Garden Decking Trends 2017

As a specialist Decking centre we have made it our Job to stay on top of current market trends and changes.

Garden decking products

   

 

 

Up until the last two or three years the decking options available were limited to Wood, Wood and more wood however product availability has started to change primarily bought on by the introduction of Wood decking alternatives these generally come in the form of

• Composite Decking.
• PVC Decking.
• Plastic Polymer Decking.

So why is composite & PVC Decking becoming more popular.

• Aging population increasing demand for low maintenance decking products.
• Poor weather making it more difficult to treat conventional timber decking.
• Anti-slip or low slip resistance.
• Increase in the ranges available making the decking more aesthetically pleasing.

Overall I think that we will see demand for Plastic & Composite decking increasing however beware as with the increase in demand will come an increase in production of poor quality decking products.

The introduction into the market place of these new wooden decking alternatives reminds me very much of when we first started to come across “ Laminate Flooring “ with Various manufacturers from all over the world starting to produce laminate flooring. This however came with its own set of problems it quickly became apparent that a number of the floors that had been produced were not fit for purpose and issues were arising with regards to quality stability and lifespan of the product. I am hoping that this will not happen with the composite decking market.

With this in mind I have compiled a list of points to considder when deciding on the most suitable decking to Purchase

• How long has the Decking product been available.
• What guarantee is available with the Decking.
• Does the product expand and contract if so by how much.
• Ask for a copy of the fitting instructions.
• Ask to see a deck that has been fitted for over 3 years.
• Always ask to see displays of the decking.
• Ask for a sample of the decking.
• Are you using a repetable supplier.

If you require any further information on a wide range of Composite or PVC Decking products visit our extensive decking display area in Pontardulais Swansea South Wales. Alternatively visit our Website at www.dgheath.co.uk or call our dedicated sales team on Swansea 01792 8848287.

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Quickstep Massimo Engineered Wood Flooring

Quickstep Massimo Engineered Wood Flooring New for 2018

 

As a buyer in a wooden flooring company I tend to spend a large amount of my time looking at current trends in the market place, with an almost endless supply of flooring products available this isn’t always the easiest of tasks to get right.

When deciding which ranges to bring into stock I will take a number of factors into consideration these include –

• Quality.
• Aesthetics.
• Price
• Warranties.
• Availability.
• Stocking Requirements.

 

The new quickstep Massimo is one of those products where the jury is currently out, quickstep as a manufacturer of Laminate Flooring, Engineered Flooring & Vinyl Floors are the BEST hence from a quality and warranty point of view there will be no issue.

 

EXTRA WIDE & EXTRA LONG ENGINEERED FLOOR BOARDS

The engineered range itself is beautiful with bags of character large knots and all of the aesthetic qualities that you would expect from a solid wooden floor board of this nature. As explained by quickstep “ the collection is characterised by handpicked boards containing large knots, cracks giving a vibrant effect. As the filling is carried out manually the knots will retain their natural authentic character. The result will be that your floor will always have lively variation in colour and structure as well as a charming Rustic appearance “.

 

One sticking point on the Massimo

There is however one aspect of the range that is making me think twice about bringing it into stock  “Will this product be suitable for the majority of customers” ?, I am a little concerned due to the fact that the majority of rooms in the average house are generally sized between 15m2 to 30m2 so is the size and width of the Massimo floor board going to put customers off?  Granted in a 40m2 room this engineered flooring will come into its own but these days how many people have rooms that large.

 

My opinion of the Massimo Engineered Board

I think that we will have to wait and see. I am sure that in 6 Months time I will be eating my words as is usually the case. Quickstep as a company generally get it right with market research and design the main priorities when implementing new colours into their ranges.

It was only a year ago that I was grumbling about all the Grey variations that had suddenly appeared in the brochures however only 12 months down the line we are finding that grey flooring ranges are over taking sales from the more traditional Oak designs.

If I could predict floor fashion for 2018 based on this years sales I would say Rustic, Rustic, Very Rustic mixed in with a little grey.  However im sure more will be revealed as we progress through 2018.

