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Find Us on www.facebook.com/4Everdeck Deck maintenance isn’t exactly a piece of cake for those who aren’t professionals in the field, but two good annual sessions of deck cleaning with the best deck cleaner can leave you with a clean deck all year round. Regardless of whether or not you have a wood deck or a composite deck, you should never underestimate the power of proper deck cleaning for your home’s general aesthetic. Building a deck in the first place is quite the investment, so homeowners should pay extra attention to deck care so they don’t end up paying more than what they bargained for. Composite and wood decks alike deserve the best deck treatment to shine throughout the year, so homeowners are encouraged to stock up on deck cleaning tips and deck maintenance tips whenever they can.
We’re well aware that the fast-paced society we live in doesn’t allow homeowners to spend as much time as they’d like for composite or wood deck maintenance research. Instead of scouring the internet for wood cleaning tips or painting decking tips or just deck tips in general, you can consult our Ultimate Guide to Deck Maintenance and Cleaning. Not only will you save time you would have spent for background info, but you’ll also get insight into the best methods of maintaining composite and wooden decks. We have the answers to any questions you might have about deck cleaning and staining, such as:
You’ll also find several options so you can find the best way to clean a deck that applies to your home. Furthermore, you will learn about the best time to stain a deck, as well as the options for the best wood deck sealer and the best deck wash for your set up. Without any further ado, here is your complete manual for deck maintenance.
To gain a better understanding about decking and decking cleaning, you need to start with the basics. Sealing, repairs, staining, and proper treatment all depend on the type of house decking you have.
Wooden decking, for instance, cannot be properly cleaned with a composite decking cleaner. When it comes to the choice of decking materials, there really isn’t a ‘right’ way or a ‘wrong’ way to do it. It strongly depends on your visual preferences, budget, and the general architecture of your house. For instance, if your home has a highly modern design with generally cold colours, a traditional wooden patio deck might not look the best. You might want to look into a composite or aluminium deck in this case.
Even though the aim of our Ultimate Guide to Deck Maintenance and Cleaning isn’t to showcase the best vinyl decks or wooden decks, we need to cover the specifics of these materials to fully comprehend decking care and decking maintenance. Therefore, we will go through the main categories of decking material so you can see how to maintain a clean deck accordingly.
If you proudly remind your houseguests that your deck is made of wood whenever the opportunity presents itself, you will need to learn about the particular details of cleaning a wood deck. However, decking wood comes in various shapes, sizes and types, which all require different wood deck cleaning methods.
The most popular option is pressure treated lumber. Nevertheless, experts say that it may not necessarily be the best choice of wood for an outdoor deck. It’s most likely that you have seen this kind of material until now – it’s easily spotted out due to its greenish shade. It has plenty of advantages, but equally as many disadvantages and it’s far from being the best decking wood. Indeed, it is the most accessible alternative for decks, but it requires the most wood maintenance of them all. It will most likely split, crack, or warp at one point or another, especially if wooden deck maintenance is neglected. This is why you need to specifically search for the best wood preservative for pressure treated decks.
Another two common options for wood decks are cedar and redwood. These chemical-free options, however, are considerably pricier than pressure treated lumber. In fact, in some areas, they might be three times costlier than PT wood. Nevertheless, they represent the first choice for many homeowners due to their ease of deck maintenance when compared to PT lumber.
These kinds of decks should be power washed once a year and reconditioned with a coat paint that’s specifically created to protect the wood you use. Be aware, though – the rich colour of cedar or redwood will wear off if you don’t use a reliable wood deck stain and sealer. It is recommended that you invest in some wood deck waterproofing products, preferably the best deck waterproofing products in your area.
A choice of decking that has gained popularity in recent years is composite, mostly due to its recycled content. There are numerous benefits that composite has over wood, but we’ll cover those in a separate section below. When it comes to decking treatment advice for composite structures, one of the most common questions is: can composite decking be stained? Well, the answer is yes and no, depending on the manufacturer of the composite and if you are willing to invest more time in deck maintenance. Sealing composite decking is an option for some homeowners, but once you apply a deck stain sealer, you will need to constantly take care of it. The reason why so many homeowners choose composite decking is the fact that, as opposed to its wooden counterpart, composite decking requires the least amount of maintenance and effort.
Even though it is the rarest kind of decking found in homes, it certainly is the easiest one to maintain. Aluminium requires the least care, so that means you don’t have to stress about wood deck repair, finding the best deck sealant or a pool deck cleaner. It also has the longest product life, but for a price. It is, by far, the most expensive material. Cleaning the deck and maintaining decking will be less stressful, but the base materials will cost you more.
