Can you get smooth decking?
Smooth decking boards have a highly uniform look and in many instances provide a more desirable walking surface than grooved boards. Any surface where there is likely to be high footfall or where the passage of the likes of prams or wheelchairs for example is anticipated, smooth boards will normally work best.
Can you lay decking smooth side up?
The correct way to lay decking boards for most decking is smooth-side-up, with the ridges there to prevent rot and mould.
What are the benefits of laying decking smooth side up?
Smooth Face Up
- Easier to clean.
- Simple, and clean appearance.
- Grooved face down allows airflow between deck and supporting joist.
How long does softwood decking last?
10-15 years
When it comes to longevity, a softwood deck can last for 10-15 years if maintained properly. The maintenance includes regular cleaning, staining, sealing, and painting. If not taken care of properly, it can only last for 5-10 years.
Is smooth wood decking slippery?
Also, when not regularly maintained, wooden decking boards tend to have smooth spots that can be slippery when wet. Furthermore, when you clean wooden decking with jet and pressure washing, you open the deck’s natural grooves, making the boards more vulnerable to water absorption and consequently more slippery.
Should decking have gaps?
Proper wood deck board spacing should have at least a 1/8 inch gap after the decking has dried out. If you install your wood or treated deck boards while they are still wet boards, then they should be attached without a gap between them.
How long should a deck last NZ?
With regular maintenance, a deck should last 15-20 years. Without such maintenance, you may find you will need to replace or repair it much sooner.
Should decking have grooves?
Deck boards with grooves are designed to channel water away from the deck. To help with drainage, they should be fitted with a slight tilt in the direction of the grooves. Some people choose to put the grooved or reeded side face down to allow for airflow underneath the boards to prevent a build up of moisture.
Should you leave gaps in decking?
When installing decking boards, make sure to leave 1/4 to 1/8 inch gaps in between them. This gap will make sure that the deck can breathe, have sufficient drainage, and make it easier to clean. For the gaps, you can use different tools to help you.
Why do decking boards have grooves?
Is softwood decking slippery?
Softwood decking is naturally porous enough that it doesn’t get slick when it’s wet, water accumulating after rain along with general dirt and debris build-up can make your deck slippery. However, a grey or black fungus can grow on it that is barely noticeable when it’s dry, but is like grease when it’s wet.
Which is better smooth or grooved decking boards?
While smooth decking boards offer many advantages, there are also some compelling reasons to opt for grooved. Grooved boards can aid water runoff. This is only effective, however, if they are fitted with a slight fall and in short lengths. When boards are installed in longer lengths, the grooves may hold water.
Which is better smooth or castellated wood decking?
Food, litter, dirt and debris are less likely to become trapped in smooth boards than in grooved boards, making it much easier to keep the decking and maintain a high standard of hygiene. It is a common mistake to think that castellated timber decking provides better anti-slip properties compared to smooth decking.
What kind of decking board does lumberock use?
Lumberock’s 2 x 8 plastic decking boards come in a variety of colors to work for your deck building project. Lumberock’s 5/4×6 tongue & groove plastic decking boards come in a variety of colors to work for your deck building project.
How big is a treated timber decking board?
Timber decking available in boards machined from 150mm wide and 38mm thick. All the boards have been pressure treated for long life and low maintenance. Available in 3.6m lengths.