South Cerney Outdoor Centre brings Ecodek onboard for a striking waterside bistro project.

SOUTH CERNEY OUTDOOR CENTRE BRINGS ECODEK ONBOARD FOR STRIKING WATERSIDE BISTRO PROJECT

Creating an inviting outdoor dining and refreshment scene will likely remain a key priority for bars, cafes, and restaurants as they open for trade once again and look to attract customers now and keep everyone safe in the future. During lockdown, businesses increasingly built upon their outof-doors dining areas ready for welcoming customers once more and leading Ecodek solid decking boards became a firm choice for restaurants and bars wanting an environmentally sustainable solution to accommodate their customers safely and stylishly. One stunningly located hospitality venture to put the Ecodek product in place has been the Lodge Bistro and Coffee Shop, a sustainably created eatery at the South Cerney Outdoor Centre, positioned on the edge of a 50-acre water sports lake in the Cotswold Water Park.

of providing a suitable indoor and outdoor aesthetic and level of Created by merging two recycled practicality, Matt was interested in the advantages of enhancing his shipping containers to form a project using the Ecodek decking waterside reverie, the bistro has system. been clad in larch wood and includes feature bi-fold doors that He explains: “I was looking for a open invitingly onto the lake’s vista. The Lodge also includes a cantilever solution that would enable us to use deck dining area over the lake’s the same board material internally edge, which has been designed and and externally, whilst also bringing a complimentary wood effect feel installed using the ecodek® system. to the whole dining environment. It was important that any flooring solution chosen would echo with our project’s sustainability brief, and be

Having experienced first-hand the made using recycled and sustainable maintenance issues and potential materials wherever possible.” slip hazards of installing hardwood decking in the past, South Cerney In ecological terms, Matt’s decking Outdoor Centre’s Managing Director choice has been on brief, as the Matt Pritchard wanted to consider ecodek® decking solution is alternative indoor and outdoor designed to be as green as it is long flooring options, with a wider vision lasting. Purposely created to be of being able to create an indoor/ repeatedly recycled, and available in outdoor space, with little transition lengths that are ‘cut to order’ in the between the two once the bi-fold UK at the fabrication stage, Ecodek doors were opened. production and sustainability credentials not only limit waste but Considering a composite deck help to reduce installation time and solution to be a more durable and customer costs. stable option, as well as capable

SOUTH CERNEY OUTDOOR CENTRE BRINGS ECODEK ONBOARD FOR STRIKING WATERSIDE BISTRO PROJECT

Creating an inviting outdoor dining and refreshment scene will likely remain a key priority for bars, cafes, and restaurants as they open for trade once again and look to attract customers now and keep everyone safe in the future. During lockdown, businesses increasingly built upon their outof-doors dining areas ready for welcoming customers once more and leading Ecodek solid decking boards became a firm choice for restaurants and bars wanting an environmentally sustainable solution to accommodate their customers safely and stylishly. One stunningly located hospitality venture to put the Ecodek product in place has been the Lodge Bistro and Coffee Shop, a sustainably created eatery at the South Cerney Outdoor Centre, positioned on the edge of a 50-acre water sports lake in the Cotswold Water Park.

of providing a suitable indoor and outdoor aesthetic and level of Created by merging two recycled practicality, Matt was interested in the advantages of enhancing his shipping containers to form a project using the Ecodek decking waterside reverie, the bistro has system. been clad in larch wood and includes feature bi-fold doors that He explains: “I was looking for a open invitingly onto the lake’s vista. The Lodge also includes a cantilever solution that would enable us to use deck dining area over the lake’s the same board material internally edge, which has been designed and and externally, whilst also bringing a complimentary wood effect feel installed using the ecodek® system. to the whole dining environment. It was important that any flooring solution chosen would echo with our project’s sustainability brief, and be

