Eurodita is an industry-leading manufacturer of Nordic timber log cabins, sheds, and garden structures. By adding decks to Eurodita log cabins, your garden becomes both more usable and visually appealing.
Before beginning to construct a deck it is vitally important that a proper plan be developed for it. First you must determine its dimensions and mark them out on the ground.
Decking Materials
Choose a suitable decking material when designing a garden log cabin is of utmost importance when creating it. Your selection depends on several factors including style of building, intended use such as outdoor dining or workspace use, foot traffic expected and budget considerations. There are various materials used for decking that each offer their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Composite Plastic-Wood Decking (CPWD) is an artificial product composed of recycled natural wood fibres combined with recycled plastics to form solid boards in various colours and finishes. Composite boards are durable, hard-wearing and don’t require paint or stain to stay looking their best while being resistant to rot, insects damage and non-toxic, meaning they are safe for children or pets to play on.
Cladco Nordeck PVC Decking is an advanced composite decking option made of PVC core encased in an ASA resin. Easily cleaned and water resistant, Cladco Nordeck is more costly than traditional timber decking but should last longer.
Wooden decks are an eco-friendly choice that come in many different styles and colors to complement your garden design. Durable yet visually appealing, wooden decks make an eco-friendly statement in your garden or outdoor living space. To reduce carbon emissions in your log cabin purchase, FSC certified lumber may be better as this ensures it was responsibly harvested as an renewable resource.
Cedar wood decking is an attractive and long-term choice, thanks to its durability and beautiful aesthetic. Ideal for outdoor use due to being resistant to rot, insects and its aromatic oils helping prevent the formation of bacteria. In addition, cedar comes from responsibly managed forests where trees are planted for every tree felled – making this material sustainable.
Pressure-treated wood decks offer an environmentally-friendly option to reduce environmental impact. The treatment process uses chemical protection that keeps wood from rotting or attracting pests without using toxic substances; when installing one with pressure-treated wood you should always predrill screw holes and use zinc-coated screws (ideally zinc plated) in order to avoid corrosion; there are products available to conceal fastener holes as well, such as plastic plugs or elliptical wafers that fit into slots cut into plank sides, as well as strips that attach onto both deck’s joist and underside sides – all great options when looking to minimise their environmental footprint!
Decking Design
Your deck is a special space designed for entertainment, relaxation and dining; its design should reflect your individuality. Trex’s Ideas Section can offer guidance in creating your vision, while size of yard and budget may alter its scope; working with contractors may save time and effort while guaranteeing top quality craftsmanship – they may also manage permitting processes to minimize delays and costs associated with permitting inspections.
Before construction begins, contractors will assess your yard to remove any landscaping or obstacles to ensure a level and safe build. Next they’ll prepare the soil in order to place footings for support before installing deck posts at corners and intervals across the deck and secure them to the foundation.
Step two of building your deck involves creating its skeleton. Your deck’s joists and beams should be assembled according to your design plan, then secured using fasteners like joist hangers to form a sturdy frame. A picture frame pattern may add visual interest by being installed with boards that resemble picture frames in order to form its borders.
Other elements to keep in mind when designing a deck include wind exposure, water runoff and temperature fluctuations. Acknowledging regional weather patterns is crucial in placing features like privacy walls or windbreaks to guard against harsh winds which could damage furniture and components on your deck. You should also think carefully about how you intend to access and utilize your deck so stairs are designed with maximum functionality and safety in mind.
Once your deck is built, there are numerous features you can add to maximize its function and aesthetic appeal. Lighting is an excellent way to increase safety and create a more enjoyable walking experience, and automated and smart lighting systems can adjust according to time of day or event for maximum energy savings and add an elegant touch. Other additions may include hot tubs or entertainment centers as well as planters and storage benches to make use of every inch of outdoor space available to you.
Decking Installation
At the outset of any deck installation project, site preparation should take priority. This involves clearing away debris from the area and levelling any uneven terrain – it will only lead to further complications later! Next comes foundation laying. This can be done on soil, concrete or both and before placing foundations weed control fabric should be laid. Alternatively posts can be installed into the ground to elevate your deck above grass and appropriate postcrete should be used to secure them before mounting joists on them.
Once the joists have been secured, deck boards can be attached using care and consideration. A minimum gap of 25mm should be left between boards to allow for water drainage and air circulation, and stainless steel screws instead of galvanized ones which may lead to corrosion issues are preferable.
For optimal installation results when using composite decking, it is crucial that you follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. This will ensure the product complies with local building codes.
Installation of deck railings, stair lighting and other finishing touches is also beneficial in adding a personal touch to the final product. Keep in mind that the color of composite decking may shift when seen from various angles due to expansion and contraction due to moisture levels; to minimize this problem it would be wise to install boards with their arrows pointing in one direction.
Eurodita has established itself as an outstanding supplier of log cabins, garden buildings and other timber structures. Their glulam log cabins are handcrafted from top quality Nordic wood and come in various sizes and thicknesses to fit any project size or project scope. Furthermore, Eurodita’s exclusive dealer programs give their clients access to world-class wood products while building lasting brands for themselves and their clients.
Decking Maintenance
No matter the material of choice for deck construction – whether high-end exotic hardwoods or otherwise – routine cleaning and maintenance must be performed to keep them looking their best. The extent of maintenance required depends on weather conditions in which your deck resides as well as environmental considerations.
Rainwater, sun and humidity all play an integral part in how quickly wood will weather over time. Be on the lookout for any signs of warping, cracking, splitting or discoloration on your deck and ensure that the flashing remains secure as this acts as a water barrier between your shed and house.
Examining your deck regularly for signs of infestation or rot is equally essential, with small holes appearing in its surface as the telltale tell of wood decay due to insects like termites or even just natural wear-and-tear. Should you discover any issues with your deck it is crucial that repairs be made as quickly as possible to restore its appearance and keep its enjoyment.
Utilizing deck oil will keep the wood looking new for longer. Available in various colors, decking oils provide a protective barrier and help minimize upkeep requirements to maintain an attractive deck in good condition.
If you choose to use natural or semi-translucent stain, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying times, and test a small section of decking to make sure it will not cause discoloration or bubbling effects.
When cleaning your deck, avoid harsh chemicals like glycol ethers (Goof Off), acetone, ethanol type solvents and isopropyl alcohol, which could potentially harm the wood surface by discoloring or even cracking it. A pressure washer can effectively remove dirt, grime and other deposits without harming its integrity.
Decks can add extra living space in your backyard and create an additional area for entertainment or relaxation outdoors. By following the tips in this article, you can build an elegant yet long-term deck design.