Now that we have covered patio decking boards and alternative materials, let’s jump right into to the most important part: deck cleaning and staining.
Learning how to clean decking isn’t the hardest thing to do, but it is a meticulous process that should be kept in mind every time you go through the process so that you won’t have to invest in a brand new deck in a decade.
It might seem complicated at first, especially if you’re a clean-my-deck first timer, but it can all be narrowed down to literally three fundamental steps:
This three step formula has saved homeowners literally thousands of dollars in future investments. That’s precisely why it is better to be prepared and meticulous instead of spending a small fortune to get your deck completely redone.
The whole secret to deck maintenance basically comes down to learning when to seal a new deck, how to clean the deck, and finding a trustworthy best decking stain for the materials you used when building it.
As you have previously learned, they all strongly depend on the type of material you have, so make sure that you don’t get the tips for staining deck mixed around. A good deck stain should help you reduce the time spent cleaning painted decks, provided it’s suitable for your base material. If complete deck restoration is required, make sure that you follow all the necessary steps accordingly, so you don’t face this issue again in the future. And, in the end, the best way to ensure deck maintenance from a long-term perspective is to invest a bit in protection. But let’s talk about all of these guidelines in detail below.
Let’s start with the basics of deck maintenance: how to properly clean your deck. This is an essential step in the process, as even the best deck sealers are useless if your deck is dirty. On this note, we want to make it extremely clear that staining a wood deck, wood sealing, or any form of sealing a new deck is not recommended if the surface isn’t clean. Make sure that you have a completely clean deck prior to applying the best paint for wood decks or a new deck stain.
You might be wondering what cleaning wooden decking is all about. It is recommended that you look for the best deck cleaner on the market for your base material. Before you get to scrubbing the boards, you need to get rid of any algae, moss, or other forms of fungal growth. To remove them, you can actually use a basic fungicide, like the one you would use for your garden.
If you also have pests hiding beneath your deck, you can use a bit of insecticide to remove them as well. Make sure that you remove all of these before using the best deck cleaner you found. Make sure that this solution is suitable for the material your deck is made of.
Get your deck cleaner ready and make sure to read the instructions on the bottle beforehand. Apply the solution directly to the boards with a brush (or what’s indicated on your product) and start scrubbing thoroughly. Make sure that you cover all areas of your deck so the final result will be even. After you scrub every board and corner, allow the solution to work its magic for as long as the label indicates. The timeframe is different from product to product, so you might have to be patient in some cases.
The last step you need to take when cleaning a deck is watering down the whole surface to remove the cleaner and anything else that might have been left on. Make sure the water is clean and that you don’t put too much pressure on the boards. It is best to use a hose with average pressure.
Unfortunately, those who neglect deck maintenance entirely can end up with a patio that requires a full restoration. This doesn’t involve completely replacing a deck, but the process is a bit meticulous compared to regular deck cleaning and staining. Instead of investing in a deck cleaner, you now need to consider a deck restorer, like decking oil or a stain for treated wood decking (if this is your case).
Using a quality decking oil can bring your whole deck back to life if applied properly. Many prefer to buy an outdoor wood stain and sealer to both restore and protect their decks. A painted wood deck will likely require frequent oiling or staining to maintain its natural shine and vivid shade. Vinyl deck paint can also be considered by homeowners who have used this kind of material. Let’s continue with the exact deck restoration steps.
Firstly, you need to carefully clean your deck prior to applying the restorer. Remove any and all fungal growths like moss or algae. Like we previously explained, you can easily use fungicide, insecticide or even a combination of both to get the best results. Make sure that no residue is left on the deck before you apply the restorer.
Secondly, depending on the instructions on the label, apply the restorer across your deck. Use a brush for this step, but make sure that you follow any suggestions on your product. Make sure that the restorer penetrates into your deck so you can enjoy the best results. Scrubbing thoroughly will help you achieve this.
Thirdly, you need to wait a while so that the restorer can sink in. Like with cleaning, you might have to wait a bit longer than expected, depending on your restorer. Be patient so you can successfully restore your deck.
Finally, after the restorer has worked its way into your deck, wash the surface with water in abundance. You don’t need to apply a lot of pressure, using a hose should get the job done fine. If you’re wondering when to stain a new deck, you should wait at least two days so the surface can dry entirely. If your deck isn’t fully dry, even the best deck sealer or stain might not work properly.
