When thinking about the design of your garden room give some consideration to the space around it. A decked area outside a garden room can help the building connect with the garden and increase the garden room’s living space.
There is a choice of decking materials available:
Western Red Cedar
One of the most popular decking materials is Western Red Cedar. Cedar is a popular choice for decking as its natural oils mean it has a high resistance to insect and fungal attack; it also weathers well without the need for chemical preservatives. Cedar is a dimensionally stable wood, so there is minimal shrinkage and boards stay straight. Cedar decking should be fixed with stainless steel fittings.
Durawood ®
Durawood ® is another durable decking material, Southern Yellow Pine is kiln dried and then impregnated with wax and dried again, and this creates a dimensionally stable timber. Grown in the USA from Texas to Virginia Southern Yellow Pine is one of the most durable pines and as such is ideal as a decking material, it has a distinctive grain pattern and is a honey colour. If pressure treated Southern Yellow Pine will have a long life in British climates.
Hardwood
If you are looking for a deck with a rich deep colour and is durable and resistant to decay, then you should consider a hardwood. However you should consider the environment when specifying a hardwood, but one environmentally responsible hardwood is Ipe. Ipe is extremely strong, it’s thought to be 3 times stronger than oak, and is durable to decay and insect attack. Ipe is a dark brown, green colour and has a distinctive odour.
Ecodeck
An environmentally friendly option is Ecodeck which is made from 95% recycled products and is 100% recyclable at the end of its life. Ecodeck is made from reclaimed hardwood fibres and a polymer from recycled milk cartons. Extremely durable it requires no maintenance other than an annual clean; it is as attractive as hardwood and can be cut and sanded like it. Ecodeck is dimensionally stable and wont rot, warp or split.
Most garden room suppliers will be able to advise you on adding a deck outside your garden room.
For more information on Cedar, Durawood ® and Ipe decking check out www.decksupply.co.uk
For more information on Ecodeck visit www.ecodeck.co.uk
