saw.
5. Place the new board into position and drive it onto the remaining tabs.
6. Once in position, secure the board into place by using TOPLoc screws to firmly hold the loose edges in place.
7. Stand back and admire your handiwork!

Replacing Deck Boards with Composite Decking

If you happen to own a traditional wood deck that’s showing its age or, worse still, becoming a hazard and unfit for prupose, you may want to consider a comprehensive deck replacement.

Replacing deck boards with composite decking can be a great way to upgrade your outside space. Composite decking boasts a level of durability that’s simply unmatched by conventional wood decking, providing reliable weather resistance in terms of both practicality and aesthetics.

Not only will your surface be resistant to stains, fading and abrasions, it’ll also never split or splinter like traditional wood materials. Meanwhile, composite decking is also highly resistant to moisture, providing a clean surface that’s safe to use in all conditions, while also preventing the development of unsightly algae and mould.

For more information on replacing your deck with composite decking, check out our “Deck Replacement” blog wholly dedicated to just that.

Want to replace your deck with our beautiful, long-lasting composite decking? You can purchase everything you need, including deck boards, fixtures & facias, directly through our website! Get started on your garden project today.

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Advances in outdoor design have seen decking materials come on leaps and bounds in the last 20 years, leaving old deck technology behind in the rear-view mirror as outdoor relics of the past.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the time and/or money to stay on top of decking technology, often leaving an aging aesthetic in growing need of updating with each passing year.

For those that have yet to update their decks, the time will eventually come when a deck replacement is needed, as colours fade and boards weaken.

Sadly, time waits for no man and the same thing applies to decking. If you’re considering a deck replacement, here are a few things you might want to mull over before you commit.

Do I Need a Deck Replacement?

Depending on the size of your outdoor space and, more importantly, the decking area you need to replace, a comprehensive deck replacement can be a costly endeavour.

If you’re considering a replacing your decking due to the aging aesthetics and maturing condition of the deck boards, you might want to look a little deeper into the problem.

Upon closer inspection, you may not require a full-scale deck replacement at all. In fact, you may even be able to re-use some of your existing features, provided they are still in healthy condition.

Most deck frames are made of treated materials specifically designed to last for decades. Provided your existing structure is made from treated wood and not rotting, you may be able to re-use it.

Remodelling your existing structure with new decking, rails and stairs can breathe new life into an otherwise sound structure, saving a chunk of time and money in the process.

That being said, if rot has taken hold and key structural elements are beginning to weaken – such as the posts, joists and beams – you may need to throw in the towel and start from scratch.

Taking the Plunge

When it comes to deck replacement, the power of change can have a huge impact on your outdoor space, in terms of appearance, enjoyment and practical use.

In fact, revamping your deck boards can make a massive difference to the overall aesthetic, particularly if you opt for a notably different design.

Simply switching up the colour scheme can instantly revolutionise your garden in terms of personality, providing a welcome change to the established norm of before.

You may even find that the change of dynamic changes your living habits, providing additional motivation to get outside and make the most of your outdoor space.

What’s more, upgrading from a traditional decking material to composite decking also brings with it a myriad of practical benefits that allow you to enjoy your outdoor space like never before.

Upgrading to Composite Decking

Composite decking is inherently hard-wearing, requiring minimal upkeep. No longer will you be required to spend your Saturdays staining and treating the boards to maintain their vibrant hue; a simple annual jetwash will do just fine.

Additionally, composite decking is also extremely capable under a number of elemental demands, resistant to hot and cold weather alike, as well as abrasions. Composite decking will never split or splinter, nor will it warp or fade.

Meanwhile, capped composite decking in particular also boasts extreme moisture-resistance, making any worries of spills and stains a thing of the past. So, the next time the weather is fine, there are no excuses to spark up the BBQ or enjoy a few drinks in the open air.

For more advice on deck replacement or additional information on composite decking options from DeckPlus, why not speak with our customer care team today? Call now on 0800 028 8756 or get in touch online by clicking the link below.