We recommend that you clean your deck two times every year to keep it in a healthy state, so to speak. The first time round, you should clean it during spring so you can prepare it for the hot summer ahead. The second time, consider thoroughly cleaning your deck in fall so you can get it ready for a potentially harsh winter.
If you’re done with cleaning and restoring your deck, it’s time to perform one of the most significant steps in deck maintenance: protection.
Not only will proper deck protection help prevent damage caused by the elements, but it will leave you with a beautiful deck any time of the year. To help you better understand the importance of protection, just think about all the weather conditions your deck is constantly exposed to.
If you’re experiencing a particularly rainy season, most of the water will be absorbed by your deck, contributing to long-term damage. This is why water sealing a deck is crucial for deck maintenance. On the other hand, long and hot summers can equally ruin your decking. By being continuously exposed to the sun, wood can lose its colour and turn grey or silver. If your deck was designed to be a rich, reddish brown shade, for example, you wouldn’t be that happy seeing the vivid tone wear away.
The best way to stain deck is to pay attention both to the preparation and the execution. Make sure to pick a sunny day when applying oil to your deck. It’s crucial that your deck is dry so the stain or oil can work well. This also means that you will have to wait a few days after you clean your deck to stain it.
As far as cleaning a deck before staining is concerned, you should follow the instructions we have provided in the previous two sections of our Ultimate Guide to Deck Maintenance and Cleaning. Removing all growths, applying cleaner and careful washing are all prerequisites of a successful staining process. Also, if any repairs are needed, make sure that you get them done prior to staining.
When you’re ready to start staining, we suggest that you invest in a quality stain that will enhance your deck’s colour. The best way to apply stain to a deck can vary, but there are three main elements that can help you get the job done like a pro:
In addition to these, we also recommend that you consider a long pole for the roller so you don’t put too much strain on your back. You will be pressuring it enough as it is with back-brushing, so try to reduce it during the first stage of the staining process.
Just like with any other paint job, homeowners are encouraged to test the stain on a small portion of the deck to make sure that the tone is the one desired. If all is well and the result looks like the one you want, then you can start applying the stain. Here are the specific steps and tips you should consider:
If you want to protect your deck without changing its colour, there are two main alternatives you have at hand: decking protector and decking oil. The first option is translucent and will work for preventing water absorption effectively. A decking oil will help bring out the original colour of the deck without modifying it. It will replace the oils that your decking boards have naturally while maintaining full protection.
It is highly encouraged that you stain your deck on an annual basis to keep it bright and beautiful.
It happens even to the best of wood decks. Discolouration will almost inevitably take place at one point for your unprotected deck, due to various factors. The lush shade of brown that your deck initially had can easily turn into grey, silver or some other unsuitable tone in time. We’re sorry to say that any kind of wood will get discoloured if it’s outside and not properly protected. We can do our best to prevent it, however, with the suitable deck maintenance methods. Before we offer solutions for deck discolouration, let’s talk a bit about the causes:
You can already guess a few of the solutions for avoiding discolouration. In most cases, you have to work your way through the causes to prevent the unpleasant effects. For example, protecting your deck from the elements is imperative for preventing discolouration.
Even though aluminium decks are now widely available for homeowners across the world, the two main, widely accepting decking options remain wood and composite. When it comes to choosing the best material for your home, the answers will vary depending on the company or decking professional you work with, as well as your personal preferences. In the end, your choice of deck material depends on:
To make it clear, both timber and composite have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages. However, composite has gained widespread popularity in recent years, owing to its abundance of benefits. To help you understand the differences here is a list of pros and cons for each type of decking.
| - | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Timber Decking |
|
|
| Composite Decking |
|
|
When it comes down to your final choice, it’s all up to your preferences. Most decking professionals will now recommend composite, thanks to its numerous perks. If you are planning on building a deck and looking for low maintenance options, composite is definitely the right material for you.
To wrap up our Ultimate Guide to Decking Maintenance and Cleaning, we want to offer a set of additional tips for keeping your deck clean, sparkling and pleasant for the whole family and guests. The most relevant tip for maintaining a great deck is to clean it and optionally stain it, provided it’s made of wood. If you follow these basic steps, your deck will most likely last for years on end. Aside from cleaning and staining, you should also take this advice into consideration:
All in all, these are the main tips that you should consider for long-term deck maintenance. You can avoid many of these situations by investing in reliable decking materials and working with contractors when setting your deck up. If you feel that you don’t have the time or patience to constantly maintain the deck, think about using composite decking.Remember, your deck is an extension of your home. With the proper love and care, your deck can continue to be gorgeous for years and years and bring a smile to every guest’s face.
