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TIMBER DECKING
 Peter Killen has been designing and installing decks in this country since 1987 and is keen to see decking continue for a long time. However the many pitfalls that exist may mean that the decking industry may literally collapse within 5 years. It may also take many designers and contractors down with it. This would be mainly due to ignorance and sub standard materials being supplied as suitable for decking in which some have a guarantee only valid if the timber is untouched in its packs.
There are however, some honest companies around who do not guarantee their timber, but are selling under the heading of treated timber. This fools most contractors and members of the general public. The exact same timber is being sold for fencing posts, which, as every house owner knows with panel fencing, they rot at ground level within a few years if you are lucky.
 Peter Killen has tried several different types of timbers since 1987, but always comes back to Southern Yellow Pine. Southern Yellow Pine Timber Decking has been used widely in the U S. and is certainly the best-treated softwood for outdoor structural timbers and deck timbers. It is warranted for 20 years against rot and insect damage in this country and has a life expectancy of over 40 years. The deck boards have a natural grip from the pronounced grain in the timber and there is no need to groove the wood, which in my opinion, is more difficult to clean, traps dirt and water and then allows moss etc. to grow.
Southern Yellow Pine works structurally due to its capacity to take in the preservative treatments right through to the core of the timber. Most timber treated in the UK and Europe does not. Any timber, which needs to be re-treated after being cut, would not be suitable for outside use. This is because nobody is going to re-treat screw holes etc. where the water will penetrate and start the rot. Ordinary tanalised timber from your local builders merchants is not normally good enough and may rot and become dangerous in less than 5 years.
Be careful when buying a ''deck'', as most of the people who may advise you, are normally ignorant about treated timber, and honestly believe that the timber they use will last for 15 years. You will not find out until a few years after installation and then it is too late!! You have a deck that you can not walk on! It will also cost you money to dump, before putting in the right timber like Southern Yellow Pine.
Contact Peter Killen now to have the best advice and installations in the country on decking.
Top right: Balcony deck and steps - Brisham Devon
Bottom right: 200 m2 of split level raised timber decking with pool - Dorset
Contact Peter Killen: peter@killenlandscapes.co.uk
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