Having experienced first-hand the made using recycled and sustainable maintenance issues and potential materials wherever possible.” slip hazards of installing hardwood decking in the past, South Cerney In ecological terms, Matt’s decking Outdoor Centre’s Managing Director choice has been on brief, as the Matt Pritchard wanted to consider ecodek® decking solution is alternative indoor and outdoor designed to be as green as it is long flooring options, with a wider vision lasting. Purposely created to be of being able to create an indoor/ repeatedly recycled, and available in outdoor space, with little transition lengths that are ‘cut to order’ in the between the two once the bi-fold UK at the fabrication stage, Ecodek doors were opened. production and sustainability credentials not only limit waste but Considering a composite deck help to reduce installation time and solution to be a more durable and customer costs. stable option, as well as capable

Furthermore, as Ecodek is formed using a solid composition, water and moisture can’t penetrate the boards and cause rot from within, making the decking ideal for installation at the South Cerney Centre’s lakeside location. “The environmental advantages of choosing an Ecodek installation chimed well with our brand values,” Matt continues, “however we were also impressed with the product’s strength and its capacity to span greater joist centres more effectively than many alternative solutions; “The grip texture of the decking surface presented us with the safety assurances we were looking for, and the speed of product availability helped us keep on track with project timelines.”

Sustainable Outdoor Living.

The durable and sustainable alternative to hardwood and hollow decking

• Low maintenance, high slip resistance • Made from 95% recycled and sustainably sourced materials and 100% recyclable • Carbon negative manufacturing • 25 year warranty The Ecodek system’s structure also offered Matt further product advantages over hardwood alternatives. Resistant to impact damage, its solidity provides greater noise absorption properties, so it’s quieter underfoot - an audible benefit in helping to reduce noise levels in dining environments. Simple to install, and with an impressive level of longevity, Ecodek is a reliable choice for commercial purposes as well as domestic projects, and is fully supported with a 25-year guarantee.

“With more hospitality businesses keen to create attractive outdoor eating areas to ensure people’s safety, the increase in commercial decking development has been significant,” says Felicity Hodgkinson, Marketing Manager at Ecodek.

“Furthermore, as growing numbers of bars and restaurants look to improve their sustainability credentials; either during the initial development stage or as part of a programme of refurbishment, the preference for decking solutions constructed using environmentally sound methods and materials has also flourished.

“By choosing an Ecodek installation, hospitality ventures can achieve this ecological ethos, and select building products that are manufactured to last, whilst creating a beautiful decking area for customers to enjoy Ecodek solid wood polymer composite profiles are availaand return to, time and again.” ble in a range of profiles and colours, and are suitable for a huge variety of commercial and residential applications. Versatile enough to adapt to urban or traditional design schemes, Ecodek decking allows the designer to transform outdoor spaces and gardens into feature areas.

For further information about the Ecodek composite decking solution, including design ideas, environmental qualities, and recommended installation partners, visit ecodek.co.uk or speak to a product specialist on 01978 667840.

Furthermore, as Ecodek is formed using a solid composition, water and moisture can’t penetrate the boards and cause rot from within, making the decking ideal for installation at the South Cerney Centre’s lakeside location. “The environmental advantages of choosing an Ecodek installation chimed well with our brand values,” Matt continues, “however we were also impressed with the product’s strength and its capacity to span greater joist centres more effectively than many alternative solutions; “The grip texture of the decking surface presented us with the safety assurances we were looking for, and the speed of product availability helped us keep on track with project timelines.”

Sustainable Outdoor Living.

The durable and sustainable alternative to hardwood and hollow decking

• Low maintenance, high slip resistance • Made from 95% recycled and sustainably sourced materials and 100% recyclable • Carbon negative manufacturing • 25 year warranty The Ecodek system’s structure also offered Matt further product advantages over hardwood alternatives. Resistant to impact damage, its solidity provides greater noise absorption properties, so it’s quieter underfoot - an audible benefit in helping to reduce noise levels in dining environments. Simple to install, and with an impressive level of longevity, Ecodek is a reliable choice for commercial purposes as well as domestic projects, and is fully supported with a 25-year guarantee.

“With more hospitality businesses keen to create attractive outdoor eating areas to ensure people’s safety, the increase in commercial decking development has been significant,” says Felicity Hodgkinson, Marketing Manager at Ecodek.

