Carpentry & Joinery

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Focus On: Decking - Part One - Decking Materials

19th March 2021

As the sun begins to make the odd tentative appearance and we start making plans for outdoor entertaining, many homeowners and businesses are approaching their local carpenters, landscapers or builders for quotes on creating versatile, all-weather outdoor space. If there ever was a time to invest in decking, this is probably it. In this series, we talk about what you need to know – from decking materials to different ways of constructing decking.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that choosing which decking material to use is the easy bit – with an array of products available, it is good to understand the basics – this will help you to realise the benefits of different materials, and why they can differ in price so dramatically.

Softwood decking

Softwood decking is the cheapest type of decking. Formed from fast-growing, softwood trees such as pine, it can also be argued that it is a relatively sustainable choice, too. Softwood decking is easy to install and very versatile – you can revarnish or repaint it as your tastes evolve over the years. And, while it may be the cheapest choice, if taken care of, softwood decking will last for up to 25 years. Cheap, versatile and easy to install: what is not to love? Of course, there is a catch; softwood decking needs more maintenance than other materials and benefits from regular (at least annual) treatment.

Hardwood decking

Hardwood comes from slower growing trees such as oak and, as such, tend to be a little bit more expensive. Hardwood tends to be harder to work with, too as it is (literally) harder. However, there is no denying that hardwood looks incredible. Add the fact that it requires less maintenance AND lasts for up to 50 years, and it is a good investment if you are improving your forever home.

Composite decking

The relative new kid on the decking block is composite decking. Formed from a combination of wood and plastic it has the appearance of wood and the durability of plastic. Composite decking literally offers the best of both worlds; waterproof, versatile, resistant to algae and mould and easy to maintain. The only downside is that you can’t change the appearance of composite, so once you commit to a finish, you are stuck with it for the life of the decking. This, of course, comes with the flip side that you never have to paint, oil or varnish it. Composite decking can come in tiles or planks, so is relatively easy to lay yourself or with the help of a handyman or landscaper. It’s also in the middle when it comes to price – generally somewhere between the cheaper softwood and the more costly hardwood.

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Find clear, practical answers to common carpentry & joinery questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

What types of carpentry work should never be attempted as a DIY project?

Anything structural - staircases, roof timbers, load-bearing walls, lintels. And anything that needs to meet Building Regulations, like fire doors or stair balustrading.
Getting structural carpentry wrong isn't just a cosmetic problem - it can affect how safe your home is. Worth paying for a professional who knows what they're doing.
Can a carpenter fix a door that won't close properly?

Yes, and it's a very common call-out. Doors that stick, drop, or won't latch are usually down to one of three things: swelling from moisture, hinges that have worked loose, or the frame moving slightly as the building settles.
Most of the time it's a straightforward fix. If several doors in the house are playing up at once, it might point to something structural - worth flagging when you get someone in.
Do I need a professional to install a staircase or banister?

Yes. Staircase and banister installation has to meet Part K of the Building Regulations - covering handrail height, baluster spacing, and stair pitch.
A badly installed staircase or banister is a real safety risk. A qualified carpenter or joiner will make sure it's both structurally sound and compliant.
How do I know if a wooden window frame needs repairing or replacing?

Repair is usually still an option if the frame is structurally sound (no soft or spongy patches when you press it), the rot is only on the surface or in a small section, and the joints are still tight. Surface rot can often be cut back, hardened, and filled with epoxy filler - a good carpenter can make it look like new.
If the rot goes deep, the frame is badly warped, or the joints have failed, replacement is the more cost-effective route.
What causes wooden floors or staircases to creak and can it be fixed?

Creaks come from movement - boards or treads rubbing against each other, against fixings, or against the structure beneath them as they flex underfoot. It often happens as boards expand or contract with changes in humidity.
In many cases, screwing things down more firmly or applying a lubricant between moving parts sorts it. If the creak covers a wide area or keeps coming back, a carpenter should take a proper look.
What are the benefits of bespoke fitted furniture over flat-pack?

The main one is fit. Bespoke is built exactly to your space - and in older UK homes especially, that matters. Sloping ceilings, alcoves, chimney breasts, walls that aren't quite square - flat-pack units run into all of these and often end up with awkward filler panels and gaps.
Bespoke joinery is also generally more solidly built and lasts longer. It costs more and takes longer, but for fitted storage in a room with character, it's usually the right investment.
Can a carpenter repair rotting timber or structural woodwork?

Yes - it's a core part of the job. Surface rot can often be cut back, treated, and filled with epoxy filler that can be shaped, sanded, and painted to match the surrounding wood. Deeper rot in structural timber - joists, window sills, roof timbers - usually means partial or full replacement of that section.
The important thing is also fixing whatever caused the moisture problem in the first place. Repairing the wood without sorting the damp is just delaying the same issue.

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