Landscape & Urban Design Issue 65 2024 | Page 42

DECKING

ALL DECKED OUT

Home improvements and even DIY for those who are capable , have never been simpler than with Eva- Last ’ s range of bamboo composite building materials .
Get all decked out with some tips to help you make light work of your next makeover project :
1 . Choose composite Aside from saving our precious trees , there ’ s a reason the pros are choosing composites over natural materials – they are engineered to outperform traditional timber when it comes to installation , maintenance and upkeep . No more sanding , varnishing , painting or pesticides !
Composites are fast becoming the go-to material for the green building industry , offering affordable alternatives to traditional raw materials that are more effective and longer lasting .
Natural fibres such as bamboo , coconut , coir or jute have been used as a reinforcing material in building for centuries . Their natural density , elasticity and strength is enhanced by combining them with recycled plastic polymers such as polyvinyl chloride ( PVC ) or polyethylene ( PE ).
Eva-Last use bamboo fibres together with recycled plastic polymer compounds to produce advanced sustainable building products that require little-to-no maintenance and are not subject to degradation when exposed to the elements . These hybrid materials are ideal for decks , walkways , and stairways .
Not only do Eva-Last composites look the part , they also provide superior performance characteristics including slip , scratch , stain , fade and moisture resistance . The inherent tensile strength and flexibility of the bamboo fibres ensures dimensional stability while the extruded polymer enhances the biological resistance to pests and susceptibility to UV damage .
Finally , the extrusion process allows for protective capping in realistic tones and textures that maintain their colour fastness over the lengthy lifetime of the product .
2 . Do your homework Read the installation guides and watch the installation videos , all available on Eva-Last ’ s website , to ensure you have a good understanding of what is required prior to starting your project .
Before you start construction , select the product most suitable for your project or that meets your designed outcome , design your layout , calculate your required materials , as well as fasteners and accessories , that may be required to ensure you have everything to complete the project .
Be sure that any sub-structure is level and secure and consult a professional for expert advice if required , especially around load serviceability .
3 . Composite materials and systems make DIY simple Eva-Last ’ s comprehensive collection of deck profiles , fascia boards , and composite fasteners work together to complete any project with minimum fuss and maximum convenience .
The Eva-Last range of bamboo composite decking available in Pioneer , Apex and Infinity technology options , come in various fashionable fade-resistant colours . To secure a neat finish , complete the look with Hulk fasteners colourmatching top fixing screws and hidden clip systems .
Be sure to use the recommended Hulk fasteners when installing Eva-Last products , to ensure the fasteners last as long as the composite products do .
Whether you ’ re looking to erect a deck or build a staircase , Eva- Last ’ s comprehensive collection of bamboo composite decking offer durable , low maintenance solutions just for you . www . eva-last . co . uk
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