If you want to upgrade your backyard into the best place for leisure time with your family and friends, a well-designed and well-built deck is definitely the option to go for.
Decks are an excellent way in which you can arrange garden furniture, backyard lighting, and other outdoor objects to create a peaceful environment for spending quality time with your loved ones.
If you want to start investing time and creativity into your outdoor space, you will need to start with a deck. Without a deck, pieces of furniture like a table or chairs won’t be as easy to set up.
A deck provides a flat and secure surface for garden furniture to be assembled, without sinking into your sod. However, building a deck – and home decking in general – is an intricate process that requires the right materials and the right background knowledge to carry out properly.
In this regard, we have put together the ultimate guide for home decking, which will teach you everything you need to know about how to build a deck.
We will explain what materials you will have to buy for a quality deck, what to look for in a professional decking team, how much building a deck will cost you, what common mistakes occur in the process, and more.
Gather information and pave your way to the deck of your dreams!
Even though building a deck is indeed complex, it is not impossible. The process becomes even easier if you have the materials you need and the professionals to aid you in your home improvement project.
As you will soon find out in our thorough guide, sometimes an extra pair of helping hands that possess the necessary expertise will do a world of good.
Even though you might be a bit apprehensive if you’re planning to build your deck on a budget, you would be surprised to find out that professional assistance isn't as costly as you would first imagine. We’ll get more into this topic a bit further on.
As far as the basics of building a deck are concerned, the most significant aspects you need to take into consideration are:
Project planning Building space Choice of materials Sizing frames Allocated budget Finesse with details Height of deck, stair options
A critical part of preparing for your deck is planning the project. You will need to sketch up a building plan, a layout that will set your construction guidelines.
One of the most important parts of the planning process is determining the size of your deck. You need to consider the width of your house and how long your deck out into your backyard will go.
Even though you might dream of having a luxuriously large deck, you need to consider your budget every step of the way.
Naturally, the more materials you use, the more expensive your project will be, so treat your planning with seriousness and with finances in mind.
Numerous ambitious home owners go through planning their project without paying too much attention to the amount they will have to pay for materials and labour. They end up exceeding their budget and not being able to finish their project.
After planning and budgeting, the most significant parts of the process you will need to consider will be the materials you use, how you can work with a pro team, and a few price estimates for your project.
While home decking projects vary, depending on the size of the deck, there are a few common aspects that everyone needs to be aware of.
There is a list of core materials that you will need for any deck project, which includes:
PostsTogether with beams, posts are fundamental materials that will secure your deck’s weight. Posts need to be thought of before beams, as they are the vertical materials that will keep the horizontal beams pushed up and secured.
Posts also establish how high your deck will be; the longer the posts, the taller your deck will turn out. What you need to be sure of is the installation of posts; if posts are not secured tightly, the weight of your deck might not be supported properly.
This is yet another reason why you should consider a team of professionals for helping you build your deck.
BeamsAs we previously mentioned, posts and beams go hand in hand when building a deck. These are the horizontal materials that will go over the posts and contribute to the foundation of your deck.
In this regard, it is recommended that you go for a screw-built deck instead of one put together with nails.
JoistsEven though joists might be associated with the floorboards of a deck, you need to know that these materials go under floorboards and support them.
They are also made of wood, but what sets them apart from floorboards is that they get connected directly to beams.
If you will personally be shopping for joists, make sure that the joists you choose are as defect-free as possible, as to not affect the long-term structure of your deck.
Floorboards (wood, stone, or composite)The most well-known material in the deck-building process is the floorboard. As their name suggests, floorboards are the basic planks of wood that will serve as the floor of your deck.
While the most popular and accessible decks are made from wood (like cedar, pine or redwood, to name a few options), you can also build your deck from stone or composite material (recycled materials).
If you’re building your deck on a budget, lumber is the best value you can get.
RailingsRailings provide safety for your deck, from all points of view. Homeowners with limited money can go for classic posts as railings, while those with a more generous budget can choose glass and cable as to not block the view of their backyard.
PiersPosts and beams are irreplaceable materials for your deck projects, but piers are the truly essential parts that will keep your deck together.
These materials are secured into the ground and hold up your entire deck. Without piers your deck has large chances of sinking, so make sure that you pay special attention to this aspect of your project.