For further information on a wide range of flooring products visit our Hardwood flooring showrooms in Pontardulais Swansea South Wales. Alternatively visit our Website at www.dgheath.co.uk or call our dedicated sales team on Swansea 01792 8848287.

The information about Quickstep Massimo Engineered Wood Flooring appeared first on DG Heath.

Good luck to the Gowerton RFC under 8s. Hope you like the new kit. https://t.co/tw7ELSyt14

#DGHeath Good luck to the Gowerton RFC under 8s. Hope you like the new kit. pic.twitter.com/tw7ELSyt14

— D.G Heath (@dgheathtimber) November 29, 2017

Source: @dgheathtimber November 29, 2017 at 10:40AM
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- Flooring for a wet area https://t.co/V53obR1Pxf https://t.co/Ft8C6zfIFZ

#DGHeath - Flooring for a wet areahttps://t.co/V53obR1Pxf pic.twitter.com/Ft8C6zfIFZ

— D.G Heath (@dgheathtimber) November 28, 2017

Source: @dgheathtimber November 28, 2017 at 02:18PM
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Stainless Steel Balastrade

Stainless Steel & Glass Balustrade

With the introduction of Maintenance free Decking and the overall  lack of enthusiasm that Garden owners seem to have for maintaining external products customers often quiz us as to what balustrade options are currently available that need very little upkeep.

One of the products that we show customers is Stainless steel and Glass.

There a number of reasons why stainless steel balustrade is being considered the most favourable option as an external handrail.

• low maintenance – Cleaning of swarf and excess metal needs to be carried out on a yearly basis.
• Lifetime of use – Grade 316 Stainless Extremely Durable does.
• Does not require Treatment or Preservative to maintain.
• Aesthetically pleasing – Beautiful contemporary look and feel.
• Strong – Stainless balustrade offers a structurally sound alternative to Timber or Metal Balustrade options.
• Meets current BS Standards when fitted correctly.
• Does not restrict view – Stainless steel is often added to glass to give a balustrade that you can see through.

So what are the downsides to stainless steel

It isn’t all good news as there are areas that need to be considered when deciding if stainless steel is the right way to go ?

Cost – Stainless steel balustrade is far more expensive than your traditional wooden balustrade option.

Installation – Stainless steel can be more difficult to work with. Even though the system is modular and is generally quite user friendly there are areas for example the corners and steps that will need a skilled tradesman to install.

Little or no tolerance – When working with stainless steel and glass balustrade there is very little tolerance especially if the glass panels are pre-drilled. It’s a case of measure twice cut once.

Design – Where stainless steel handrailing gives a beautiful contemporary look this isn’t always the desired effect in the more traditional British garden.

 

Our opinion of Stainless Steel Handrail

The system that we currently specify is a modular system and is therefore very easy to use, it will however require a small amount of cutting and drilling on the corners. 

For further information on a wide range of Decking products visit our extensive display areas and showrooms in Pontardulais Swansea South Wales. Alternatively visit our Website at www.dgheath.co.uk or call our dedicated sales team on Swansea 01792 8848287.

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Engineered Flooring boards do they need to be glued https://t.co/eJaBYl4WKT

#DGHeath Engineered Flooring boards do they need to be glued pic.twitter.com/eJaBYl4WKT

— D.G Heath (@dgheathtimber) November 8, 2017

Source: @dgheathtimber November 08, 2017 at 09:27AM
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Cyfle I Dyfu Local Social enterprise now displaying bespoke memorial benches in our gardens. https://t.co/Yt6fNuCkC7

#DGHeath Cyfle I Dyfu Local Social enterprise now displaying bespoke memorial benches in our gardens. pic.twitter.com/Yt6fNuCkC7

— D.G Heath (@dgheathtimber) October 25, 2017

Source: @dgheathtimber October 25, 2017 at 10:17PM
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DIY SOS Swansea Great to be a part of it https://t.co/AwOiJLGUHz

#DGHeath DIY SOS Swansea Great to be a part of it pic.twitter.com/AwOiJLGUHz

— D.G Heath (@dgheathtimber) October 23, 2017

Source: @dgheathtimber October 23, 2017 at 09:04PM
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Wooden fencing taking into consideration Cost, Durability & Design

Wooden Fencing

Today has been a busy today with the winter months closing in fast and the recent high winds customers are contacting us asking for information and prices on Garden Fencing.