“Furthermore, as growing numbers of bars and restaurants look to improve their sustainability credentials; either during the initial development stage or as part of a programme of refurbishment, the preference for decking solutions constructed using environmentally sound methods and materials has also flourished.

“By choosing an Ecodek installation, hospitality ventures can achieve this ecological ethos, and select building products that are manufactured to last, whilst creating a beautiful decking area for customers to enjoy Ecodek solid wood polymer composite profiles are availaand return to, time and again.” ble in a range of profiles and colours, and are suitable for a huge variety of commercial and residential applications. Versatile enough to adapt to urban or traditional design schemes, Ecodek decking allows the designer to transform outdoor spaces and gardens into feature areas.

For further information about the Ecodek composite decking solution, including design ideas, environmental qualities, and recommended installation partners, visit ecodek.co.uk or speak to a product specialist on 01978 667840.

Canopies & Pergolas

PREMIUM LANDSCAPING PRODUCTS

Composite Decking

FOR LUXURIOUS OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS

OVÆDA Ltd. is pleased to announce its launch to the UK market, providing a range of premium landscaping products for creating luxurious outdoor environments. Continuing with the success of Ryno Ltd, the market leading provider of paving and decking systems for the high-rise and commercial market, OVÆDA will be focussed on the domestic markets through approved installers and direct-to-consumer via its ecommerce website. With Outdoor Living becoming an increasingly popular trend in the UK, especially boosted by the requirement to stay at home during the circumstance of the last year, enjoyable & relaxing outdoor space has quickly become as important as our indoor environments. With the spotlight increasingly on mental and physical health during the current climate, more emphasis is being placed on creating spaces where we can unwind. The extensive range of inspirational and high-quality products OVÆDA offers can turn any underused space into something truly unique. Based in Ellon, Aberdeenshire and Cranleigh, Surrey, OVÆDA will work together with Landscapers, Garden Designers, and Architects to create irresistible environments which promote health and bring value to both domestic gardens and commercial settings. Its new website offers our Natura™ Composite Decking, Rocco™ Porcelain Paving, all-season Canopies and Pergolas from the Airspace™ range, and the revolutionary Tectonic™ landscape framing system. As part of the Tectonic offering, OVÆDA also

designs and manufactures modular parklet systems to quickly and easily reconfigure external space to help both the hospitality industry with serving customers outside and city centres to recover from the challenging circumstances of the Space to Breathe™ past year. Company Director Anton White said: “We’re excited to take the attributes Explore our wide range of inspirational which have cemented our group and high quality products for transforming company Ryno Ltd as the market leader in its field, into the domestic external spaces into something truly unique. market. With our innovative energy We work together with Landscapers, Garden and market leading products, we look forward to collaborating with Designers and Architects to create irresistible our clients to imagine and create environments which promote health and bring irresistible outdoors spaces for people to enjoy. Whether we’re value to both domestic gardens and commercial transforming a domestic garden, settings. creating an outdoor seating area for a restaurant, or providing an environment for people to relax in Get in touch today to find out more. the city centre, our aim is to provide people with Space to Breathe™.” sales@ovaeda.com 0208 159 2999

Landscape Framing System

Porcelain Paving

Canopies & Pergolas

PREMIUM LANDSCAPING PRODUCTS

Composite Decking

FOR LUXURIOUS OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS

OVÆDA Ltd. is pleased to announce its launch to the UK market, providing a range of premium landscaping products for creating luxurious outdoor environments. Continuing with the success of Ryno Ltd, the market leading provider of paving and decking systems for the high-rise and commercial market, OVÆDA will be focussed on the domestic markets through approved installers and direct-to-consumer via its ecommerce website. With Outdoor Living becoming an increasingly popular trend in the UK, especially boosted by the requirement to stay at home during the circumstance of the last year, enjoyable & relaxing outdoor space has quickly become as important as our indoor environments. With the spotlight increasingly on mental and physical health during the current climate, more emphasis is being placed on creating spaces where we can unwind. The extensive range of inspirational and high-quality products OVÆDA offers can turn any underused space into something truly unique. Based in Ellon, Aberdeenshire and Cranleigh, Surrey, OVÆDA will work together with Landscapers, Garden Designers, and Architects to create irresistible environments which promote health and bring value to both domestic gardens and commercial settings. Its new website offers our Natura™ Composite Decking, Rocco™ Porcelain Paving, all-season Canopies and Pergolas from the Airspace™ range, and the revolutionary Tectonic™ landscape framing system. As part of the Tectonic offering, OVÆDA also