LedgersEven though not all decks require ledgers, the ones that are connected to a house will not be able to function without them. Homeowners who choose to have detached decks don’t need to consider this aspect.
Those who want to have their decks attached to their homes need to have a well-installed ledger to the side of the house that they are planning to build into. If not built in well, your deck has chances of being destroyed and harming both those standing on it and your home.
Just like with all the materials on your shopping list, a team of builders will help you make sure that your construction is safe.
Stairs (optional)Another optional part of your deck is a small staircase. A deck doesn’t require stairs to be well-built, but they will help your family and your guests explore the rest of your backyard on your sod with ease.
Keep in mind that building stairs will add to the final costs of your project, so weigh your options and see if you really want to have them incorporated into your plan.
In addition to these, you will also need a few tools to help you put them together safely:
 Saw (power meter, hand, circular) |
Screws |
Safety Glasses |
Drill |
Hammer |
Shovel |
| Nails |
Pry Bar |
Gloves |
Ratchet |
Wheelbarrow |
Levels (line, water) |
| Bolts (j-bolts, carriage bolts) |
Joist hangers |
Caulk & caulk gun |
Sockets |
Ladder |
Chisel |
As promised, we will continue with guidance on how to find a great construction team you can count on for building your deck. Like we explained when describing the materials you will need for your deck, all of these require extended care and attention, not only for aesthetic purposes, but most importantly for safety.
To get a better grasp of the situation, think about how many people will be passing on your deck throughout the years. You want to build a quality deck that will withstand weight, weather, and other conditions, so you should really consider getting professional help.
Nevertheless, how can you find a team you can really rely on? What makes a good construction team? Here are some tips that will help you make the right decision:
As with any other professional service you want to buy, it is highly recommended that you do your fair share of research before hiring a team for your deck project.
Apply the journalistic rule of checking through at least three sources and always do a bit more digging, even if you feel you have found the ideal team.
Write down the pros and the cons for all of your options and see which team meets your requirements the best.
Even though you might find an amazing company to work with, it might not help that much if they’re far away from you.
It is best to search for companies that are closest to your area, especially to save up on transportation costs.
By choosing a team from your city or community you will also be supporting your local economy.
The more benefits a construction business offers, the more credibility it has on the market, and the more they care about the customers they are working with.
For example, if a company has an extended guarantee, you know that you will be working with quality materials and professionals that get the job done right.
Free estimates, discounts, or additional promotions are also perks to look out for when choosing a reliable team to help with construction.
A well-respected construction company will always offer you a variety of choices when making your purchase for their services.
You won’t be pressured into buying a specific material or labour option; you will be encouraged to look through their plans and offers and choose the one that is best for you.
Another aspect you should keep in mind when choosing a construction company to work with is their availability and flexibility.
If you can clearly see contact details posted throughout their website, it means that they are open to being contacted on your time.
This is really important to keep in mind as you will need to work with the team on your time, not theirs.
Before you get started with planning your deck, you should know that considerable costs will be involved.
Even though you can shop for inexpensive materials, we highly recommend that you invest in quality ones that will guarantee a long-lasting deck.
You will be making an initial investment, but the better the materials and services you buy are, the more durable your deck will be.
As an average, a good, solid deck should hold up for several decades.
Moreover, decks can be planned and designed in an infinite amount of ways.
It all depends on how much building space you have at hand and what base materials you want to use (composite, timber, stone, etc.). Of course, costs are directly proportional with size, so a larger deck will subsequently require a larger budget.
As an example, most of our decking systems (slats and boards) cost R 745.00 per board and are 5.8 metres long, 150mm wide, and 25mm thick.
An average deck size can be 3.7 m x 7.3 m, 7.3 m x 4.9 m or 4.9 m x 3.7 m, just to name a few.
To find out how much the materials for your custom deck will cost, use our convenient decking calculator.
Now that we have covered all of the basics you need to know when building a deck, it’s time to go into the fine details of the process.
As the saying goes, the difference truly is in the details, and this general rule will always be applied for home decking.
By far, the most important aspect of all is getting all of the materials put together properly.
We really can’t stress enough the seriousness of this aspect, as terrible accidents can occur when all of the pieces of the puzzle aren’t placed together the way they should.
A poorly-built deck can lead to dangerous situations in which the exterior of your house can be ruined or.
This fact can also lead to your guests getting hurt if a deck sinks or collapses.
Professional help is always recommended when building a deck, especially for the reasons mentioned above.
An expert deck builder will know how to assemble the piers, joists, posts, beams, floorboards, and other parts of your deck so they will fit securely.
