An outdoor decking area is a wonderful way to enjoy your outdoor space, soak up the sun or take in the open air; but who said that decking area needs to be on the ground?

At DeckPlus, our composite decking isn’t just the ideal route to a revolutionised garden, it’s also the perfect way to revamp a roof terrace or a breath some life into a balcony!

 

balcony decking

 

Why Choose Balcony Decking from DeckPlus?

When it comes to decking out your balcony, nothing comes close to the awesome power of composite decking. Here are a few reasons why you should raise your game with balcony decking from DeckPlus.

 

Slip-Resistant

Perhaps the most important attribute for any flooring surface that’s high above ground, slip-resistance is vital for any balcony decking product

Fortunately, at DeckPlus, all of our products are extremely slip-resistant and built to withstand the demands of Mother Nature.

Our capped composite decking boards, in particular, are extremely water-resistant, featuring a protective polymer sleeve that’s virtually impermeable to moisture.

The result is a surface that’s firm underfoot and provides traction you can count on with every step.

 

Easy Installation

Another great perk of using DeckPlus for your rooftop or balcony decking is that it’s inherently easy to install. In fact, when compared to comparative products and competitors’ offerings, DeckPlus is virtually effortless.

Using our noise-reducing EasyFix decking accessories, you can remove the need for a mechanical attachment altogether. Simply push-fit the rubber shoes onto the joists and use the EasyFix packers to level with ease.

Meanwhile, most of our balcony decking options are also compatible with the CONCEALoc hidden fastener system, for a smooth and seamless finish. With built-in spacers, this method allows top-side installation for trouble-free access.

 

Design Freedom

Available in a wide range of colours and a myriad of designs, our composite decking boards can bring instant personality to your balcony decking area.

From the deepest of blacks to the lightest of whites with every natural wood shade you could in between, the scope for design is extremely varied.

Not only does this allow you to achieve the outdoor finish you desire but it also paves the way for you to accessorise with your interior colour-scheme as well for an indoor/outdoor transition that works.

 

Durability

Whenever renovate your home, knowing that your new balcony decking is going to last long into the future can be a big selling point and provide solid peace of mind.

Luckily, DeckPlus decking is built to last. Better yet, it requires little to no maintenance to retain its stellar aesthetic appeal.

Composite decking from DeckPlus will never splinter, split or bow, while it’s also extremely resistant to mould and algae.

When your decking is down, you know your balcony design is in it for the long haul and here to stay well into the future.

 

For more information on balcony decking or any other composite decking products from DeckPlus, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 0800 028 8756 or get in touch online using the button below.

Get in Touch

A quick Google search for decking will fire back a surprising amount of results, featuring a wide variety of deck options for you to choose from.

As a result, picking out the decking material that’s right for you and your home can be a lot trickier than you might think.

To help you get to grips with each of these woody resources and, more importantly, the pros and cons of each, here’s a brief introduction into different types of decking.

 

types of decking

 

Common Types of Decking

Decking boards come in a myriad of shapes, sizes and colours, offering an equally diverse range of attributes.

For years, the three main options for those looking to deck out their outdoor space were softwood decking, hardwood decking or plastic decking.

Unfortunately, none of these materials offered a comprehensive, long-term solution to domestic decking needs., as you can see below.

 

Softwood Decking

Softwood decking requires extensive maintenance to keep it in tip-top condition, necessitating regular staining and treating from year-to-year.

Even with such treatment, softwood decking may still warp and crack, while this material is also very absorbent, making it highly susceptible to mould and algae.

Meanwhile, traditional wood is also notably difficult to install at times, with knots in the wood a natural obstacle resulting in wasted materials.

 

Hardwood Decking

While hardwood decking may be a safer option than softwood decking, it will still need a lot of maintenance to keep its looks over time, requiring continued stripping, staining and oiling.

In addition to being time-consuming, this also involves the introduction of chemicals which can be harmful to the environment.

Much like softwood, hardwood decking can also be difficult to install and has the potential to split and splinter over time.

 

Plastic Decking

While plastic may seem like a synthetic solution to the above issues, they often not fit for purpose when it comes to weather-resistance and can become very slippery underfoot when wet.

What’s more, while they may benefit from less maintenance than traditional wood, they are also less sturdy and can bow and crack under stress.

Aesthetically, plastic decking also tends to look notably less impressive than wood, exuding a cheaper appearance that connotes a lack of quality.

 

Types of Composite Decking

While the above three options have many pitfalls in terms of appearance, practicality and upkeep, there is a better way to achieve your dream deck without the drawbacks.

Composite decking boasts all the aesthetic beauty of traditional wood decking with the low-maintenance benefits of synthetic materials, all with the added benefit of extreme durability and weather-resistance.

At DeckPlus, we specialise in composite decking and currently offer the following three avenues for you to explore when settling on the right material to suit your needs.

 

Hollow Composite Decking

The newest innovation to hit the decking market in recent years, hollow composite decking is a budget-friendly solution to your composite decking needs.