designs and manufactures modular parklet systems to quickly and easily reconfigure external space to help both the hospitality industry with serving customers outside and city centres to recover from the challenging circumstances of the Space to Breathe™ past year. Company Director Anton White said: “We’re excited to take the attributes Explore our wide range of inspirational which have cemented our group and high quality products for transforming company Ryno Ltd as the market leader in its field, into the domestic external spaces into something truly unique. market. With our innovative energy We work together with Landscapers, Garden and market leading products, we look forward to collaborating with Designers and Architects to create irresistible our clients to imagine and create environments which promote health and bring irresistible outdoors spaces for people to enjoy. Whether we’re value to both domestic gardens and commercial transforming a domestic garden, settings. creating an outdoor seating area for a restaurant, or providing an environment for people to relax in Get in touch today to find out more. the city centre, our aim is to provide people with Space to Breathe™.” sales@ovaeda.com 0208 159 2999

Landscape Framing System

Porcelain Paving

MILLBOARD’S DYNAMIC DUOCOLLECTION

Millboard has built an enviable down to what goes on ‘beneath DuoSpan aluminium components reputation on the back of its decks’ as on the surface itself. There include beams, brackets and decking, which looks exactly like is little advantage in having a long- joists. Recycled plastic inserts are wood but significantly out-performs lasting decking material on top of a pressed into each joist, and it is into it. However, the company also substandard subframe! these that the screws securing the recognises that the reason why decking are driven. But the plastic many decks fail to last is as much This is why Millboard also offers a components also take the system to durable subframe system that will a whole new level by opening up the last at least as long as the surface it opportunity to easily create curved supports. features.

DuoSpan

The first element of the system is called DuoSpan, made up of aluminium and recycled plastic components.

Aluminium is well-known to engineers for its attributes of strength, light weight and durability. These, plus the fact that it does not rust – unlike iron and steel – nor rot or degrade as timber does, make it an excellent material for subframes. The inherent rigidity of aluminium offers two specific advantages. First, it maintains a completely straight profile, unlike timber which will move and warp in different climatic conditions. Installation therefore becomes a far simpler and speedier process. Second, it enables spans of up to 1800mm, meaning fewer supports are needed, and cantilever sections that extend up to 600mm – perfect for creating bench seating within vertical frameworks. Like aluminium, plastic is highly resistant to decay, but unlike aluminium it is not rigid. Combining the two makes it simple to incorporate curved shapes very easily into both vertical and horizontal planes, unleashing the potential for a whole host of creative designs. The result is that DuoSpan is not only an ideal subframe for decking surfaces – including ones with curved edges – but also perfect for creating threedimensional structures, including steps, pergolas seating and planters.

While the resulting designs can be complex, putting them together is very straightforward, thanks to the system offering simple slotand-screw assembly with a range of clever multi-angle brackets. Once the framework has been constructed, decking or cladding boards are easily and securely screwed directly into it using Durafix 45mm screws.

Frameworks can be created in three dimensions using DuoSpan The combination of aluminium and plastic components makes it simple to create curved shapes

MILLBOARD’S DYNAMIC DUOCOLLECTION

Millboard has built an enviable down to what goes on ‘beneath DuoSpan aluminium components reputation on the back of its decks’ as on the surface itself. There include beams, brackets and decking, which looks exactly like is little advantage in having a long- joists. Recycled plastic inserts are wood but significantly out-performs lasting decking material on top of a pressed into each joist, and it is into it. However, the company also substandard subframe! these that the screws securing the recognises that the reason why decking are driven. But the plastic many decks fail to last is as much This is why Millboard also offers a components also take the system to durable subframe system that will a whole new level by opening up the last at least as long as the surface it opportunity to easily create curved supports. features.

DuoSpan

The first element of the system is called DuoSpan, made up of aluminium and recycled plastic components.