For your information, we have included a few of the frequent errors that occur when decking below, as well as several frequently asked questions and additional tips and tricks.
Planning is as vital as decking gets. Even though you might not possess the necessary knowledge to put together a deck design for yourself, you can contact a professional and work together to plan your dream deck.
You could purchase the most expensive materials on the market and they would be useless without proper sizing and spacing calculations. Make sure that you buy the right amount and length/ width/ height materials that go hand in hand with your deck plan.
While this aspect is debatable, most professionals would recommend a connected deck instead of one that is not attached to a house. Not only is it more practical, but it is also more durable and built to resist throughout years and years.
You might be head over heels in love with your deck at first, but you need to keep in mind that you will need to maintain it as time passes.
On this note, be careful with your choice of materials regarding durability and find a team of maintenance professionals in your area that can help you with any issues that might come up along the way.
Untreated steel will lead to maintenance problems and additional costs in time that could have been avoided. Not simple steel, but galvanized steel is required for your deck to avoid rusting and other effects of being directly exposed to the elements.
The size of your deck is directly connected to the width of your house and the length of your backyard.
However, many homeowners choose to build decks anywhere between 28 and 37 meters, as a general average.
Whether you require a permit or not depends on the area that you live in.
The official website of your city should have a section dedicated to building permits that will inform you about requiring one for building decks or not.
Materials for home decking equally depend on preferences and budgets. If you don’t have a large amount of money you are willing to spend for your deck, you will most likely choose timber.
If so, it is recommended that you choose cedar for durability in time. However, cedar will need to be stained every few years, while composite decks are easier to care for.
Recycled or composite materials require the least maintenance and will withstand the test of time.
Nothing is impossible, of course, but it is always recommended to get assistance when dealing with complex construction projects like decks.
A reliable team will point you in the right direction and guarantee that your deck is safe and sound for decades.
The key to maintaining your deck in time is to periodically clean it.
You should clear any algae, moss, or dirt that might lead to the ruining of your deck.
While composite materials don’t need to be stained, any type of wood will require this every two or three years.
As a final note, we suggest that you put a lot of thought into your decking project before you get started.
The concept, planning, and design are clearly the most important parts to consider and will determine the positive or negative outcome of your deck project.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help – that’s what professionals are there for. Reliable companies will always be open to brainstorming for your projects and working around your existing budget.
In the end, enjoy the process, and enjoy the results even more with your loved ones!
Do you know what the most useful and value-adding renovations are for your home? Would you know which are the best return on your investment is when the time comes to sell your property on? We've compiled this useful infographic to offer you an insight into the best way to improve the overall value of your home, and also to just generally make it more aesthetically pleasing.
Renovations to your home not only make it a more enjoyable place to live, but they are likely to augment its long-term value. The average renovation can add as much as 10% to the value of your home.
Here's my three tips for bringing your garden to life:
1. Use lots of compost to attract earthworms so that your soil remains well fertilized.
2. Try and focus on cultivating plants that attract bees and birds as this will save you a lot of time and energy on pollination, weed control and spreading seeds around the garden. It also helps keep pests at bay!
3. Invest as much time into your garden as you want to get out of it. Make sure you know your routine like clockwork- when to water the plants, when to pull out weeds, when to harvest your veg etc and just get on with it with a bit of old fashioned hard-work
My tip is to choose plants that stimulate as many senses as possible; this makes your garden work on many different levels which really adds interest. We tend to automatically think of choosing beautiful flowers and colours to delight the eyes, but it’s also worth considering texture, sound and smell when choosing and positioning your plants.
Ornamental grasses are a fabulous way to bring a garden to life; they move in the wind which creates wonderful sounds and gives a point of interest for the eye, they are also very tactile so you can enjoy running your hands through them if you plant them within easy reach. And for scent my top pick would be lavender; it smells fabulous and it’s also fantastic for pollinating insects and looks wonderful.
My top tip on garden design is to approach it differently if you live in town than you would if you were living in the country. In town, you need think about the garden as you view it from the house - what will you see out of the windows, for example? Then think about what the house will look like when you look back at it from the other end of the garden. Whereas if you have a country garden with views, then you need to start thinking about how they will work with your garden design. You don't have to choose a garden design that matches your architecture or your view - just remember that either factor will affect the atmosphere of your garden in a major way.
Probably the most common question when deciding which deck material you're going to use is do you go for the traditional wooden deck material or do you go for composite wood decking. Below is a great break down describing the advantages and disadvantages of both.