As a company we are able to offer our customers a wide variety of wooden, Concrete and Plastic Fencing options. However there are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration when deciding on the most suitable form of fencing for your garden.

Customers decisions on fencing tend to be based around a couple of differing factors -

• Cost
• Durability
• Design.

The most cost effective fencing designs aren’t always the most durable, likewise the most decorative forms of fencing aren’t always the cheapest or the strongest. So the question is what wooden fencing is cost effective, durable and looks good ?

Opinions will vary dependant on individual taste however here are a couple of designs that we have come across lately they appear to tick all of the boxes and at the same time wont break the bank. I have enclosed in the article a few images that we have found to give you an idea of what they will look like in situ. These particular wooden panels will however need to be installed using a professional tradesman or at the least a competent DIY enthusiast as the fencing is sold in individual boards and will therefore require building on site.

 

What fencing not to buy if the garden is in an exposed area.

One particular style of fencing panel that I would advise against if you have an exposed garden that is subject to high winds is the “ Waney Lap “ fence panel. We sell a large number of these particular type of fence panel however they wont last very long if exposed to severe weather conditions.

For further information on a wide range of Wooden fencing products visit our fencing display areas in Pontardulais Swansea South Wales. Alternatively visit our Website at www.dgheath.co.uk or call our dedicated sales team on Swansea 01792 8848287.

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DIY SOS in Swansea what a amazing project https://t.co/N17OTgljig

#dgheath DIY SOS in Swansea what a amazing project pic.twitter.com/N17OTgljig

— D.G Heath (@dgheathtimber) October 16, 2017

Source: @dgheathtimber October 16, 2017 at 09:04PM
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check this guy out Tom Grennan https://t.co/VyUscSPoKj via @youtube

#DGHeath check this guy out Tom Grennan https://t.co/VyUscSPoKj via @youtube

— D.G Heath (@dgheathtimber) October 14, 2017

Source: @dgheathtimber October 14, 2017 at 09:18PM
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Why We Love Oak Flooring https://t.co/L9uBoo3IR8

#DGHeath Why We Love Oak Flooring pic.twitter.com/L9uBoo3IR8

— D.G Heath (@dgheathtimber) October 12, 2017

Source: @dgheathtimber October 12, 2017 at 01:50PM
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Bathroom and Kitchen Laminate Flooring

Quickstep Impressive Waterproof laminate flooring Range

Which Laminate flooring ranges have sold well in 2017. Quickstep flooring launched a new Laminate product into the market they have named it as the most natural & waterproof Laminate ever.

So does the Impressive Laminate floor meet expectations. The list of advantages of this particular product set the bar high for quickstep however in the past they have always remained true to their word and have never let us down.

 

What makes Quickstep Waterproof Laminate floor unique

 

• Lifetime Warranty on the glue-less installation system.
• 10 Year wet area warranty
• Scratch Guard Coated
• Effortless cleaning.
• Commercially graded flooring

 

Commercial Laminate Flooring

Each unique embossed board is also available in a flooring range “ Impressive Ultra “ this range is designed at the commercial market which has excessive usage and high amounts of traffic we have supplied businesses such as nightclubs and car showrooms with the Impressive ultra.

 

The Quickstep Impressive range of Laminate has quickly become one of our best selling lines, this we feel is due to the character of the floor colour and design coupled with the Hydro seal waterproof coating on all board joins and bevels. Water sits on the joint forming droplets that can be easily wiped away. Customers are confident that with the new Hydro-seal Warranty on the boards they are able to fit laminate in high moisture rooms such as Kitchens and bathrooms.