Hollow composite decking is markedly less expensive than other kinds of composite decking allowing those without a sizeable savings fund to deck out their garden in style.

They are also extremely eco-friendly, benefitting from the recycled aspect of its composition, while also using less material than solid composite decking.

 

Uncapped Composite Decking

A step up from hollow composite decking boards, non-capped composite decking offers virtually unrivalled durability and design flair with a low-maintenance lifespan.

Providing beautiful wood-look decking without the upkeep of the real thing, uncapped composite decking is fade, stain and abrasion-resistant.

Non-capped composite decking is also inherently slip-resistant, boasting an extremely low absorption rate for enhanced traction.

 

Capped Composite Decking

A step up from uncapped decking, capped composite decking is arguably the most comprehensive decking solution available on the market today.

Featuring a protective polymer sleeve for enhanced durability, capped decking is virtually impermeable to moisture, making it ideal even in wet conditions.

Ideal for pool and hot tub surrounds, spills and splashes can simply be wiped clean, while social gatherings involving food and drink are also no match for the awesome resilience of capped composite decking.

 

So, there you have it: a frank assessment of the main types of decking available on the market today. For more information on any of the decking types mentioned in this article or to find out more about hollow or solid decking at DeckPlus, call 0800 028 8756 now or get in touch online using the link below.

Contact Us

When it comes to choosing which composite decking is right for you, choosing between the tried and tested solid option and the new hollow alternative can be a tough choice.

Both offer a variety of benefits in their own right that give them the upper hand in certain areas, but which one wins out overall?

Let’s find out as we take a closer look at them both in this ‘hollow vs solid decking’ head-to-head!

 

hollow vs solid decking, decking reviews

 

Solid Composite Decking

Available in a variety of designs and colour, solid composite decking comes in two primary forms: capped composite decking and uncapped composite decking.

Standard non-capped composite decking offers extreme durability, providing a long-lasting aesthetic that requires very little maintenance and upkeep.

Slip and stain resistant, each board is fundamentally designed to withstand the demands of the outdoors and is more than capable of handling a number of man-made obstacles as well, be it a family barbeque or a lively social gathering.

Meanwhile, capped composite decking offers all that and more, with the added benefit of enhanced moisture protection in the form of a protective polymer sleeve.

This gives each capped composite deck board an extremely low porosity, making them virtually impermeable to moisture, giving them added protection against stains and slips.

Perhaps most attractive of all, all solid composite decking comes with a 25 to 30-year warranty, with capped option even including fade and stain cover as standard.

Meanwhile, both are made from a combination of recycled hardwood and synthetic material, making them extremely eco-friendly.

 

Hollow Composite Decking

While it may have some big shoes to fill, hollow composite decking has a number of unique perks of its own.

Perhaps most obviously, an immediately noticeable difference between hollow and solid composite decking is the price tag that comes with them.

Hollow composite decking is notably less expensive than its solid counterpart, due predominantly to the fact that it uses less material by design.

Each hollow composite deck board features multiple hollow channels running through each plank, meaning they use considerably less material. This makes them extremely environmentally friendly, even more so than the solid version.

Despite the hollow composition, hollow composite decking is still inherently sturdy and hard-wearing, never requiring any wood treatment yet still providing all the stain and fade resistance of its solid competition.

They also provide a comfortable, lightweight surface to walk on, which can be preferable to some over the bulkier rigidity of the solid decking.

That being said, perhaps the main drawback of the hollow version in its battle with its solid opponent is the warranty. Hollow decking warranty is typically 5 to 10 years, as opposed to the 25 to 30 offered by the solid version.

 

Which is Better?

While both are designed for low-maintenance outdoor enjoyment, providing a wood-look aesthetic without the drawbacks of genuine timber, each option can make a solid argument (no pun intended) that puts them ahead in the opinion polls.

Solid composite decking has the edge in terms of long-lasting durability and variety of design; however, hollow composite decking is extremely eco-friendly and has a particularly attractive price point.

If budget is tight and cost is a concern, hollow decking will win all day, every day. However, if money is no object and long-lasting durability is top of the agenda, capped composite decking will long reign supreme.

 

Which Decking is Right for Me?

When deciding which is better for you, it can often come down to the wants and needs of the individual.

It’s worth considering your future plans when choosing which decking material is right for you. After all, would you buy top-of-the-range tyres for a car you plan on selling in a month’s time?

If you plan to stay in your home for the foreseeable future, it can make perfect sense to invest in a deck that lasts for decades to come.

Meanwhile, if you plan to relocate within the next decade, it may not be worth investing in a solid deck that’s designed to last 30 years.

 

Whether you want to use hollow or solid decking for your garden project, we have a huge range for you to choose from. All of our composite decking ranges are manufactured to the highest standards. Did you know you can now purchase everything you need including deck boards, trims and fittings directly through our website? Shop now!

Shop Composite Decking Now >

Throughout the year, British weather is typically dominated by dismal weather, with grey skies and downpours an accepted part of life in the UK.

As a result, when it comes to outdoor flooring, the ability to combat these conditions isn't just a welcome addition, it’s a veritable must-have.

