Landscape & Urban Design Issue 48 2021 | Page 92

DECKING

THE AUTHENTIC LOOK OF WOOD , BUT WITHOUT THE DISADVANTAGES

With horizons severely limited by lockdowns and other restrictions , the boom in home and garden improvements has been quite understandable . Everyone wants to make the most of whatever space they have available . That especially includes gardens , which have become outdoor refuges for many while other options have been out of reach .
One way of maximising enjoyment of outside space is to create an outdoor ‘ room ’: no walls or ceiling involved but , as much as any room in the house , a place to spend quality time . Traditionally , the base for such a room would have been a brick , stone or concrete patio , but in recent years wooden decks have become the first choice , as people opt for a more natural look .
However , wooden decks have their drawbacks . They can crack and split if not maintained correctly . They also tend to get very slippery in the wet , especially if any areas are affected by algae . It was to overcome these problems , while still providing an authentic wood look , that Millboard decking was developed .
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