Landscape & Urban Design Issue 40 2019 | Page 66

DECKING
Image © Neil Kenyon @ Arkimag
EXTENDING YOUR
OUTSIDE LIVING SPACE
BY FELICITY HODGKINSON,
MARKETING MANAGER - ECODEK
There is something very appealing
about being able to extend your
living space outside. Busy lives,
dependence on digital devices and
often restrictions bought about by
inclement weather all provide easy
excuses to be holed up indoors,
when getting some space and fresh
air are so very good for the soul.
The variety of flooring and furniture
for outdoor spaces has exploded
over recent years, with a huge
variety for any budget. This means
anyone can create the space they
want – whether as a quiet spot to
unwind or a vibrant space to share
with friends and family.
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www.landud.co.uk
After establishing a budget, the best
place to start the planning journey
to a perfect space, whether a smaller
domestic area or larger-scale
project, will be the outdoor flooring
materials.
Decking outside spaces can be a
great choice, and the materials
available suit all budgets.
From softwood and hardwood
timbers, PVC to Wood Polymer
Composite products – the range
available these days is enormous.
Here is a snapshot of the pros
and cons of some of the materials
available:
SOFTWOOD DECKING
Pros
The initial financial outlay for
softwood timber makes it a great
entry point in the decking market.
It’s an easy product to work with
and has high strength to weight
ratio. Timber has its own natural
aesthetic and is appealing to many
and is extremely easy to purchase.
Cons
Softwood timber has a limited
lifespan and can need replacing
c.5-8 years. As softwood is very
absorbent, it is prone to staining,
rotting and splitting as well as
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