In the case of outdoor flooring, non-slip decking is the holy grail of outdoor flooring, providing firm footing and grip in all weathers.

But just how slip-proof is non-slip decking? Let’s find out…

 

Non-slip decking

 

Can You Get Non-Slip Decking?

Before we go any further, lets address the very common question "is there such a thing as non-slip decking?" It’s worth noting this very important point: there’s no such thing as slip-proof decking.

Any company that claims to offer slip-proof decking is likely to be quite the slippery customer in their own right, so avoid at all costs! Now that we’ve got that out of the way, back to the task at hand…

While slip-proof decking is yet to make its way off the technological production line, slip-resistant decking is very much a reality. When the word "non-slip" is used, it's usually referring to slip-resistant decking, providing ample slip-avoiding attributes such as enhanced grip, etc. – without claiming to offer complete immunity.

 

Slip-Resistant Composite Decking

Traditional wood decking boards are prone to collecting moisture, whether it’s within the natural groves of the wood or soaked up by the board itself. Both can cause a major slip hazard, particularly following a heavy downpour.

Worse still, during the wintertime, this moisture can then freeze over, causing your wooden deck area to become a make-shift ice rink, worthy of Will Ferrell and Jon Heder.

At DeckPlus, all of our composite decking is specifically designed and engineered for enhanced slip-resistant, providing extreme traction with every transaction. With a moisture intake of just 1.2%, our composite deck boards are not only less likely to freeze over, but they are also far more resistant to slippery fungus like mould and algae.

 

What's the Best Non-Slip Decking?

When it comes to slip-resistance, few decking materials can compare to the moisture-resisting qualities of capped composite decking.

Covered in a protective polymer coat, each capped composite deck board is virtually impermeable. Surface water can simply be wiped away or left to dry, with a typical drying time of just 30 minutes.

These slip-resistant qualities make capped composite decking the perfect surface material for pool surrounds, hot tubs and areas likely to endure frequent splashes and spills. If you're looking for a safe and stylish alternative to slippery traditional wood decking, non-slip composite decking is the right option for you. 

 

Non-Slip Decking Boards at DeckPlus

Best of all, all of our composite decking boards come in a wide variety of designs, to ensure you get the best choice possible in terms of design, colour and safety.

Don’t slip up in your quest for the perfect decking. Order slip-resistant composite decking from DeckPlus and keep your feet firmly on the ground, regardless of what the weather brings!

 

For more information on non-slip decking boards and slip-resistant composite decking, call DeckPlus today? Drop us a line on 0800 028 8756 or get in touch online using the link below.

Contact Us

When it comes to sourcing top-quality composite decking, TimberTech often comes out on top of the list.

A veteran brand that has revolutionised the decking industry, TT has earned its spot at the top of the mountain.

However, a quick Google search will also highlight a number of other composite competitors, with numerous other companies throwing their hat in the ring – albeit to varying results and quality.

One of those competitors is Trex. Industry veterans in their own right, Trex have become a common alternative for composite decking outside of TimberTech.

But how does it stand up next to TimberTech? Let’s find out as we put them both under the microscope in a head-to-head battle of TimberTech vs Trex.

 

timbertech vs trex

 

Capping

Capped composite decking is the latest and greatest innovation in decking durability. Providing enhanced stain and slip resistance, capped decking includes a protective polymer shield around each board to keep out moisture.

While both products favour the capped approach, a key difference between Trex boards and TimberTech boards is the way they are capped.

TimberTech boards are fully capped on all sides, sealing out moisture from all sides for maximum protection against moisture.

Conversely, Trex boards are only capped on the top, leaving the sides and underneath exposed to moisture. Think of it as having a high-security lock on your front door and leaving your back door open.

 

Eco-Friendly

Both TimberTech and Trex offer composite decking that is inherently eco-friendly, combining reclaimed wood with synthetic materials to reduce the environmental impact.

From a sustainability point of view, both offer a guilt-free way of decking out your garden without contributing to felling trees and deforestation.

However, one key difference you’ll immediately notice between the two is their composition. Trex boards comprise of a solid plank with the typical straight, four-sided framework.

Meanwhile, TimberTech boards include a notably different underside, with two stylishly grooved channels running down the length of the board.

As a result, TimberTech uses less material than Trex per board simply by its anatomy. Over the course of an entire deck, this can amount to a considerable difference.

 

Warranty

When it comes to warranty, the difference is evident to see and indisputable. Trex products offer a guarantee of 25 years, while most TimberTech products come with a hefty 30-year safety net, thereby offering 5 years additional cover than Trex.

The guarantee offered by Trex vs TimberTech’s leaves there no doubt who comes up on the winning end in terms of customer reassurance. TimberTech’s 30-year warranty (with stain and fade cover included) is the ultimate peace of mind.

 

For more details on TimberTech reviews and the benefits of TimberTech vs Trex, why not drop us a line and speak with one of our experts? Call now on 0800 028 8756 or get in touch online using the button below.

Contact Us