Aluminium is well-known to engineers for its attributes of strength, light weight and durability. These, plus the fact that it does not rust – unlike iron and steel – nor rot or degrade as timber does, make it an excellent material for subframes. The inherent rigidity of aluminium offers two specific advantages. First, it maintains a completely straight profile, unlike timber which will move and warp in different climatic conditions. Installation therefore becomes a far simpler and speedier process. Second, it enables spans of up to 1800mm, meaning fewer supports are needed, and cantilever sections that extend up to 600mm – perfect for creating bench seating within vertical frameworks. Like aluminium, plastic is highly resistant to decay, but unlike aluminium it is not rigid. Combining the two makes it simple to incorporate curved shapes very easily into both vertical and horizontal planes, unleashing the potential for a whole host of creative designs. The result is that DuoSpan is not only an ideal subframe for decking surfaces – including ones with curved edges – but also perfect for creating threedimensional structures, including steps, pergolas seating and planters.

While the resulting designs can be complex, putting them together is very straightforward, thanks to the system offering simple slotand-screw assembly with a range of clever multi-angle brackets. Once the framework has been constructed, decking or cladding boards are easily and securely screwed directly into it using Durafix 45mm screws.

Frameworks can be created in three dimensions using DuoSpan The combination of aluminium and plastic components makes it simple to create curved shapes

The simplicity underlying the strength and durability of the DuoSpan concept is something Millboard has taken even further by packaging the system into a series of DuoKits, with all the components necessary for creating set areas of decking. The buyer simply has to select the kit appropriate to the size of their deck, combining kits where necessary.

Professional installers have been lavish in their praise of DuoSpan, with comments including “Clients prefer this to wood – far less hassle and maintenance” and “An excellent solution – It’s stable, technically advanced and superior in every way.”

Engineered to stand the test of time

DuoLift Changing the possible

The next product in the Duo Collection, DuoLift, provides selflevelling structural support for deck surfaces installed on solid surfaces, such as paved patios or roof terraces. (By the way, where decks are installed direct on to earth or another soft substrate, Millboard offers yet another unique solution – Plas-Pro posts that can be set into the ground, and on which subframes can be mounted.)

DuoLift comes in a range of stackable components, which combine to create supports with a maximum total elevation of 450mm. Fine tuning to the specific heights required can be achieved thanks to the DuoLift Joist Cradle, which offers between 15mm and 60mm of adjustment. As each individual support beneath the deck can thus be adjusted to the precise elevation required, it removes the need to order a multitude of different height pedestals to ensure all the requisite heights can be achieved. Strength and rigidity are built in, with the components being stacked using a twist-lock system, ensuring a fast, secure and totally stable fit. Both DuoSpan and DuoLift reflect Millboard’s passion for redefining Manufactured from aluminium and fi tted with Plas-Pro inserts, Millboard the design and nature of outdoor DuoSpan Subframes provide a strong, resilient foundation to ensure the spaces. Each has emerged from aesthetic beauty of your Millboard decking is maintained for years to come. a detailed analysis of previous It’s a system that’s been designed to work together with Millboard decking, materials and methods and a focus as well as other decking board brands – beautifully. And just like the craftsmen on how their shortcomings could be of the past, Millboard engineer-in durability with the future in mind.overcome. The result is a decking framework system that combines The best subframes for your Millboard decking have arrived. It’s about time. superb strength, durability and ease Millboard: Live. Life. Outside. of ownership with simplicity and speed of construction.

DuoLift elements can be stacked with a simple twist-lock action

The simplicity underlying the strength and durability of the DuoSpan concept is something Millboard has taken even further by packaging the system into a series of DuoKits, with all the components necessary for creating set areas of decking. The buyer simply has to select the kit appropriate to the size of their deck, combining kits where necessary.

Professional installers have been lavish in their praise of DuoSpan, with comments including “Clients prefer this to wood – far less hassle and maintenance” and “An excellent solution – It’s stable, technically advanced and superior in every way.”