 

Our opinion of the New quickstep ultra Range

Overall the quickstep Impressive Laminate flooring range has more than met expectations the designs are great and the product is sitting at the right price point. Year on year sales across the quickstep range have remained flat however this particular product has taken a chunk of overall Laminate sales and is gaining momentum. The more traditional safe ranges and colour designs are becoming less popular with the consumer opting towards the grey heavily embossed flooring ranges.

If there are any negative points associated with the flooring it is that this product is a laminate and it is limited in its ability to with stand high volumes of water, if the flooring was subjected to a flood it would be likely to expand in time. Surface water is not a problem however if the floor was submerged it would be ruined.

 

For further information on a wide range of flooring products visit our Laminate and Hardwood flooring showrooms in Pontardulais Swansea South Wales. Alternatively visit our Website at www.dgheath.co.uk or call our dedicated sales team on Swansea 01792 8848287.

 

The information about Bathroom and Kitchen Laminate Flooring appeared first on DG Heath.

Whats new in floor designs

 

A break through in Linoleum Flooring

Quickstep launched a new flooring product into the UK market. Each year the designers create a wide variety of new of floors to supersede existing ranges and keep up with the current flooring market trends.

This year however was a little bit different with the introduction of a new quickstep Livyn Linoleum flooring product.

So what makes the Quickstep Lino flooring special ?

• Historically  “ Lino flooring “ or Vinyl flooring needs to be installed using an adhesive, it is then surface bonded to the concrete or wooden sub-floor. This is not the case with the new quickstep product making installation of the Vinyl flooring a lot easier and cheaper as unilin have developed a patented multifit click system.
• The Quickstep Vinyl floor can be uplifted and re-installed if you need access to water pipes or cables.
• The Lino floor can be fitted by the DIY or trained carpenter.
• The Lino Floor is soft and warm to walk on.
• Noise when walking on the surface of the floor is reduced compared to the majority of hard floor coverings.
• Extra strength thanks to the vertical and horizontal floor locking system.
• You dont need to leave large expansion gaps around the edge of the floor in a bathroom or a Kitchen.

Our opinion of Quickstep Livyn

We have been selling the new Vinyl flooring for the past 12 months with any new flooring product we are always a little reluctant to give a review until we have tried and tested it. However we are finding that the flooring range has gone from strength to strength customers who have purchased the Vinyl from us and are now beginning to recommend the floors to friends and family with repeat sales starting to come through.

Where this particular style of Linoleum flooring really comes into its own is when it is being used as bathroom flooring or kitchen flooring. It can be mopped and soaked with no negative consequences.

 

Customers feedback on the Quickstep Linoleum 

So far we have had no negative feedback on the new Vinyl flooring ease of fitting has ensured that carpenters and DIY fitters have been able to complete the job in hand without the need for glue. One aspect which has caused concern is sub-floor preparation the Vinyl must be laid on a flat surface to ensure the best results as it is only 4mm in thickness.

 

For further information on a range of Quickstep Vinyl floors or wooden floor coverings pop into our flooring showroom in Pontardulais Swansea or Visit us on-line at www.dgheath.co.uk. Alternatively give us a call on Swansea 01792 884828 and speak to one of the sales team.

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A few ideas for the garden Railway sleepers. https://t.co/hlEupNsKVA

#DGHeath A few ideas for the garden Railway sleepers. pic.twitter.com/hlEupNsKVA

— D.G Heath (@dgheathtimber) September 14, 2017

Source: @dgheathtimber September 14, 2017 at 10:07PM
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https://t.co/bRnREykxZd

#dgheath pic.twitter.com/bRnREykxZd

— D.G Heath (@dgheathtimber) August 17, 2017

Source: @dgheathtimber August 17, 2017 at 12:36PM
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Railway Sleepers in the Garden

 

Today I have decided to write a two part article on wooden railway sleepers and their uses. Railway sleepers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and have been increasing in popularity over the last couple of years, their uses range from garden borders to steps to retaining wooden walls.  I have used reconditioned railway sleepers in my own garden as a way of retaining the earth so that I could make flower beds along with forming steps offering  a beautiful softer alternative to concrete and patio tiles .

