Criteria for Choosing Decking Boards
A beautiful, spacious terrace will allow us to enjoy summer in the comfort of our own garden. It can become a space for family and friends to gather or a place for lively parties, fun, and dancing. The foundation of such a terrace will be solid decking boards. Here’s our advice on what to consider when choosing decking boards.
Material
The first criterion for decking boards is the material they are made of. It can be:
- Softwood or exotic wood
- PVC or HDPE composite
Softwood boards are aesthetically pleasing, easily accessible, and affordable. However, remember that to use them for a long time, they need proper and regular maintenance. Larch boards are resistant to pests and fungi, while pine boards stand out with their grain pattern. Spruce boards are characterized by a high resin content. Exotic wood, on the other hand, is very dense, hard, and resistant to changing weather conditions, wear, and water damage.
A great alternative to wood is composite. A composite deck will be both convenient and aesthetically pleasing. It requires no maintenance, perfectly imitates wood, and is highly durable. Resistant to wear and changing weather conditions, it will remain beautiful for many years.
Durability
The second criterion for choosing decking boards is their resistance to weather conditions. Terraces are exposed to strong sunlight as well as moisture, rain, and snow. Composite boards, for example, are resistant to dents, do not absorb moisture from the environment, and can withstand various weather conditions.
Maintenance
When choosing decking boards, consider whether you’ll have the time for labor-intensive maintenance. For busy and hardworking terrace owners, the best option will be composite boards, which only require regular sweeping or cleaning with a pressure washer. Remember, wooden boards demand more frequent maintenance.