In modern times, there are many ways to cover floors in private homes and office spaces.
A large number of ways help to achieve the desired result. But when you need to arrange floors on a terrace, in open areas or in a swimming pool area, for example, you should really work hard.
In such cases, even the choice is not as wide as in the first cases. Concrete in such a situation will not look decorative, and under the influence of weather conditions, concrete may even begin to crumble and lose its useful properties.
Ceramic tiles for such work are a good material that is durable and strong, and from an aesthetic point of view it looks rich and beautiful.
But ceramics itself is a cold and mirror-like material. It is not advisable to place ceramics in open spaces, as it is very easy to slip on it.
An ideal option for open spaces is decking. It is a deck board, but with improved properties: high strength, environmental friendliness and a presentable visual appearance. Terrace decking comes in various types.
Definition of decking
Decking is a modern building material used to create a patio and for landscaping the area near the pond. It is also quite often used as flooring for verandas and terraces.
Nowadays, decking refers to decking. Another name for decking is deck flooring. Indeed, in appearance this coating resembles a ship’s deck.
Application areas for decking boards
Decking profiles are used in various areas. Most often they are laid in parks, gardens, and suburban areas.
Paving terraces
The modules tolerate high humidity and temperature changes well. Therefore, they are chosen for finishing objects that are located in open space. These are terraces, verandas, patios, gazebos, closed and open-air extensions.
Flooring on balconies
Parquet and laminate flooring on the balcony quickly wears out and deteriorates. Classic tiles are cold and uncomfortable. It can easily break if you drop something heavy. Decking will be a rational choice for flooring on a balcony or loggia.
Decking looks great on the balcony.
Building facades
Exterior decoration of country houses and country cottages gives them an aesthetic, finished look, enhances insulation, and increases the strength and durability of the building.
For finishing the facade, lining, siding, block house, and imitation timber are used. But you can also lay decking. It has an attractive appearance, combines the positive qualities of natural wood and polymers, is durable and easy to install.
Creation of unusual architectural compositions in landscape design
The panels are easy to process, so they can be used to create architectural compositions of any shape or complexity.
Arrangement of areas around outdoor swimming pools
Decking retains its shape, does not deform, and does not swell even with direct or abundant contact with water. It does not heat up and does not melt under the sun.
These properties make it a practical choice for finishing the pool area.
The decking board does not slip and does not heat up in the sun.
Paths in the yard
Garden parquet can be used as a flooring for paths, sidewalks, bridges in the garden or yard. It is suitable for flat and relief areas. The coating is comfortable, durable, non-slip, and wear-resistant. It fits organically into the landscape.
Wood plastic for finishing steps
The lumber is easy to maintain, so it is suitable for cladding steps, porches, and areas in front of the front door. Dirt and debris accumulate in these places, which can be easily removed from the flooring.
Arrangement of berths and piers
Decking is great for finishing areas located near bodies of water. It is resistant to moisture, ultraviolet radiation, and can withstand strong physical stress.
Terraced waterproof modules are used for arranging a pier, pier, beach, embankment. Here they will last 25-30 years.
Whereas classic wooden flooring, even after careful processing, loses its properties after only 3 years.
Playgrounds
Decking coating is safe for children. It is pleasant to the touch, does not heat up or burn, so you can crawl or run barefoot on the site. You cannot slip, get hurt, or get a splinter on the flooring.
Wood plastic is a good material for covering playgrounds.
From the array
This type of decking is considered the progenitor of building materials of this type, since it was this type that caused the growth in popularity of deck boards. Solid wood decking consists of ordinary boards made from solid pine, cedar, oak, and ash wood.
For those who like something exotic, a variation made from tropical trees is suitable. Flooring made from wood species growing in African, Asian and South American forests will look truly exclusive. The amazing fiber structure and long service life, up to 80 years, make this decking unique.
An excellent solution would be a massaranduba mahogany board. It is distinguished by its resistance to moisture and the ability to be used in situations with intense loads. The high level of rubber resins prevents the growth of mold fungi.
The kekatong (Australian walnut) finish is durable and stable. These properties are of great importance when designing outdoor areas. This type of wood is used in shipbuilding because it can withstand even sea water.
This type of material has the following advantages:
- moisture resistance;
- durability;
- strength;
- naturalness.
- aesthetics.
Solid wood boards are resistant to environmental influences and have a beautiful natural texture. Its only disadvantage is the need for systematic care using special compounds - waxes, impregnations, oils. The cost of such decking is not small.
Installation
As we understand, everything starts with calculations and a drawing, since decking boards for the floor and consumable components are expensive. The components include the initial bracket, intermediate brackets, corners, end strips, plugs and galvanized self-tapping screws.
Attention!!! All components are purchased separately, and this is approximately 20-30% of the decking cost.
Buying decking boards is not an easy process. Nowadays there are a huge number of manufacturers on the building materials market, which of course cannot but please the buyer. But there is a risk of stumbling upon a low-quality product for quite a lot of money.
The best manufacturers
Good quality thermal terrace boards
France – ThermoWood.- Russia – Chocowood.
- Estonia – TM Thermory.
Good quality composite decking
- Russia – Alta-Step, Terrapol.
- Korea - LG Woozen. Twinson, Terradeck, MixWood, Deckra.
- Türkiye – AGT.
- Hungary – Legro.
- Malaysia – Mirradex.
- Germany – Relazzo Classic, Grinder.
- Belgium – Bruggan.
- China – Terranson.
decking boards are available:
- Russia – Darvin, Dec Master.