Garden ideas for railway sleepers

• Railway sleepers can be used for Retaining Walls.
• Sleepers can be used for Flower beds.
• Railway sleepers can be used for Steps.
• Sleepers can be used for Vegetable patches.
• Planters.

When a customer asks for garden sleepers we are able to offer them a choice of four different products.

1. Traditional Reconditioned Reclaimed railway sleeper

       

By far one of the most aesthetically pleasing options is the Reclaimed railway sleeper. Reclaimed sleepers or second hand railway sleepers are as the name suggests a sleeper that has been previously used, usually sourced and imported from European countries . In my opinion the old railway sleeper look is the most favorable. As long as they are free from rot at the time of purchase they should last a lifetime.

On a more negative note these sleepers can seep oil in the heat on a warm day and they can be difficult to cut. They can also vary in weight and size making them more difficult to work with.

 

2. Rough Sawn Spruce or Pine Tanalised softwood sleepers

 

Softwood sleepers are easy to work with as a general rule they are a standard tanalised sawn finish in 2.4 Metre lengths. Sold at a similar price to the Grade A reconditioned sleepers.

The down side of softwood tanalised sleepers is that they are only tanalaise treated the treatment in the old reconditioned railway sleepers is far more durable than the new softwood sleepers. We advise that if these sleepers are going to be in direct contact with the ground for any length of time they should be treated with an oil based preserver prior to installation.

For further information on Railway sleepers or any of the vast range of garden products that we sell call in to our Garden display area in Pontardulais Swansea alternatively visit our website at www.dgheath.co.uk or give us a call on Swansea 01792 884828. 

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A great day out at the Gower show advertising our fencing decking and flooring. https://t.co/24u62XPWHp

#DGHeath A great day out at the Gower show advertising our fencing decking and flooring. pic.twitter.com/24u62XPWHp

— D.G Heath (@dgheathtimber) August 9, 2017

Source: @dgheathtimber August 09, 2017 at 09:49PM
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The Uk Domestic timber Market

Timber Species in the Uk

Timber is a commodity it is a sustainable universal product that has been used for thousands of years, with the popularity of Wood ever increasing I have decided to write a two page article outlining the most popular timbers that we currently sell along with any trends that we are noticing.

Hardwood & Softwood

There are two types of timber hardwood & softwood. Hardwood tends to originate from trees that loose their leaves ( Deciduous ) softwood tends to originate from evergreens. Evergreens are generally less dense and therefore easier to cut.

In todays article I will be concentrating on Softwood as this is the most commonly used species of wood within the building trade in the UK.

Softwood Timber

1. Whitewood – ( Spruce ) A general purpose good all round timber readily available however if used in joinery work the timber can change from white in appearance to a more yellow tone.

2.  Larch – This wood has started to become more popular, it is very durable and is used primarily on external           applications such as cladding and boats. We have seen a sharp rise in the number of customers requesting Larch for external wall cladding on buildings. Price wise Larch Tends to be slightly more expensive than Whitewood.

3.Douglas Fir – A strong Timber relatively clear of knots used in joinery, doors and heavy construction. One of the more expensive of the softwood options

4. Redwood – ( European Pine ) Wood yellowish brown in colour widely used in doors, floors and furniture. By far our most popular timber used for internal joinery jobs. The wood has a deep red texture with a lot of natural grain. Dead knots can be a problem. The best grade is Unsorted or 5ths. More expensive than Whitewood.

5. Hemlock – This is a softwood that is clear it doesn’t contain any knots. It has a strong reddish brown grain pattern and is generally used for joinery applications such as Doors, Cabinets and furniture making. We have seen a decrease in sales of Hemlock over the last couple of year. Mid range in price.

6. Parana Pine – A very uniform grained light softwood with prominent red streaks, It has a very smooth finished appearance and is available in long wide boards. This product is becoming difficult to source and is also very expensive.