Wooden decks have been around for as long as there have been buildings & with good reason. Wood decks are economical, durable and abundant in material.
In South Africa some of the most common wooden deck material is balau decking at the coast and as we head inland can also include Massaranduba, Garapa & Rhodesian teak. Pine decking is also used sometimes as it’s the cheapest decking material but with good reason, as it does not handle the weather well and has much shorter lifespan than other decking materials.
Cost wise wooden decking varies greatly depending on the material used. A garapa deck fully installed can cost up to R1300 a square metre including material and installation. So let’s say you’re looking to do a 5m x 4m deck you could be looking at R26000. But keep in mind that wooden decks require constant maintenance. Each year you will have to sand and seal the deck or else it will begin to rot. This can add to the cost tremendously. Professional installers will generally charge +- R150-R200 a sqm to do this each year. So now our 20sqm is going to cost us an additional R4000 each year that is 15% of the overall deck cost!
Wooden deck advantages
Cost – Wooden decking material requires a slightly less upfront cost then composite decks. Pine decking will cost substantially less but then might only last 3-5 years at the coast. Premium woods such as Teak or Grappa cost a similar amount to the composite.
Lifespan – Timber Decking constructed with a premium wood can last anywhere from 5-7 years depending on the maintenance and weather. Pine decking may last from between 3-5 years at the coast.
Look – Wood decks appear authentic because it is real wood. It feels like natural timber and looks just like wood.
Wooden Deck disadvantages.
Maintenance – Any wooden deck requires constant maintenance. This will need to be constantly sanded cleaned and sealed almost every year which as discussed above adds exponentially to the cost. This is also a constant time consuming activity that you can’t get away from when you could rather be relaxing on your deck instead of looking after it.
Safety - Wood is a natural material that can warp, rot, as well as be eaten by termites or wood bore. This can create a safety hazard if a board breaks while you are walking on it or your deck collapses. Splinters are another concern especially if you have children who are running barefoot on your deck.
Installation – Wooden decks require you to drill through the boards, not only is this more time consuming it also creates a weak point in your deck where water can seep in. 4Everdeck Installers say that an installation of a composite deck can also be up to 35% quicker than a wooden deck.
Sustainability – It is very difficult to trace where exactly your timber came from. Quite often natural rain forests are stripped for their wood and the forest permanently damaged.
Composite wood decks are a synthetic decking product that has grown tremendously in popularity over the past few years. Generally they are all made with a combination of wood fibre and different plastics mixed in various quantities. 4Everdeck is made up of 60% wood fibre and 40% recycled High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Some composite decks are made up with pvc which gives a more plastic look and feel to the composite wood.
How much does composite wood decking cost.
Composite wood deck costs vary depending on your brand but 4Everdeck will generally cost about R1400 a square metre fully installed. So let’s say you’re looking to do a 5m x 4m deck you could be looking at about R28 000. Keep in mind that this excludes things such as stairs, handrails & cladding.
Composite wood deck advantages.
Maintenance – a good quality composite deck requires no maintenance besides the occasional clean with a brush and some water. There is no need to sand seal or stain.
Durability – Composite wood will not rot, splinter or warp. It is also immune to termites.
Installation – Composite wood is far quicker to install (up to 35% faster) than traditional wooden decks as each decking board is perfectly straight and the same size. The hidden fastener system also makes the installation far quicker as well as looks more professional since there are no screws through the deck board.
Lifespan – 4Everdeck comes standard with a 10 year guarantee but has an expected lifespan of 20-25 years!
As you can see composite wood is the ideal material for your decking project especially once you factor in the cost savings from no maintenance. Using our calculations above the maintenance on wooden decks accounts for up to 15% of the overall cost each year!
Not all natural woods nor composite woods are the same. You should only purchase your decking material from a trusted supplier with a proven track record. Some wood composite deck materials can look very artificial and will not look anything like natural wood. We encourage you to view decking samples before making your final decisions.
Contact us today to discuss your decking project. - info@4everdeck.co.za
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While it is not too difficult to install a wood composite deck, installing it correctly will ensure that it not only looks great it will last many years without giving you any hassles.
Having been involved with building and construction for over 30 years we have certainly picked up a few tips regarding decking installations.
Not using enough clips.
We recommend using 21 of our standard plastic clips with screws for each square metre. Where two boards but up against each other we suggest that each board has their own clip at the join and do not share the clip.
Adequate Joist spacing.
The joist spacing (the beams the decking shall sit on) we recommend that your joist spacing be no more than a maximum of 350mm apart centre to centre.
