Top 6 Decking Questions Answered.
Do I need a building Plan In South Africa for a Deck?
There are hundreds of questions that will run through your mind before you embark on your new Deck installation, below we are going to answer the “Top 6 Decking Questions” that we at Decking Pro are asked,
Adding a Deck to your home can provide you with a lot more usable and comfortable living space, whether it is around a pool area or under a covered patio. It can also add value to your property. If you are looking to add a decked area to your home, one of the first questions you may ask is, will I need building plans for a Deck in South Africa?
According to Part G (vii) of the Minor Building Works Schedule, you do not need to submit building plans for a deck.
SHOULD I USE COMPOSITE WOOD OR HARDWOOD FOR MY DECK?
Both composite wood and hardwood have pros and cons and so really this is something of personal preference. There are many things to consider such as your budget, the aesthetic you want, what you plan to use your deck for, the lifespan and maintenance of the deck and the environmental impact your deck will have
HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN DECKING?
How you maintain decking can depend on the type of decking, how old it is, if it has been previously treated, and its overall condition. Decking that has been oiled is by far the easiest to maintain. Oiled decking will usually need nothing more than cleaning twice a year, usually in early spring and again in late summer or early autumn, with a dedicated decking cleaner, prior to re-oiling, with a decking oil. This twice-yearly routine will help to keep decking protected and looking great.
Decking stains and decking paints can also be cleaned with a decking cleaner as and when required. If the coating is starting to look tired or worn, if the finish is intact and hasn’t started to crack, peel, or flake off, a painted or stained decking can usually be revived by cleaning, then applying a fresh coat of compatible decking paint or decking stain.
Find out more about decking care and maintenance, and decking finishes and treatments here.
WHAT IS THE BEST TREATMENT FOR WOODEN DECKING?
This depends on the type. condition and age of the deck, if it has been previously treated or not, and what type of look is desired.
To retain the natural appearance of the decking boards, the best option is to use a clear decking oil. To change the colour of decking, or to colour decking that has turned grey or silver over time as a result of UV and rain damage, a coloured decking oil, decking stain or decking paint can be used. Coloured decking oils and decking stains tend to be semi translucent so that whilst colouring the wood, the grain of the wood remains visible. Some decking stains and most decking paints are opaque so they will cover the wood totally. This said the texture or pattern of the wood grain may still be visible.
Before treating any decking with a decking oil, paint, or stain, it’s important to ensure that the decking boards are absolutely dry and where applicable, the decking is treated with a mould and algae killer to remove and kill any mould, algae or lichen growth that is present. Once this has been done, always use a wax free wood preservative to help protect decking from mould and algae in the future.
USAGE | WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO USE THE DECK FOR?
“Decks are becoming a major part of the outdoor living movement. Deck builders are aiding homeowners in bringing the indoors outside with outdoor entertainment areas, built-in benches, and barbeques/braais. Decks are now treated as an extension of the living room.
What you will use your deck for is an important factor, as it illuminates the details your deck design may be missing. For example, do you spend most of your evenings on your deck? You may consider installing deck lighting. Do you have young children? Look into installing a deck gate for their safety.”
WHAT WEATHER CONDITIONS WILL THE DECK NEED TO WITHSTAND?
You’ll also need to think critically about the types of weather conditions your deck will need to withstand. There are many ways to weatherproof a deck, but you’ll want to put special emphasis on key vulnerabilities your deck will be exposed to. For example, do you live in an area that gets lots of rain and hail in the wintertime? You’ll need some additional layers of support. Is your area subject to extreme temperature fluctuations? You’ll need to choose high-quality wood and building materials.
Contact our team of specialists for additional details regarding decking treatments and their applications. They are always available to offer project guidance and product recommendations.