Timber Sales and trends

90 % of our timber sales will be split up between two categories whitewood and redwood. As a general rule Kiln Dried Redwood pine is used internally for timber products such as Doors, Linings, Skirting, Moldings. Spruce on the other hand is used in all applications such as Fencing, Joist timbers, Stud walling etc.

Source

Both products are extremely environmentally friendly and follow a strict chain of custody either FSC ( Forestry stewardship council ) or PEFC ( program for the endorsement of forest certification.

 

For further information on Timber give us a call on Swansea ( 01792 ) 884828 or alternatively visit our website.

The information about The Uk Domestic timber Market appeared first on DG Heath.

Wooden Flooring Trends so far in 2017

From time to time we have a look at where flooring trends are heading this year.

For the first 6 Months of 2017 it has been a little bit strange with the country opting to exit the EU, along with the political uncertainty within UK Politics coupled with the fact that the news are constantly subjecting us to a barrage of negativity the customer appears to be tightening their purse strings.

However there are a few products that appear to be bucking the trend in the wood flooring market.

Rustic oak 150mm Classic

In June we had an offer on a very Rustic Engineered Hardwood Flooring Board. This Engineered flooring board has a very rustic Grade BCDE big knots splits shakes are all included in the natural look of this engineered board. We were selling this product out at £24.00 Per Square Meter including Vat which was an absolute bargain in a market which is seeing increases on a month by month basis. Stock on this product is down to the last 30m2. I think that the speed with which we sold this product was down firstly to price and secondly to the fact that only now really rustic wooden floors are becoming fashionable.

Is grey flooring here to stay ?

 

At the beginning of the year i browsed through the new quickstep engineered wooden and laminate flooring ranges wondering who was going to buy them as everything was grey. They removed a large number of the more traditional narrow less rustic designs and transplanted them with grey rustic boards, after a good grumble I reluctantly decided that time will tell when it came to the new designs.

I stand to eat my words grey has now become the new must have flooring colour in 2017 ?

I still feel that grey floors have got the potential to be a passing phase in the wooden flooring market however in the short term they are gaining momentum and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down.

 

Vinyl Flooring

Again being a man who has a cup that is generally half empty, I was sceptical on another supplier certainty. We were informed by our suppliers that Vinyl click wood flooring designs were here to stay and growing in popularity month on month.  Well I hate to say it but the manufacturers were correct not only is Vinyl becoming more popular but so also are the Grey Rustic Lino products.

 

For further information on Flooring for your home give us a call on 01792 ( Swansea ) 884828 or alternatively call in to our Flooring design centre in Swansea South Wales.

The information about Wooden Flooring Trends so far in 2017 appeared first on DG Heath.

Building with Oak there goes the budget https://t.co/iHcLfLSt3A

#DGHeath Building with Oak there goes the budget pic.twitter.com/iHcLfLSt3A

— D.G Heath (@dgheathtimber) July 6, 2017

Source: @dgheathtimber July 06, 2017 at 10:14PM
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Fencing Panel ideas https://t.co/F22ImdYhXf

#DGHeath Fencing Panel ideas pic.twitter.com/F22ImdYhXf

— D.G Heath (@dgheathtimber) June 23, 2017

Source: @dgheathtimber June 23, 2017 at 06:54AM
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Offer on Low Maintenance anti-Slip Graphite Decking boards. Transform your garden into a maintenance free… https://t.co/Lizfo2YIct

#DGHeath Offer on Low Maintenance anti-Slip Graphite Decking boards. Transform your garden into a maintenance free zone. £6.50 Per Metre. pic.twitter.com/h6NSd0Skkx

— D.G Heath (@dgheathtimber) June 22, 2017

Source: @dgheathtimber June 22, 2017 at 10:46AM
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your Wooden decking can be slip resistant. Here's how ? https://t.co/FvslyH8Z1W

#DGHeath your Wooden decking can be slip resistant. Here's how ? pic.twitter.com/FvslyH8Z1W

— D.G Heath (@dgheathtimber) June 20, 2017

Source: @dgheathtimber June 20, 2017 at 04:11PM
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Fixing Wooden Fence posts

With summer in full flow a lot of our customers are working hard to get their gardens looking beautiful after a hard winter. From April onwards we see a large increase in sales of Garden fencing and Wooden fence posts.