Water Drainage.
When installing a composite deck you should make sure that you have a very slight slope in the overall deck so that the water can drain otherwise you will have large puddles on your deck that won’t evaporate.
Allowing for expansion.
You must allow a minimum of 1 mm per linear metre for expansion and contraction over the length of the board – in other words if you had two 5.8metre long boards butting up against each other, you would allow 3mm on either end of each board, so this would give you a gap of 12mm where the two boards join. Another tip is to run a breaker board perpendicular to the rest every 5.8m.
When installing your L-shaped skirting that covers the edge of your deck the hole you drill for the screw should be 1mm bigger than the screw to allow for expansion and contraction.
Raising the fascia off the ground.
One of the most common problems is the fascia board running directly into the ground. This almost guarantees future problems as the fascia board will be damaged by weed eaters or water damage. To correct this we suggest you raise the fascia slightly off the ground and alternatively also install a small concrete curb just below it.
Staggering your boards.
Even though 4Everdeck synthetic decking boards are supplied in 5.8m lengths on a large deck you can still have a row of joins, we prefer to see the boards staggered, so that the joins are not all in the same line. This is purely from an aesthetic perspective and has nothing to do with the quality of the installation.
Incorrect joist size.
It is very easy for an installer to save money and time by not using a large enough joist in the substructure. To ensure that your deck has an adequate substructure and will not move or sag once your composite decking is installed we recommend that you use a large enough joist that will be relatively stiff and not be springy when you walk on it.
Contact us today to discuss your decking project. - info@4everdeck.co.za
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With such a great looking synthetic wooden surface it can be easy to leave all your cushions, braai kit and garden gear all over your composite deck. Previously your only other alternative was a large unsightly plastic storage box that is until 4Everdeck came along. From hidden trap doors for pool pumps, outdoor cupboards for the braai & even boxes for pillows and pool toys our aesthetically pleasing products can be adapted for a number of uses depending on your needs no need to have the generic industrial cheap outdoor solution.
Don't let your outdoor storage needs be an afterthought, with the help of your local decking contractor all of your outdoor possessions can be stored in a safe and protected environment that not only looks great but is maintenance free.
Combine any of our composite wood products for your outdoor needs; the only limit is your imagination.
Some of our 4Everdeck storage solutions include.
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Planning on adding a deck to your home is a big home improvement project. From what size do you want to build, what design you want to go with, to which composite decking product you should use.
So when investing in your home you should go for a tried and tested product & rely on a name you can trust. You should choose a composite decking material that has been around for a long time and has a proven track record of a high quality product that lasts. No one knows this better than architects & professional decking installers; they do not want to install a product that will require them to keep heading back to service it. That kind of defeats the point of using a composite decking product if it’s not hassle free.
4Everdeck has a proven track record. Since 2002 we have been involved with wood plastic composites so for the last 13 years, and have over 30 years’ experience in the building industry. We are one of the only decking suppliers in South Africa that has actual experience in the manufacture of the product not just importing it. 4Everdeck was developed specifically for the South African market to withstand our harsh weather conditions from the icy cold Cape winters to the scorching hot summers in the Karoo. When speaking to your decking supplier, ask them how long they have been around for, chances are not as long as us.
4Everdeck works with a large base of installers and architects country wide that use our product on a daily basis, we can assist with designing and installing a composite deck for you. We use an extensive range of transport companies to ensure we can deliver anywhere in Africa. We can generally get your decking to your door within 24-48 hours no matter where in South Africa you are. We not only do composite decking but also do DIY deck tiles, railings, wall cladding and fascia boards.
4Everdeck has been used by some of South Africa’s biggest companies such as Vodacom, Investec, Nedbank & Ocean Basket. You can stand assured that when you are looking for the ultimate decking material, look no further than 4Everdeck.
So when you start planning that new outdoor living area, have a look at what the professionals recommend, and you will see it is 4Everdeck.
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As soon as you lay your new decking you’ll want to start enjoying it right away and make use of your new social area. That’s understandable, so what features can you buy to transform your deck from a great looking base into the perfect al fresco area? Read this article for tips on accessories that your decking is going to love.
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It’s exciting to start a new decking project but it can also be a little bit intimidating too. On one hand it’s a great way to reconfigure the look and the functionality of your garden, on the other there’s plenty of things that could go wrong. Get the design of the decking right from the beginning though and you shouldn’t have too many problems. Read on for tips on how to succeed when you begin to deck out your garden.