- China - Bamboo.
- Belgium – Bruggan.
- Indonesia – JAF, Komodoor.
Installation technology
Preparatory stage
The base on which we will lay the logs should be leveled and a slope of 2-3 degrees should be laid. Usually this is a concrete base, covered with a layer of crushed stone on top. Then we install the logs. If required, we raise it to the height of the house’s foundation in order to obtain an extension of the house.
Logs can be used composite or made of wood that has undergone special treatment. The recommended distance between the logs is 30-50 cm, but professionals insist on a distance of 30 cm. Thus, we prevent the veranda board from sagging.
Laying on joists
The last stage is laying the decking boards on the joists. Can be attached in two ways:
- The first is with self-tapping screws (anti-corrosion) from the outside, this is an open method. This method is simple, but the board is fixed rigidly and in case of temperature changes the board can move.
- The second is the use of professional fasteners. This method is also called closed. This fastener was described above in the accessories. The use of fasteners is determined by specific operating conditions. Fastening elements ensure reliable fastening of the board with a given gap, and also allow the board to linearly expand and contract when required.
Regardless of the method of fastening, a gap of 3-5 mm should be left between the boards during installation, this is done so that the water can drain away smoothly during precipitation. If you have an enclosed veranda, it is also recommended to leave gaps between the deck boards. Where artificial boards will adjoin the walls, a gap of 1-2 cm should be left.
We have briefly examined the installation of boards for a veranda or terrace. You can install decking boards with your own hands, but there are many nuances and little details that we have not touched upon. Of course, it is best to entrust this work to professionals who provide a 1-year guarantee for the type of work performed. Average price from craftsmen for 1 sq.m. is 1000 rubles.
Made from thermowood
This type of decking is obtained using a special wood processing technology - high temperature steam treatment. As a result, the moisture contained in the wood evaporates, and it acquires high aesthetic and strength properties. The wood becomes moisture resistant - even direct interaction with water will not lead to its swelling and rotting.
Its resistance to exposure to sunlight also increases - thermal wood does not dry out and retains its shape. In addition, steam treatment gives it a bright, evenly distributed color and clear texture, which last for quite a long time.
Made from wood-polymer composite (WPC).
From the name you can judge the composition of the material used to create the coating parts. This board can withstand any climate. This is the most modern type of decking. Wood-polymer composite is a mixture of fine sawdust and special plastic additives. As a result of such a combination, a material is obtained that has all the advantages of natural wood with the complete absence of its disadvantages.
Plastic decking does not require special care. It feels wonderful in any weather, is not afraid of humidity and sun, and does not deform under load.
WPC decking does not burn and is not susceptible to fungi. Because of its advantages, polymer boards are widely used by landscape designers.
Unfortunately, it also has its downsides. First of all, this is the unnaturalness of the surface imitating wood. Also, in some cases, swelling, waves and chips may occur. This is typical for products produced by unscrupulous manufacturers.
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To distinguish low-quality products, just look at the side cut - if air bubbles or foreign inclusions are visible on it, then you have low-quality decking.
The most significant drawback is considered to be the tendency of WPC boards to sag. Because of this, when manufacturing the site structure, the distance between the logs should be minimal. And you also need to provide a ventilation system to ensure air exchange of the space under the covering. Stagnation of air masses can lead to mold.
WPC boards can be sanded or unsanded. These two types have no external differences and have the same performance qualities.
Additional expenses when installing decking
If the installation of natural boards requires additional expenses in the form of self-tapping screws, then for laying terrace decking you need end parts. They perform both practical and aesthetic tasks.
F and L-shaped profiles, edging strips and lintel strips between the covering and the wall of the building are usually used as edging.
It is necessary to treat the flooring with special protective compounds during its installation, and then once every two years. The result will be a significant amount.
Speaking about support posts for the flooring, they can be made:
- Made of wood. The laying step is 60-100 cm (depending on the cross-section of the lag). The wood must be dry, humidity should not exceed 25% - otherwise deformations may occur. Treatment with protective special medications are required.
- Made from composite. The layout step is 0.3-0.4 m. Such logs are recommended to be used when installing flooring in difficult weather conditions, but under light loads. When installing between the surface of soil or concrete and the racks, it is imperative to install dense rubber pads.
- Made of aluminum. Such logs are characterized by minimal thermal expansion. We allow installation in increments of up to 1 m. Metal racks cost a lot, so they are used mainly in important areas that require a responsible approach.
Veranda floor made of composite decking boards: installation features
Plastic decking boards for verandas are easy to install. You should know the main points and rules of paving so that this material lies on the floor for a long time and does not swell. The floor is laid like this:
- First you need to determine the amount of basic and additional material so that it is enough for construction and there is not much left over.
- Surface preparation. It should be smooth. Concrete screed and compacted soil are suitable for this.
- The slats are installed on the base - logs. They are either wooden blocks or aluminum guides. For rooms like a veranda, the second option is better.
- The logs are installed in increments of 40-50 cm with the expectation that the edges of the lamellas should fall on the logs.
- The deck board can be laid with or without a gap. However, for open areas and unheated areas, the option with gaps is suitable.
- In the place where the floor will be, the material should lie for about two days to acclimatize so that it lies flat and does not deform over time.
- To connect the lamellas, special fasteners are used - clamps and clips.
- The boards are laid sequentially one after another, starting from the wall, if the veranda has them, or from the edge closer to the street.
A veranda made of terrace boards is a durable structure that will delight its owners and guests for many years.
