Composite decking with deck handrail

If you're thinking of using composite decking to build a deck in your garden, you may be looking for a clearer idea of the advantages that composite deck boards have to offer. What benefits will you get from choosing composite decking over hardwood timber decking? And are there any disadvantages that you should be aware of?

Today, we're going to take a quick look at some of the key pros and cons of composite decking. We hope this will help you to make your mind up!

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If you're lucky enough to live in the UK and have a flat roof that you can take advantage of when the weather allows it, but choose not to, then a deck may be the PERFECT thing to change your mind! 

Installing a composite deck from DeckPlus on your flat roof not only offers a fantastic flooring option that is suited to all weather conditions but a flooring option that is easy to install and will last the test of time with warranties up to 30 years. 

If you are planning on installing a deck onto a flat roof, however, there are a few things that need to be considered before-hand, including your roof's construction. There are several types of flat roof construction, typically, these are:

  • Inverted roof systems 
  • Mastic asphalt 
  • Layered asphalt 
  • Concrete 

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Benefits of Hidden Deck Fasteners

In our professional opinion, the best and most attractive way to install your composite decking is with hidden fasteners!

Depending on the type of composite decking board you choose, you are able to use hidden fasteners to ‘soft install’ your decking, resulting in a cleaner, more attractive-looking deck. Composite deck boards with a grooved edge allow hidden fasteners to be placed on either side and then screwed down into the deck’s frame. Meaning deck screws do not have to be drilled into the deck’s body, avoiding damage to the board and ensuring longevity. This is what provides a perfect, clean finish.

Types of Fasteners

There are two types of fasteners available to use when installing a deck; starter fasteners and hidden fasteners.

Starter fasteners are required by nearly all deck installations. This is the metal clip used to install and secure the very first and last deck boards of each run. Its purpose is to provide stability to the outer deck, resulting in the longevity of the deck’s body.

Hidden fasteners are the fasteners that create the gap between each individual board, which are secured and drilled down at each crossover of board and joist. Their purpose is to hold the boards in place across the main body of the deck and come with a whole host of features and benefits, including;

  • Easy installation, either pneumatically or using a drill
  • Available in a variety of sizes for different project types
  • Concealed to preserve the deck’s clean finish
  • Less likely to succumb to damage
  • Less risk for pets, children and feet
  • Built-in spacer provides a uniform gap between each board

Why does there have to be a gap between boards?

DeckPlus’ composite decking requires a gap between each board of 3-5mm in order for the warranty to be satisfied. This is to account for expansion and contraction of the deck boards within a variety of climates. If boards are not installed with an appropriate gap, there is a risk that the deck’s warranty will be void. Hidden fasteners enable you to install your boards with the correct gap in between, avoiding any potential issues with your deck’s warranty.

Here at DeckPlus, our hidden deck fasteners are available in different size options, catering for a variety of projects. Whether you’re looking to install a small deck or a large one, we have the hidden fasteners to match. Visit our decking accessories page today to learn more about the hidden fasteners options that we have available.

You can also find more information and instructions on our hidden deck fasteners within our installation resources. Click below to find out more!

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Want to speak to a member of the DeckPlus team about our hidden deck fasteners, composite deck boards or anything else? Do not hesitate to get in touch with us today. We’d be more than happy to hear from you.

raised composite decking

Over the last several years, we have seen a range of different, eye-catching deck designs created using our collection of composite deck boards. From small decks to large decks and everything in between, we’ve seen it all. But the stand out design that has gained more and more popularity is the raised deck.

Bringing a multidimensional look to any property, this is definitely the design to choose if you want your home to stand out from the crowd. But what design do you choose? What options are out there? Find out here with our raised deck ideas.

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As the weather starts to perk up and we begin to get that summer feeling, some of us may feel it’s the perfect time for a garden redesign (yes, we know that rhymed) and creating a new deck area may be just the thing you’re thinking about!

Well, we agree as a well-designed and installed deck offers you and your home a lot of opportunities to not just look good, but to increase the amount of time that you spend in your garden, either by yourself or with family and friends. If this is something that you’re really considering and are up in the air about what sort of deck would look good in your garden, keep reading to find some of the decking trends that 2019 has to offer!

Complementary & Contrasting Colours

One of the great things about decking is that there are usually a bunch of colours that you can choose from. We understand that sometimes too much choice can be a bad thing, but with composite decking being such a long-lasting product (up to 30 years with DeckPlus) you’ll want to get your decision right-first-time and having a wide range of colours to choose from is a positive thing in this instance. With that in mind, you have a lot of opportunities to choose colour schemes that are contrasting and stand out or are complementary to your home and its surroundings. Typically, decks have been created from a small pool of natural colours such as browns and greys that often play it safe, but now with more colours available than ever before, you are able to experiment and go bold. Picture framing is a great way of doing this where one colour deck is used for the body of the design and another colour used on the border, creating a visually pleasing look that is sure to stand out amongst others.

 

Multi-Level

It’s very rare that you find gardens that are completely level. In this case, a great way to make use of unlevel surfaces us to create beautiful multi-level decks! By doing so your deck is much more likely to stand out and offers a great way to get around your garden. To add another eye-catching element to your multi-level deck, why not add a glass balustrade or composite handrail to emphasise its unique nature? Get in touch with the DeckPlus team today for more information!  

 

Product Combinations

Just because you’re looking to re-design your garden with a decked area, it doesn’t mean that you have to strictly stick to decking. We know that may sound confusing but you can actually combine decking with another product such as tiles and paving to create a truly bespoke outdoor space! Below is an example of a garden that has had a multi-level deck installed, complemented with high-quality porcelain paving slabs on the ground and a glass balustrade system for that extra element of safety and style. We think this is a clever and unique way of creating a contemporary deck area that is unlike anything most people have ever seen.

 

And there you have it, our deck trends of 2019 that are guaranteed to transform your garden area into a thing of beauty. For more garden ideas, be sure to visit our decking inspiration page where we have many more ways that you can spice up your new deck! Be sure to contact the DeckPlus team by hitting the button below for further details on our range of deck boards, ordering your FREE samples or for other enquiries.

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