Timber decking, like many materials, is
subject to legislative scrutiny covering its
deployment, manufacture and structural
use. Mindful of Part M of the Building
Regulations covering access to buildings
as well as the Disabled Discrimination Act
(DDA), timber decking can play a role in
delivering inclusivity for a construction
project.
Anti-slip decking boards make ideal
ramp providers, while inserts can also be
inserted into deck boards to provide a
safe walking surface.
Eurocode 5 is the suite of standards
specifically relating to timber structures
and looks at distributed and concentrated
loads of timber decking, Marley Eternit
worked closely with TRADA to confirm
their span tables based on the Eurocode,
these span tables assume the boards
are graded to either C16 or C24 and
in accordance with the Construction
Products Directive will be CE marked.
Other important regulations include BS EN
350, which is used to classify the natural
durability of timber.
The preservative treatments applied to
softwoods are regulated by BS 8417
which covers treatment classifications
depending on the end use of the timber.
The relevant classifications applied to
decking are Use Class 3 and Use Class 4
which look at exposure to weather, as well
as ground contact.
Product accreditation from the Wood
Protection Association will provide
independent reassurance concerning the
veracity of the product’s treatment.
Finally, standards BS 4978, BS EN 14081
and BS5756 oversee the grading of timber
boards and joists used on timber decking.
Graded by inspection of knots, wane,
or slope of grain which could indicate
weakness in the wood, both soft and
hardwood products adhering to the above
standards should be specified.
Market leading anti-slip products JB
Citideck and JB Antislip Plus, which are
part of Marley Eternit’s range of high
quality timber decking products, have
been independently tested by the Health
and Safety Laboratory and achieve a low
potential for slip.
Timber decking offers an aesthetically
pleasing, long-lasting, safe and
sustain able solution for a variety of
projects.
www.marleyeternit.co.uk
From an appearance perspective, as a
natural product, timber used for decking
is subject to weathering over a period of
time depending on sun exposure. Oils
and stains can offer some protection
against the weathering process, but will
require maintenance.
Like many natural products, timber
decks, without any additional anti-slip
features, can quickly become slippery,
and a real hazard. A product that meets
or even exceeds the HSL’s anti-slip testing
guidelines should be considered at the
design stage.
Anti-slip inserts can be added to timber
decking to improve grip, even in wet
conditions. Areas of steep descent,
bridges or areas of heavy footfall can also
benefit from additional anti-slip inserts for
further protection.
Landscape & Urban Design
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