The pandemic has seen many people investing more in their homes and gardens as we have stayed at home during lockdowns. The restrictions have reminded us of the health and wellbeing benefits of being outdoors. Our gardens have become so much more to us so we’re looking for ways to make the very best of our outdoor spaces. Perhaps it is no surprise that in the last 12 months, we have experienced a surge in demand from homeowners for our non-slip decking. Here are 10 reasons why garden decking is so popular…
10 reasons why garden decking is so popular
Trends come and go but there are many benefits in choosing garden decking to create a beautiful space for outdoor living.
1. The beauty of timber garden decking
Wood has a timeless natural beauty. As well as being aesthetically stunning, high quality timber decking will also feel good underfoot and bring a natural atmosphere to your garden.You will be faced with many options when considering garden decking. Do your research to make sure you choose timber that meets your needs in terms of aesthetics, durability and environmental sustainability.
If you want to achieve a modern look with clean lines, our Contemporary decking could be ideal. Or your garden may be better suited to our Home profile, which features grooved boards crafted from high quality northern European Redwood Pine. All of our non-slip decking will help you create a safe and beautiful space.
2. It's easy to install
One of the reasons decking remains so popular is that it quickly and easily transforms a garden. Compared to laying a patio, garden decking is relatively straightforward to install. However, make sure you understand what is involved and consider hiring a professional builder to install your deck if you are unsure. We have some tips to help you install Gripsure non-slip decking.
For an even simpler garden upgrade, you might be interested in our non-slip decking tiles or decking kits. Whatever you choose, garden decking should help you to swiftly create a beautiful new outdoor living space.
3. High quality garden decking adds value to a property
Garden decking is often a very smart investment. Because it creates a more usable living space, property experts say it can add up to 10 percent on the value of a home. And according to Online Mortgage Advisor, a timber deck can give you a staggering 82.8% return on your investment. This is good news if you are not sure how long you will stay in your current home.
It goes without saying that decking disasters, done on the cheap without proper planning, will not add value to a property. Choose high quality timber decking and make sure it is properly installed to achieve the best result.
4. It's low maintenance
A deck is ideal for a low-maintenance garden that fits with a busy lifestyle. Once you have installed your decking you should be able to enjoy it for years to come. Unlike a lawn, there’s no mowing and it should need less cleaning than a patio.
Although Gripsure non-slip decking is easy to maintain, it is important to follow a few basic steps to keep it looking stunning. Regularly sweeping your deck with a stiff brush will help clear excess leaves and dirt, while an annual pressure wash will shift more stubborn dirt and algae. Taking precautions, such as using rubber feet on garden furniture and sitting plant pots on trays to collect water, will help sustain the life of your garden decking.
5. It helps zone a garden
Garden zoning means creating different areas in one garden. For example, you might create a peaceful seating area in a quiet corner and another space for children or grandchildren to play. Garden zoning has become more relevant than ever. During the pandemic, our gardens have become our gyms, our pubs, occasionally our offices and even our holiday destinations.
Installing a deck instantly creates a new zone in a garden. It could be positioned at a different level from the rest of your outdoor space. Perhaps you will accessorise it with lighting, furniture and carefully chosen potted plants to create a particular vibe. Think about what you want your deck to be: somewhere for alfresco dining, a peaceful spot to sit and daydream or a practical space for the family to get together. This will help you identify the best location for your deck and the look and feel you want to achieve.
6. On average, decking is cheaper than paving
Of course, prices of paving slabs and decking boards vary enormously. However, on average it costs less to build a deck than a patio. Remember that cheap does not always mean good value. Choosing the lowest priced decking boards might save you money initially but could cost you more in the long term if they need to be replaced.
Choosing non-slip decking will also give you more value out of your outdoor space. Because it does not get slippery in wet or icy weather, anti-slip decking will help you enjoy your garden all year round.
7. Timber decking can be the environmentally friendly option
e are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the choices we make for our gardens. For many, sustainability will be a key factor in choosing landscaping materials. Timber decking can be a far more environmentally sustainable option than other landscaping products. However, if you want to make the right choice for the environment, ask your potential decking supplier about their timber. Is it PEFC and FSC certified? Which wood species is it made from? And where are the boards manufactured?
At Gripsure we are passionate about working in an ethical and sustainable way for the long-term benefit of the environment. We source timber from sustainable forests and operate under the industry flagship standards of FSC and PEFC. All our decking boards are crafted by our dedicated team here in Cornwall. We are proud that our decking is used by many environmental pioneers including Kew Gardens, the Eden project and Edinburgh Zoo. And, through our partnership with Field to Forest, we plant a tree for every online order for our non-slip decking.
8. Decking works in any garden
From the smallest courtyard to a country estate, decking has a place in any garden. Whether yours is small, a funny shape or on a slope, chances are there’s a deck to suit it. Decking boards are far easier to cut than paving slabs so a deck can generally be built to fit in any space. If you need a deck for a small space or even a balcony, decking tiles might be the perfect solution.
And whatever your taste, there’s more variety than ever when it comes to choosing decking. You might want dark or light wood, grooved boards or smooth. You can now even personalise your deck with our DeckArt boards to create an outdoor space that’s uniquely yours.
9. It's durable and long-lasting
Your decking should provide you with many years of outdoor enjoyment. Boards made from strong, high-quality timber, such as European Redwood pine or bamboo, are extremely durable and, with the right installation, fixtures and fixings (as well as a little care) will be long lasting.
Because we are so confident in the quality of Gripsure non-slip decking, our boards come with a 15-year warranty on their non-slip performance and an expected service life of 15 to 20 years. The Timber Decking and Cladding Association has some great advice in choosing long-lasting timber decking.
10. It's ideal for outdoor living
Despite the practical considerations of cost and installation, most of us choose decking simply because we want to enjoy our gardens more. A deck instantly creates an outdoor living space that’s perfect for al fresco dining, entertaining friends and relaxing with loved ones.
As we all learn to adapt to the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, it’s hard to exaggerate the benefits of having a space that allows you to live well outdoors. Perhaps the main reason why decking is so popular is that we all want to get more out of life – and that includes getting more out of our gardens.
Get in touch
If you have any questions or would like more information, get in touch with one of our friendly team.