Fencing

POPULAR QUESTIONS ABOUT FENCE

• What causes swelling and shrinkage?

  The cell structure in timber stores water which is gradually released or absorbed depending on the level of temperature and humidity. This effectively changes the volume of the timber and naturally the parts closest to the surface will dry more quickly than those closer to the centre. Splitting in the timber is part of the natural drying process in hot weather and in some cases; these splits may reduce or ‘heal’ in wetter conditions and should not be viewed as flaws. Expect freshly treated timber to shrink by as much as 8% in width and 0.3% in length. Due to the natural structure of the timber, these changes can sometimes also cause some twisting or distortion which we are unable to predict in manufacture but have no effect on the structural integrity of the finished article.

• When do knots occur?

  Knots are present where branches have been cut from the tree before it is peeled and sawn. Knots should be expected on finished products but we do carefully select our timber to minimise their presence and size in highly visible parts of our products.

• Why is it that some small sections of the timber are rougher than the surrounding area?

  The small patches of ‘rough’ timber are the result of fraying which sometimes occurs on sections of timber where the wood fibres naturally run against the working direction of a planer or saw blade. Fraying will not affect the performance of the finished product.

• What is resin?

  Resins occur naturally within softwoods and in the process of drying, may rise to the surface. Resin causes no harm to the timber and can be removed if required by scraping when it hardens or is wiped off with a rag soaked in turpentine.

POPULAR QUESTIONS ABOUT DECK

• What’s your advice on deck maintenance?

  Just as for any outdoor surface, it’s important to plan some level of upkeep for your deck. You’ll find that our decks are carefully designed and constructed to keep deck maintenance to a minimum. We don’t want to give you a weekend chore!

  Every so often, it’s a good idea to brush your deck using a quality, stiff brush. Make sure you brush under furniture and plant pots too. Controlling the build-up of debris such as leaves, moss and dirt will prevent many problems from occurring.

  On an annual basis, your deck maintenance should include a more thorough clean. This might be with a specialist deck cleaning product and a scrubbing brush, or you might opt for a pressure washer in a low-pressure setting for a gentle clean.

  Keeping your deck clean and debris-free will minimise the risk of it becoming slippery, whilst maximising the life of your timber.

  As timber is a natural product, it is inevitable that the deck will fade over time. Hardwoods will need to be oiled every six to twelve months if you wish to control the natural fading of the timber.

  Intermittent wetting and drying of the timber (due to the changing seasons and weather patterns) will result in cracks appearing from time to time. This is entirely normal and part of the natural character of the wood. The structural integrity of the timber remains intact.

• What is the difference between soft and hard woods ?

  Despite their names, there is no difference in the physical hardness of these woods. they are simply biological terms used to describe the species.

  Hardwood timbers are produced from broad-leafed trees, generally found in temperate and tropical countries, from deciduous trees which grow at a slow rate and produce a durable product, however, only certain species are suitable for outdoor timber construction projects.

  Softwoods are more commonly used in outdoor projects, from coniferous trees such as pines, the growth rate of these trees is much quicker and as such a high proportion of timbers used in construction are from softwoods, however, due to its natural properties, timbers need to be treated with wood preservatives if used outdoors to protect it from fungal and insect decay and to prevent deterioration from the elements.

• How long does a timber deck last?

  Every deck project we design and install is guaranteed for up to 10 years. However, we expect its life to be much longer than this.

  The lifespan of a wood deck depends on many factors:

  • The quality of the timbers used
  • The preservation treatment used
  • The design of the structure
  • The quality and specification of the fixings
  • The construction of the installation
  • Ongoing deck maintenance

  We pressure treat all of our carefully sourced timber to User Class 4: suitable for in-ground timber contact. That’s above the specification required for deck construction.

  Our attention to detail in design ensures that your sub-structure is more than substantial to meet your needs, whilst we take into account your unique requirements, the local environment and other specific aspects of your site.

  Once we’ve handed over your deck to you, it’s important to understand that regular maintenance will maximise its life and natural beauty.

• Can I have a swim spa or hot tub installed in my deck?

  Enjoying your deck means being able to incorporate elements that are part of your lifestyle and so having the ability to enjoy your deck could mean fulfilling the dream of owning a hot tub, swim spa or swimming pool.

  Our design process incorporates the exact specification of this as well as the design layout for easy access via hatches and ensuring the substructure will support the weight of the unit once it is filled.  Our designer will explain the load-bearing capabilities of the structure to ensure your peace of mind in the project build at the design stage.