About the wood

Nothing can compare to timber for versatility and beauty. It's strength, longevity (when correctly specified and treated) and unique natural grain patterning explain why it is a material man has loved to live and work with for thousands of years.

Two main types of wood are suitable for decking, namely Tanalith treated redwood or certain species of hardwood.

Redwood... with a 15 year guarantee

By far the most popular choice, all the redwood used by TimberScapes is sourced from forests in the far northern reaches of Scandinavia. Here timber grows much more slowly due to the colder environment. Slow growth produces stronger timber with a closer cell structure. The timber is harvested, milled and dried. It is then machined to its finished specification and treated. The treatment, called Tanalith E, a newly developed variation of a renowned timber preservative first introduced in the 1930's, is then forced into the wood by high pressure. Once this process is complete the timber is guaranteed against insect attack and rot for 15 years! We supply a written guarantee from Arbordeck, our supplier, to the customer on completion of the deck.

Hardwoods, the good the bad and the ugly

Lets start with the bad and get it out of the way

A variety of hardwoods are available for decking applications. These include Iroko, Yellow Balou, and even certain types of Teak. These are all suitable because of their inherent resistance to decay. Unfortunately all are taken from tropical rain forests in Africa, South America or the Far East. Although steps have been taken to improve forestry practices throughout the world it is sadly true that a large proportion of these trees are felled either illegally or in an environmentally damaging and unsustainable manner.

Now for the good news

Thankfully tropical timbers are not the only hardwoods suitable for decking. Indeed there is just such a species growing in our own back yard! The majestic Oak tree. With over 200 million oaks in the UK and with a greater population being planted every year, there is a considerable, and more importantly, sustainable supply available.

And lastly... the ugly (transportation)

At TimberScapes we understand that it is not only the forestry practises, but also the transportation of timber that affects the environment. As such we believe homegrown, or European timber offers the best quality for the least environmental impact. Indeed timber sourced from well-managed forests where more trees are planted than are felled, actually helps to reduce global carbon dioxide levels. Forestry practises in this country and the EU are the very best in the world!

Additional Treatment

Born of our experience and integrity we acknowledge that timber decking can require a little more maintenance than some other forms of hard landscaping. Though some of the recommendations described below may seem onerous, in reality the average timber deck can easily be cleaned and oiled once every two or three years with just a couple of afternoons light work.

It should be noted that all real wood decks, regardless of the timber species or proprietary treatments used, will need the following after-care. If other deck design companies neglect to tell you this it is not because the timber they supply is any different, it is because they are neglectful!

Treated Redwood

With treated redwoods the Tanalith preservative protects against insect attack and rot. This is essential for the long-term integrity of the structure. Correctly built and well maintained, a treated redwood deck will last in excess of 25 years.

The deck surface is subject to a great variety of demands; extreme heat and cold, wetting and drying, leaf mould from neighbouring trees, to say nothing of the impact of human feet. As such, additional treatments and after-care are essential to get the best from your deck. Following installation both TimberScapes and Arbordeck recommend the application of Seasonite New Wood Protection. Seasonite is designed to protect new exterior wood from the damaging effects of sun and moisture. Immediate application of Seasonite seals out excess moisture and protects against fading, keeping new wood looking new for longer. It also provides mildew resistance.

Timber is a natural product and some maintenance is inevitable. Sweeping the deck with a stiff bristled brush and hose will help prevent the build up of leaf mould that could encourage algae. After the first twelve to twenty-four months the deck will need a thorough cleaning, ideally with a pressure washer and bleach free wood cleaner, such as Nettrol. Having allowed the deck to dry for a couple of days, the application of a decking oil such as Textrol will give the thirsty deck a healthy drink of just the right sort of nutrients it needs. Just like applying hand cream when your skin becomes dry. Not only will this process clean and restore the surface of the deck, it will also enhance the grain pattern in the wood. This treatment should be undertaken every two to three years.

We are happy to provide any further advice you may need, as well as supplying the necessary treatment products. We can even come and clean the deck for you ourselves if you wish.