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Choosing The Best Decking Strips: Materials And Installation Tips

Decking strips are mostly used to improve the stability and traction of materials that are susceptible to moisture, such as rain, dew, and pool water, and this can make typically smooth decking panels slick. By installing Decking Strips, property owners, particularly in outdoor places where pedestrian safety is a concern, can make moving on current surfaces safer.

The best material for decking strips:

Pressure-treated wood:

For decking strips, pressure-treated timber is a popular option. It has been chemically treated to fend off rot, insects, and decomposition. It's a reasonable choice, but to extend its longevity, it might need frequent care like staining or sealing.

Tropical hardwood:

There are numerous tropical hardwoods, including ipe, cumaru, and tigerwood. Tropical hardwoods are a genuine luxury option because they are coarse, robust, and resistant to decay and insects by nature.

Redwood and cedar:

Redwood and cedar are an upgrade from pressure-treated wood, but they are also three times as expensive. These woods should endure for about 20 years because they have built-in protection against rot and bugs, but they are flexible and readily harmed by foot movement. Both redwood and red cedar are rigid and light in weight.

Composite decking:

Anti Slip Decking Strips are the most well-liked alternatives to boards of wood for decking. It combines the durability of plastic with the aesthetic value of wood for the best for both worlds. In terms of cost, it is more costly than wood but less expensive than plastic.

PVC decking:

PVC decking boards often have three- or four-sided capping and are manufactured of a polymer blend (primarily polypropylene and/or polyvinyl chloride). The best-covered polymer (PVC) contains no wood at all, either in the cap or the core. If you're seeking durability, PVC decking is a fantastic choice, especially if you're placing it close to an area that is susceptible to flooding. You may relax about the summer heat because they are also heat-resistant and comfortable for bare feet.

Aluminium decking:

Aluminum decking is corrosion-resistant, strong, and lightweight. As it won't rust, it's a suitable option for locations close to water. Even in direct sunlight, it maintains its coolness. However, it might cost more and not look like genuine wood.

Installation tips for decking strips:

Planning your deck design:

Planning is essential before starting any home renovation project. You must choose your deck's design before you can begin planning for the decking installation operation.

Measure and mark:

The locations where you wish to install the deck strips should be measured. Marking the locations with chalk or a pencil is an option. To provide proper coverage and safety, space the strips uniformly.

Cutting the strips:

You may have to cut the decking strips to the proper length if they are larger than the sections you are covering. To precisely trim the strips to size, use a saw.

Fitting the decking strips

Place the strips in place using the provided screws, drill through the pre-drilled holes as well as the substrate, and repeat for all the pre-drilled holes. Dry fit all the strips to check for proper fit. It could be necessary to drill a pilot hole if drilling into hardwood.


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