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The world of decking can be a bit of minefield to navigate through, especially if you don’t really know what you’re looking for. The wide range of materials and specifications can easily lead to confusion, with variety of befuddling lingo to match. Even the terms and product names themselves can leave you feeling like your learning a foreign language!

One such term you may stumble across in your decking search is WPC decking.

“What is WPC decking?” we hear you ask? Let’s peel back the veil and find out.

What is WPC Decking?: WPC Decking Explained

Not to be confused with PVC decking (non-wood polyvinyl chloride), WPC (wood plastic composite) decking is essentially another name for composite decking.

As the name suggests, Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) decking typically consists of a combination of natural hardwood and synthetic materials, i.e. a composite.

The end result is a natural-looking product that performs like a man-made material, providing aesthetic beauty and durability in equal measure.

Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) Decking

Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) decking isn’t just a better solution for your decking area, it’s also a better solution for the environment.

Unlike traditional wood decking, WPC decking uses recycled materials to form each board. At DeckPlus, no trees are harmed in the construction of our products whatsoever. Our TimberTech range, in particular, is comprised of 73% recycled material, with a further 50% of the polymer content coming from recycled materials.

Our range of WPC decking boards are environmentally friendly, made of recycled materials, and have a variety of other benefits such as not splintering and being slip-resistant. These are features you can typically only find with WPC decking, not with traditional wood decking. 

Providing quality and sustainability from the outset, WPC decking doesn’t require staining or sealing either, further contributing to its eco-friendly status. Meanwhile, the long-lasting nature and durability of the product mean that these products will also last long into the future.

For more information on WPC decking or to hear more about the variety of composite decking options available at DeckPlus, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 0800 028 8756 or get in touch online by clicking the button below.

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An outdoor decking area is a wonderful way to enjoy your outdoor space, soak up the sun or take in the open air; but who said that decking area needs to be on the ground?

At DeckPlus, our composite decking isn’t just the ideal route to a revolutionised garden, it’s also the perfect way to revamp a roof terrace or a breath some life into a balcony!

Why Choose Balcony Decking from DeckPlus?

When it comes to decking out your balcony, nothing comes close to the awesome power of composite decking. Here are a few reasons why you should raise your game with balcony decking from DeckPlus.

Slip-Resistant

Perhaps the most important attribute for any flooring surface that’s high above ground, slip-resistance is vital for any balcony decking product

Fortunately, at DeckPlus, all of our products are extremely slip-resistant and built to withstand the demands of Mother Nature.

Our capped composite decking boards, in particular, are extremely water-resistant, featuring a protective polymer sleeve that’s virtually impermeable to moisture.

The result is a surface that’s firm underfoot and provides traction you can count on with every step.

Easy Installation

Another great perk of using DeckPlus for your rooftop or balcony decking is that it’s inherently easy to install. In fact, when compared to comparative products and competitors’ offerings, DeckPlus is virtually effortless.

Using our noise-reducing EasyFix decking accessories, you can remove the need for a mechanical attachment altogether. Simply push-fit the rubber shoes onto the joists and use the EasyFix packers to level with ease.

Meanwhile, most of our balcony decking options are also compatible with the CONCEALoc hidden fastener system, for a smooth and seamless finish. With built-in spacers, this method allows top-side installation for trouble-free access.

Design Freedom

Available in a wide range of colours and a myriad of designs, our composite decking boards can bring instant personality to your balcony decking area.

From the deepest of blacks to the lightest of whites with every natural wood shade you could in between, the scope for design is extremely varied.

Not only does this allow you to achieve the outdoor finish you desire but it also paves the way for you to accessorise with your interior colour-scheme as well for an indoor/outdoor transition that works.

Durability

Whenever renovate your home, knowing that your new balcony decking is going to last long into the future can be a big selling point and provide solid peace of mind.

Luckily, DeckPlus decking is built to last. Better yet, it requires little to no maintenance to retain its stellar aesthetic appeal.