Installing your wooden fencing

One question that we keep getting asked time and time again is how to install a wooden garden fence post. Here are a couple of the more common methods that are generally used within the UK fencing industry to secure a wooden post ?

 

1. The first and most popular method of fixing a wooden fence post is to.

• Dig a around the outer perimeter of the post.
• Treat the bottom of the post with an oil based preserver ( If the post is wooden ).
• Treat any cut ends on post with oil based preserver.
• Finally cement the wooden fence post into the ground.

 

When using this method to secure your fence posts it is advisable to use a rapid setting concrete or post fix product as this will generally hold the weight of the post within 10 – 15 minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By far this is the most popular method of installing fence posts.

 

2. The second method that we are highlighting is used when installing wooden posts to a block or brick structure. In this instance we generally recommend using concrete fixings.

Concrete fixings are used to attach the post directly to the wall or block structure. These fixings are a easy effective way to attach a post to concrete. ( Drill a hole and in it goes ).

 

3. The third method that we are highlighting when fixing a wooden post is the use of bolt down anchors or spikes.

 

 

Bolt down Anchors

An excellent solution if you are fixing your wooden posts to a concrete or block base. There are two types of bolt down Anchors.Flush Bolt down Anchors ( Generally used for fixing posts on top of walls as they are narrower on the base ) and Plated or Standard Bolt down Anchor. ( Wider base plate used for fixing to any concrete or block base ).

 

4. The fourth method of fixing is using Post spikes. This method allows for fixing posts directly into the ground as an alternative to concrete. One aspect that needs to be considered when using this method for fixing posts is that the ground has to be free from stones and roots .A great solution if your ground is good clean and not to hard.

 

For further advice on fixing your fence posts or any fencing issues that you might have give us a call at our Swansea Depot South Wales on ( Swansea ) 01792 884828. Or alternatively call in and visit our Fencing & Decking garden design centre in Pontardulais Swansea or go to www.dgheath.co.uk.

The information about Fixing Wooden Fence posts appeared first on DG Heath.

Sunny weather - get stuck in to the garden - some ideas here https://t.co/MQUNGTb892

#DGHeath Sunny weather - get stuck in to the garden - some ideas here https://t.co/MQUNGTb892

— D.G Heath (@dgheathtimber) June 16, 2017

Source: @dgheathtimber June 16, 2017 at 03:34PM
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Fridays test What's this fence panel made from ? https://t.co/6z04Nfs2kh

#DGHeath Fridays test What's this fence panel made from ? pic.twitter.com/6z04Nfs2kh

— D.G Heath (@dgheathtimber) June 16, 2017

Source: @dgheathtimber June 16, 2017 at 03:25PM
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Timber decking with a brushwood finish. Visit our decking display in Swansea https://t.co/g0UuQWIGLC

#DGHeath Timber decking with a brushwood finish. Visit our decking display in Swansea pic.twitter.com/g0UuQWIGLC

— D.G Heath (@dgheathtimber) June 14, 2017

Source: @dgheathtimber June 14, 2017 at 01:05PM
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Feather Edge Wooden Fencing

   A Feather edge fence project before and after

   

This week one of our customers has installed a Feather edge wooden garden fence in a home in Swansea South Wales, as you can see the perimeter of the house has been transformed offering added security and privacy to the home owner.

 

So you may be thinking what exactly is feather edge Fencing and what makes it different ?

What makes this style of fencing different is that it doesn’t come standard in a fence panel form it has to be actually constructed on site using the individual wooden components.

So why would I use feather edge wooden fencing over conventional fencing panels ?

The answer to this question is quite simple “ Strength “.

