Approved DeckPlus installers MPA Property Maintenance were recently asked to replace an old deck outside a lovely property in Cambridgeshire.

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There are homeowners up and down the country with old wooden decks in their gardens, begging to be replaced! Over time, moisture creeps into wooden boards, causing them to crack, rot and warp. Left untreated, your old wooden deck can become a real hazard to you and others in your home. 

Compared to composite decking, wooden decks have a relatively short lifespan, so it's unsurprising that homeowners often opt for a more durable replacement. One of the things that puts people off installing a new deck is the prospect of ripping up the old one. Not only does this take time, but it also leaves you with a huge pile of (potentially rotting) wood that you'll need to get rid of. 

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Looking after a timber deck can be really hard work. When neglected, timber decking quickly starts to deteriorate, discolour and even rot. Eventually, you'll look outside and wish you'd taken better care of it, but without completely replacing the deck, there's very little you can do to salvage it. Here are a few things you should look out for that indicate when it's time to have your timber deck replaced:

• Significant damage to the deck boards 
• Deck boards that are bowing
• Cracks and splinters in one or more board
• Obvious discolouration (either from sun fade or weathering)
• Rusty or missing hardware

If you spot one or more of these problems on your timber deck, then we'd highly recommend considering a replacement deck. Of course, if you want to avoid ending up in this position again, you should consider a more durable, long-lasting option like composite decking. Unlike timber decking, composite decking is designed with a hardy polymer sleeve. This sleeve keeps moisture out of the boards, prevents rot and preserves the colour and finish of the deck boards for up to 30 years! 

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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.

Shop Composite Decking >

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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