Composite decking from DeckPlus will never splinter, split or bow, while it’s also extremely resistant to mould and algae.

When your decking is down, you know your balcony design is in it for the long haul and here to stay well into the future.

For more information on balcony decking or any other composite decking products from DeckPlus, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 0800 028 8756 or get in touch online using the button below.

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A quick Google search for decking will fire back a surprising amount of results, featuring a wide variety of deck options for you to choose from.

As a result, picking out the decking material that’s right for you and your home can be a lot trickier than you might think.

To help you get to grips with each of these woody resources and, more importantly, the pros and cons of each, here’s a brief introduction into different types of decking.

Common Types of Decking

Decking boards come in a myriad of shapes, sizes and colours, offering an equally diverse range of attributes.

For years, the three main options for those looking to deck out their outdoor space were softwood decking, hardwood decking or plastic decking.

Unfortunately, none of these materials offered a comprehensive, long-term solution to domestic decking needs., as you can see below.

Softwood Decking

Softwood decking requires extensive maintenance to keep it in tip-top condition, necessitating regular staining and treating from year-to-year.

Even with such treatment, softwood decking may still warp and crack, while this material is also very absorbent, making it highly susceptible to mould and algae.

Meanwhile, traditional wood is also notably difficult to install at times, with knots in the wood a natural obstacle resulting in wasted materials.

Hardwood Decking

While hardwood decking may be a safer option than softwood decking, it will still need a lot of maintenance to keep its looks over time, requiring continued stripping, staining and oiling.

In addition to being time-consuming, this also involves the introduction of chemicals which can be harmful to the environment.

Much like softwood, hardwood decking can also be difficult to install and has the potential to split and splinter over time.

Plastic Decking

While plastic may seem like a synthetic solution to the above issues, they often not fit for purpose when it comes to weather-resistance and can become very slippery underfoot when wet.

What’s more, while they may benefit from less maintenance than traditional wood, they are also less sturdy and can bow and crack under stress.

Aesthetically, plastic decking also tends to look notably less impressive than wood, exuding a cheaper appearance that connotes a lack of quality.

Types of Composite Decking

While the above three options have many pitfalls in terms of appearance, practicality and upkeep, there is a better way to achieve your dream deck without the drawbacks.

Composite decking boasts all the aesthetic beauty of traditional wood decking with the low-maintenance benefits of synthetic materials, all with the added benefit of extreme durability and weather-resistance.

At DeckPlus, we specialise in composite decking and currently offer the following three avenues for you to explore when settling on the right material to suit your needs.

Hollow Composite Decking

The newest innovation to hit the decking market in recent years, hollow composite decking is a budget-friendly solution to your composite decking needs.

Hollow composite decking is markedly less expensive than other kinds of composite decking allowing those without a sizeable savings fund to deck out their garden in style.

They are also extremely eco-friendly, benefitting from the recycled aspect of its composition, while also using less material than solid composite decking.

Uncapped Composite Decking

A step up from hollow composite decking boards, non-capped composite decking offers virtually unrivalled durability and design flair with a low-maintenance lifespan.

Providing beautiful wood-look decking without the upkeep of the real thing, uncapped composite decking is fade, stain and abrasion-resistant.

Non-capped composite decking is also inherently slip-resistant, boasting an extremely low absorption rate for enhanced traction.

Capped Composite Decking

A step up from uncapped decking, capped composite decking is arguably the most comprehensive decking solution available on the market today.

Featuring a protective polymer sleeve for enhanced durability, capped decking is virtually impermeable to moisture, making it ideal even in wet conditions.

Ideal for pool and hot tub surrounds, spills and splashes can simply be wiped clean, while social gatherings involving food and drink are also no match for the awesome resilience of capped composite decking.

So, there you have it: a frank assessment of the main types of decking available on the market today. For more information on any of the decking types mentioned in this article or to find out more about hollow or solid decking at DeckPlus, call 0800 028 8756 now or get in touch online using the link below.

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