Give your garden or terrace a different touch with decking

If you want to give your outdoor space a unique look , we recommend considering decking in your garden or patio. If you're thinking about renovating your home's exterior, keep in mind that you'll find many easy-to-install and decorative options to transform your garden or patio into a spectacular space. We're big fans of decking. Keep reading to discover the available alternatives!

Decking is the best flooring for the outdoor areas of your house

Installing wooden decking over any type of floor is very simple . First, you must place the joists on a level surface . Typically, the decking boards are anchored to the joists with staples when they are made of a synthetic material. There are two types of wood:

Natural wood decking

There are types of wood that are particularly suitable for outdoor use, such as Ipe, Cumaru, Itauba, Iroko, Teak, and Elondo, although most woods share similar characteristics regarding changes due to humidity, sun exposure, resistance to high and low temperatures, ventilation, and installation method. However, tropical wood species are generally recommended for outdoor applications, as they are heavier, harder, and their dimensional stability is well-suited for exterior use .

Synthetic wood decking

Synthetic wood decking is known as WPC (Wood Plastic Composite). Although aesthetically less appealing than natural wood decking, it is much more practical and cheaper . There are three different types of synthetic decking:

• Hollow synthetic wood decking . This type of decking is unaffected by expansion due to heat and humidity, requires minimal maintenance, and is very easy to clean.
• Solid engineered wood decking . It also requires minimal maintenance and is virtually as easy to clean as the previous options. However, it is less resistant to expansion and contraction due to temperature and humidity than hollow decking.
• Encapsulated wood decking . This type requires the least maintenance, is very easy to clean, and has minimal variation due to changes in temperature and humidity.

Any of these synthetic woods will perfectly withstand the test of time and the problems that might arise from having them installed outdoors. They usually have a fairly natural appearance, are very durable, and highly resistant . It's also important to note that they don't splinter , making them safer than natural wood. They don't need to be painted and don't require wood preservatives , as they tolerate damage from fungi, insects, and termites well. Whichever option you choose, you can install the decking boards in a staggered pattern , vertically and horizontally, to create a look similar to tiled floors. You can also lay them all in the same direction for a sense of order and minimalism .