Engineered to stand the test of time

DuoLift Changing the possible

The next product in the Duo Collection, DuoLift, provides selflevelling structural support for deck surfaces installed on solid surfaces, such as paved patios or roof terraces. (By the way, where decks are installed direct on to earth or another soft substrate, Millboard offers yet another unique solution – Plas-Pro posts that can be set into the ground, and on which subframes can be mounted.)

DuoLift comes in a range of stackable components, which combine to create supports with a maximum total elevation of 450mm. Fine tuning to the specific heights required can be achieved thanks to the DuoLift Joist Cradle, which offers between 15mm and 60mm of adjustment. As each individual support beneath the deck can thus be adjusted to the precise elevation required, it removes the need to order a multitude of different height pedestals to ensure all the requisite heights can be achieved. Strength and rigidity are built in, with the components being stacked using a twist-lock system, ensuring a fast, secure and totally stable fit. Both DuoSpan and DuoLift reflect Millboard’s passion for redefining Manufactured from aluminium and fi tted with Plas-Pro inserts, Millboard the design and nature of outdoor DuoSpan Subframes provide a strong, resilient foundation to ensure the spaces. Each has emerged from aesthetic beauty of your Millboard decking is maintained for years to come. a detailed analysis of previous It’s a system that’s been designed to work together with Millboard decking, materials and methods and a focus as well as other decking board brands – beautifully. And just like the craftsmen on how their shortcomings could be of the past, Millboard engineer-in durability with the future in mind.overcome. The result is a decking framework system that combines The best subframes for your Millboard decking have arrived. It’s about time. superb strength, durability and ease Millboard: Live. Life. Outside. of ownership with simplicity and speed of construction.

DuoLift elements can be stacked with a simple twist-lock action

SUSTAINABLE COMPOSITE DECKING

Composite decking is the fastestgrowing timber decking alternative currently available on the market. Although traditional timber decking has been the preferred choice of many for years, it’s a high maintenance product which requires annual painting and staining. Composite decking however is a simple, sustainable, no fuss alternative due to its unique formula, which makes it low maintenance and more durable than traditional products. Manufactured using the latest technology to provide the look and feel of traditional timber decking without the health and safety concerns, composite decking is created using a combination of recycled plastics and 100% FSC Certified wood flour - a waste product of hardwood production. The wooden fibres and plastic shavings are combined with colour pigments before being heated and extruded. The plastic content gives the boards a long lifespan without the need to treat or seal the decking, whilst the wood content enables the product to retain its natural look and feel. The finished product is 3D embossed with wood grain or contemporary linear grooves to meet the requirements of DIY enthusiasts, landscapers and garden designers alike. Making sustainable choices when it comes to developing and designing gardens is crucial to combat the growing crisis around waste products. Composite decking has a number of environmental benefits and as a result, consumers are choosing to switch to composite materials as they provide a much more sustainable and genuine alternative to timber. In the last six years of operation, composite decking brand, Composite Prime has saved the equivalent of 151 million plastic milk bottles from landfill. As well as this, each square metre of its composite decking contains the equivalent of more than 3,000 plastic bottle caps or 280 plastic bottles. Encouraged by the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers are now spending an increasing amount of time at home and have invested in

Reversible two-colour options provide a unique finish that not only saves spaces in warehouses, but also their outdoor spaces as an extension offers the opportunity to refresh the of their home. Composite decking is deck by simply turning the boards an ideal product to shape outdoor over to reveal a new colour. living spaces; its versatility in colour and texture allows people to create Unlike many timber products, completely unique designs to create composite decking is suitable for a design flow between indoor and residential gardens as it doesn’t outdoor areas. warp, crack or splinter and is fire resistant. Another key benefit of Carefully laid decking can create Composite Prime products is the zones in the garden, adding separate ease at which the decking can be spaces for dining and relaxing. installed. Whilst traditional decking Split levels in a sloping garden also options can often be laborious create the illusion of more space. The chosen material is essential for creating a personal design that remains in harmony with the rest of the furnishings and the interior of the home. As well as becoming more ethicallyminded, consumers are also concerned with the colour of their outdoor decking and annual sales statistics from Composite Prime demonstrate that more than 90% of its decking products sold in 2020 were in various shades of grey. As a result, Composite Prime has brought to market new colour pairings which allow for bespoke patterns and contrasting colours.

and tricky to take on, requiring specialist tools, many composite deck boards have a sophisticated clip system that is very easy to install.

