| The use of hardwood in garden decking in the UK | | | | the smoothness and sheen of the wood. Also there |
| has increased many fold in the last ten years. This | | | | is invariably a slight variation in tone and colour, |
| has been undoubtedly due to its increased availability. | | | | between one deck board and its neighbour and so |
| For example: woods like Ipe, Yellow Ballau, Garappa | | | | gives a natural look to the deck. |
| etc...Although these woods are more difficult to work | | | | HARDWOOD DECKING IN GARDEN DESIGN |
| (mainly due to their density), they have found their | | | | Many garden designers use hardwood decking to |
| way onto the market because they offer the client a | | | | complement a contemporary garden look, often |
| sleeker, more refined look than the usual treated | | | | highlighting the edge of a deck, or deck steps, with |
| soft wood alternatives. | | | | LED lighting. We often use decking as part of a larger |
| These hardwoods offer greater durability than even | | | | garden design scheme, but always try to contrast it |
| the best treated softwoods due to the oils and | | | | with some other hard material. Too much use of the |
| resins, which disallow the formation of bacteria. Most | | | | same material can appear monotonous to the eye. |
| hardwoods offered for sale in Europe come with a | | | | It is true to say that decking used just as a row of |
| FSC approved certification. The Forest Stewardship | | | | planks in a garden can appear as a an overused |
| Council was set up as an international network to | | | | cliche. As garden designers, we try and vary the use |
| promote the responsible management of the world's | | | | of hardwood decking: sometimes using a circular |
| forests. It helps to guide consumers towards | | | | motif with tapered and machined deckboards (see |
| sustainable wood sources. | | | | picture), otherwise it can be used with tiles or small |
| Most hardwoods have a superior look, mainly due to | | | | stone slabs as edging. |