By popular demand, FLOORS is introducing a new, regular section in the magazine devoted specifically to the various types of materials used in exterior applications.

Decking, tiles, cobbles, paving, concrete, artificial grass – the list is endless – and although we will not be running a full feature article in each issue, you have carte blanche to have your say in this section and to keep the professionals in touch with your products and systems.

Over the past few years there has been a considerable increase in the popularity of decking for both residential and commercial applications and, as a result, there has been a proliferation of available products and systems that all compete in this niche market sector.

There is no doubt that the provision of a deck in any application – in your home, around hotel swimming pools or lounge areas, for safari lodges and entertainment areas, and many other leisure applications – instills an immediate feeling of relaxation and even outdoor opulence, and certainly increases the aesthetic appeal and value of the property.

Not so long ago the choice of decking material was simple. You could have wood or wood!  As a result the hardwood and engineered wood varieties of decking – together with some innovative finishes, treatments and fixing systems – are still preferred by many people, but there are now numerous suppliers and modern systems with entirely different attributes all competing for their share in this market.

Often seen as the main deterrent to having a natural wood deck these days is its need for regular care and maintenance; in some cases sanding, staining and resealing is an annual chore, although with some wood types it is possible to go two or three years before such treatments are necessary. Nevertheless, not paying attention to the preservation of a wooden deck can obviously lead to deterioration, rotting and the eventual failure of the deck.

With the upsurge in interest of people and designers wanting to establish decks in their homes or the projects they are handling, many other decking materials have been introduced – all of which seem to be aimed at providing lower maintenance options for the end-users with what are claimed to be longer-lasting and often eco-friendlier systems.

Vinyl, aluminium, plastic and, more recently, bamboo decks are available alternatives to wood, but perhaps the biggest recent change to the industry has been the introduction of composite decking.

This is typically made from a combination of different materials (wood and plastic mostly) processed to give the appearance of wood. The wood used can be lumber industry by-products such as sawdust, chips and wood fibre, and this is mixed with either virgin or recycled plastic, usually with a pigment and preservative added. Those that use wood by-products and recycled plastic certainly fall within the realm of being green products.

Normally this mixture is then heated, extruded into board lengths and cooled, and the composite decking material is then seen to be heavier than wood, but more dimensionally stable. WCP Materials won’t warp or rot, it does not splinter, and there is no need for painting, staining or sealing.

Kept swept, and with stains seen to straight away, all that is needed to keep it looking good is soap and water whenever necessary.

Another new decking material recently added to the market is made of pultruded fibreglass reinforced plastic (FRP). Pultrusion is a process in which continuous strands of fibreglass are pulled through a bath of polyester resins to coat the fibres, and then through a die to give the desired profile.

FRP decking materials are strong enough to be used as structural beams in industrial applications that require resistance to chemical attack and fire. The material is also highly scratch- and impact-resistant and is coloured throughout, which allows it to retain its looks with only periodic washing.

As with most decking systems, FRP decking is typically sold as an entire system, including deck boards, attachment clips, trim, and handrail material.

The initial cost of FRP decking is significantly higher than conventional alternatives, despite its overall long-term value. With this system decks should be designed so that full-width planks are used (planks cannot be cut to narrower widths, like wood, to fill in small gaps), otherwise gaps will be left between planks.

Earlier mention of bamboo decking is worth another brief visit. With unique treatment during the manufacturing procedure, strand-woven bamboo decking is decay-proof, moisture-resistant, and provides insect prevention and high temperature resistance.

And, of course, the source material is from carefully harvested plantations – but as it is a grass rather than a wood, bamboo is a rapidly growing material that reproduces further growth after it has been cut – making it a very environmentally friendly material.

This is but a simple overview of some of the better materials that are available for decking applications, but it pays to check the specifications and credentials of the manufacturer, supplier, and the installing contractor to ensure that you are getting the best possible value for your money.