Composite decking has become a sought after and stylish option for outdoor spaces that is practical for family use year-round. The boards are a simpler, stylish alternative to traditional timber decking with minimum upkeep and very little care required to remain looking pristine all year round.

To find out more about sustainable composite decking visit www.composite-prime.co.uk

SUSTAINABLE COMPOSITE DECKING

Composite decking is the fastestgrowing timber decking alternative currently available on the market. Although traditional timber decking has been the preferred choice of many for years, it’s a high maintenance product which requires annual painting and staining. Composite decking however is a simple, sustainable, no fuss alternative due to its unique formula, which makes it low maintenance and more durable than traditional products. Manufactured using the latest technology to provide the look and feel of traditional timber decking without the health and safety concerns, composite decking is created using a combination of recycled plastics and 100% FSC Certified wood flour - a waste product of hardwood production. The wooden fibres and plastic shavings are combined with colour pigments before being heated and extruded. The plastic content gives the boards a long lifespan without the need to treat or seal the decking, whilst the wood content enables the product to retain its natural look and feel. The finished product is 3D embossed with wood grain or contemporary linear grooves to meet the requirements of DIY enthusiasts, landscapers and garden designers alike. Making sustainable choices when it comes to developing and designing gardens is crucial to combat the growing crisis around waste products. Composite decking has a number of environmental benefits and as a result, consumers are choosing to switch to composite materials as they provide a much more sustainable and genuine alternative to timber. In the last six years of operation, composite decking brand, Composite Prime has saved the equivalent of 151 million plastic milk bottles from landfill. As well as this, each square metre of its composite decking contains the equivalent of more than 3,000 plastic bottle caps or 280 plastic bottles. Encouraged by the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers are now spending an increasing amount of time at home and have invested in

Reversible two-colour options provide a unique finish that not only saves spaces in warehouses, but also their outdoor spaces as an extension offers the opportunity to refresh the of their home. Composite decking is deck by simply turning the boards an ideal product to shape outdoor over to reveal a new colour. living spaces; its versatility in colour and texture allows people to create Unlike many timber products, completely unique designs to create composite decking is suitable for a design flow between indoor and residential gardens as it doesn’t outdoor areas. warp, crack or splinter and is fire resistant. Another key benefit of Carefully laid decking can create Composite Prime products is the zones in the garden, adding separate ease at which the decking can be spaces for dining and relaxing. installed. Whilst traditional decking Split levels in a sloping garden also options can often be laborious create the illusion of more space. The chosen material is essential for creating a personal design that remains in harmony with the rest of the furnishings and the interior of the home. As well as becoming more ethicallyminded, consumers are also concerned with the colour of their outdoor decking and annual sales statistics from Composite Prime demonstrate that more than 90% of its decking products sold in 2020 were in various shades of grey. As a result, Composite Prime has brought to market new colour pairings which allow for bespoke patterns and contrasting colours.

and tricky to take on, requiring specialist tools, many composite deck boards have a sophisticated clip system that is very easy to install.

Composite decking has become a sought after and stylish option for outdoor spaces that is practical for family use year-round. The boards are a simpler, stylish alternative to traditional timber decking with minimum upkeep and very little care required to remain looking pristine all year round.

To find out more about sustainable composite decking visit www.composite-prime.co.uk

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TIMBER FOR YOUR DECKING PROJECT

Whether you are creating a small haven for your private garden or specifying for a large commercial contract, the selection of products is a key aspect. The variety of materials available for deck boards and accessories is extensive: traditional softwood is an economical, versatile and practical choice; luxurious hardwoods have fewer knots and natural longevity; innovative modified woods have added guaranteed durability; whilst composite products come in a variety of colourways.

