Buying decking can be surprisingly affordable, without the need to compromise on the quality of your timber and decking boards. As long as you are a savvy shopper and know what you are looking for in your timber, there are some excellent deals to be done. Here is a brief guide to finding decking that will be affordable for you, that will offer you plenty in return for your money and that won’t require too much maintenance.
Should you choose your decking or your decking supplier first?
It can be difficult to find decking if you have got your heart set on a particular type of board, or a certain timber or material. If you know exactly what you want but haven’t seen it in a specific shop or with a supplier, then the decking look you want might not actually exist. It’s much better to look at what suppliers have available, and from there, choose the type of timber you want. You don’t have to make a decision straight away and buy the first decking kit you see on the internet. You can shop around and make sure you are perfectly happy first – but this option allows you to keep track of what is actually available on the market, and you will know that you are able to get the decking you want.
You should also be careful about the supplier you choose; make sure they offer the kind of service you would expect when buying expensive materials like decking boards. You should select a supplier that has a good reputation in the industry, and if you don’t know the industry, ask around and read online reviews. Make sure they source their decking reputably and that all materials come from sustainable sources.
Deciding on your timber
The timber you choose for your decking is one of the most important parts of the process. You must choose a timber that will be strong and resilient, such as English oak. You might want something lower cost though, or perhaps of a different appearance. You can explore many different options, like redwood or larch. Choose treated or untreated timber depending on what you want to get out of your decking boards, and whether you need any protection for the decking. Much of this will be a purely aesthetic decision.
The practicalities – decking delivery
You need to consider the practicalities of buying decking online. It’s something that you can do very easily, but that will also become increasingly difficult when there is lots of choice, or it isn’t especially convenient for you. Look at the delivery terms and conditions and check that your decking boards can be delivered to you. It’s also worth seeing whether they will come with everything they need to be fitted, as you will need certain components in order to put your deck together. If you would like to have a look at decking before you purchase, you can often get sample decking boards and tiles sent out to you.