A Cambridge home without a deck doesn’t quite sit right. However, as decking in Cambridge can be quite an upfront investment, property owners should consider choosing the right materials to ensure their deck lasts longer.
According to reputable decking contractors in the region, decks made using pressure-treated softwood, premium hardwoods, or modern composite can gracefully withstand local moisture.
With that stated, if one chooses to let their preferred decking contractor install a deck made of materials other than any of the two mentioned above, then they should be prepared to deal with issues like warped deck boards, algae-covered surfaces, and expensive structural failures – all within a few years.
The Great Material Matchup: Timber vs. Composite
For compatible decking in Cambridge homes, it is best to use one of the following resilient materials for the external structure.
Pressure-Treated Softwood: The Budget Option
Pressure-treated softwood is easy to work with and pretty affordable. But there is a catch – softwood decking would need annual staining, sealing, and deep cleaning. That is the only way to keep the decking from absorbing water, which, in turn, will lead to issues like splintering and rot in no time.
Premium Hardwoods: Natural Strength
Hardwood decks from the get-go resist insects and decay. The best part is that they look stunning and can last for many decades, provided they are occasionally oiled.
Modern Composite: Best Match for the British Weather
For decking that can truly brave the tests of time, it is best to retrofit your home with a deck made using modern composite – a material fabricated using a blend of recycled wood fibres and tough plastics. Composite decking does not warp, rot, or split. The best part is that composite decking needs neither painting nor staining. When composite decks get dirty, all it needs is a quick wash with soapy water – that’s it.
Combating Cambridge Moisture, Shade, and Algae
So you have chosen the toughest surface boards for your home’s decking. But that is not you winning the war. You merely won a battle.
To Keep Algae Away
If your home in Cambridge has a lush garden, chances are it has quite a few mature trees that create ample shaded spots. While a garden with several shaded spots is like a godsend on sunny days, the same spaces shielded from the sun can retain excess moisture, which in turn creates the perfect conditions for slippery green algae.
You Wanted A Deck Not A Skating Rink
To ensure the decking in Cambridge does not turn into a skating rink, ask the decking contractor to use composite boards with deep, textured grain patterns. You can also use anti-slip timber finishes for the decking.
To Make The Deck Last Long
Ensure the decking contractor uses joist tape to protect the decking subframe from trapped water. Also ask the contractor to ensure the decking has a slight slope, which will prevent water pooling and promote proper drainage, thus protecting the deck from rotting away.
Start Planning Your Weatherproof Garden Escape
One of the best investments you can make for your home in Cambridge is to hire a seasoned team associated with a reputable contractor like Brett Jones Contracting to build a deck.
However, as the local climate in Cambridge is wet almost year-round, you cannot cut corners on material quality.
Pay attention to the advice from the team working at your home, and let them ensure the deck’s sub-frame can withstand the ill effects of moisture, so that you and your loved ones can have a merry time in a beautiful, safe outdoor space for decades to come.