But consideration to the deck substructure – posts, beams, joists, blocking and bracing – is just as important as it forms the foundation to the whole project. Pressure treated softwood is the go-to material for deck substructure components, but to ensure it is fit for purpose it must be preservative pressure treated and TDCA recommends a Use Class 4 level of protection irrespective of whether the material is in ground contact or not. Be sure to demand proof of this when buying – if the supplier doesn’t know about the Use Class system of treatment, then investigate further. An industry campaign is currently underway to educate the timber supply chain – learn more here: www.thewpa.org.uk/make-sure-it-s-4 To find a timber decking stockist, contact the Timber Decking & Cladding Association and ask about their DeckMark accredited products and suppliers – independent verification of quality. You’ll also find many useful downloadable resources at the TDCA website, including concise decking guides for hardwood, softwood and wpc applications, with a more detailed Decking Handbook to be released later this year.

PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY WITH STYLE

CREATE THE IDEAL DINING SPACE

PERFECT FOR WORKING FROM HOME

MAKE YOUR GARDEN GREAT AGAIN

www.tdca.org.uk | email: info@tdca.org.uk 0161 724 9595

WWW.COCKLESTORM.COM

The Rising Path, Cambridge. Photo: Smith & Wallworks/Richard Chivers Accoya® anti-slip deckboards with graphic inlay supplied by Gripsure

For independent guidance on your next project

Ensure your timber decking or cladding is fit for purpose through design, specification, material choice and installation. Whatever the size of your project, TDCA can offer: - an accredited materials, supplier and installer database - impartial and expert help by phone or email - inspiration, through galleries and case studies - inspection & expert witness services - free downloadable resources including

The Timber Cladding Handbook and

The Guide to Hardwood Decking

email: info@tdca.org.uk visit: www.tdca.org.uk

The Timber Decking and Cladding Association is an independent, not-for-profit technical and advisory body. It was established to promote the materials, design and installation practices required to create good quality decks, associated landscape structures and cladding on buildings.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TIMBER FOR YOUR DECKING PROJECT

Whether you are creating a small haven for your private garden or specifying for a large commercial contract, the selection of products is a key aspect. The variety of materials available for deck boards and accessories is extensive: traditional softwood is an economical, versatile and practical choice; luxurious hardwoods have fewer knots and natural longevity; innovative modified woods have added guaranteed durability; whilst composite products come in a variety of colourways.

But consideration to the deck substructure – posts, beams, joists, blocking and bracing – is just as important as it forms the foundation to the whole project. Pressure treated softwood is the go-to material for deck substructure components, but to ensure it is fit for purpose it must be preservative pressure treated and TDCA recommends a Use Class 4 level of protection irrespective of whether the material is in ground contact or not. Be sure to demand proof of this when buying – if the supplier doesn’t know about the Use Class system of treatment, then investigate further. An industry campaign is currently underway to educate the timber supply chain – learn more here: www.thewpa.org.uk/make-sure-it-s-4 To find a timber decking stockist, contact the Timber Decking & Cladding Association and ask about their DeckMark accredited products and suppliers – independent verification of quality. You’ll also find many useful downloadable resources at the TDCA website, including concise decking guides for hardwood, softwood and wpc applications, with a more detailed Decking Handbook to be released later this year.

PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY WITH STYLE

CREATE THE IDEAL DINING SPACE

PERFECT FOR WORKING FROM HOME

MAKE YOUR GARDEN GREAT AGAIN

www.tdca.org.uk | email: info@tdca.org.uk 0161 724 9595

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The Rising Path, Cambridge. Photo: Smith & Wallworks/Richard Chivers Accoya® anti-slip deckboards with graphic inlay supplied by Gripsure

For independent guidance on your next project

Ensure your timber decking or cladding is fit for purpose through design, specification, material choice and installation. Whatever the size of your project, TDCA can offer: - an accredited materials, supplier and installer database - impartial and expert help by phone or email - inspiration, through galleries and case studies - inspection & expert witness services - free downloadable resources including

The Timber Cladding Handbook and

The Guide to Hardwood Decking

email: info@tdca.org.uk visit: www.tdca.org.uk

The Timber Decking and Cladding Association is an independent, not-for-profit technical and advisory body. It was established to promote the materials, design and installation practices required to create good quality decks, associated landscape structures and cladding on buildings.