The main reason that feather edge fencing has become so popular is the added durability that it offers. The most popular style of fencing that was used before feather edge became available was a “Standard waney edge Fencing panel system” only to find that after five or six years the Panels become worn out or even need to be replaced. With feather edge fencing this isnt the case as long as the boards are maintained on a regular basis using an oil based preserver they will go on year after year with very little maintenance.

Benefits of feather edge fencing over Waney edge Panels.

• Feather edge fencing is Stronger.
• Feather edge fencing can be constructed to the length of the individual garden.
• Easier to maintain and treat.
• Feather edge boards can be shaped or angle to improve esthetic appeal.
• Boards can be cut to allow for uneven ground.
• Fence height can be adjusted easily to suit individual customer requirements.
• Posts can be spaced further apart saving cost and time.

I am sure that you will agree that the before and after photos of the garden have offered a lot more security and privacy to the home owner. Another great job from Martin and the boys.

RATING

( Highest Rating 10 Lowest Rating 0 ) 

Cost Effective     8

Esthetics            8

Strength              9

Maintenance        7

Durability             9

 

Overall                41

Our opinion of Feather edge Fencing

By far this is the fence of choice if you require durability and a high level of privacy. The cost of purchasing the materials to make a feather edge board fence is similar to that of fencing panels. With the added benefits of a far superior fence.

On the down side esthetically feather edge may not be quite as pleasing to the eye and will also take a little longer to construct however in my opinion the pros far outweigh the cons.

If you require any further information on Feather edge fencing or if you would like us to put you in touch with Martin and the boys give us a call today on Swansea ( 01792 884828 ) or alternatively visit our branch in Pontardulais Swansea where all of the various fencing panels are on display in a beautiful garden setting.

The information about Feather Edge Wooden Fencing appeared first on DG Heath.

Composite & PVC Decking Article - Part 3

Composite Decking

The third part of the Garden Composite Decking article, will highlight two Low Maintenance Wooden decking alternatives.

Millboard Decking

The first product that we will look at is a decking board that is branded as Millboard. Millboard Solid Composite decking boards have been produced in the UK since 2007. Millboard is a premium range decking board that combines the natural look and feel of real timber decking with the improved  performance related to the the Composite decking boards. From a cost perspective Millboard is by far the most expensive of the Wooden decking alternatives, however it does look really impressive with its deep grained wood like structure.

Our opinion

Whilst Millboard is the most expensive of the decking products currently available esthetically it is in our opinion on Par with the Trex Decking product that we highlighted in the previous decking article.

 

Millboard Decking

RATING

( Highest Rating 10 Lowest Rating 0 ) 

Cost Effective      3

Esthetics            10

Slip Rating           10

Maintenance        10

Durability              8

 

Overall                  41

 

The next product that we are highlighting in this weeks article is a product that we brand as our PVC Decking range.

This type of decking range differs from the vast majority of Composite or PVC decking products that are currently available. The way that it differs is that It can either be sold as part of a full decking system or it can be sold as an individual decking board. The dimensions of the decking board are 225mm wide by 32mm Thickness. The increased thickness of this particular style of PVC Decking will allow this product to be installed over 600 millimeter joist Centre.

 

PVC Decking

This range hosts its own bespoke metal sub frame decking base along with a unique balustrade range specifically designed to work in conjunction with the PVC Decking boards. Installing the decking in this manner on a metal sub frame ensures that stringent Fire regulations can be met.

PVC Decking Range

RATING

( Highest Rating 10 Lowest Rating 0 ) 

Cost Effective      8

Esthetics             7

Slip Rating           10

Maintenance         9

Durability              8

Overall                  42

 

Our opinion

Esthetically this product isn't as pleasing to the eye as the Millboard and the Trex Decking it is however a more than satisfactory alternative. In our opinion Where the PVC decking comes into its own is on sites that need to meet current Fire regulation on spread of flames.

I hope that you have found the decking articles that have been written over the past couple of weeks useful and that they have given you an insight into how the Decking market within the UK is changing and evolving.

If you require any further information on any of the decking products that have been highlighted in this article or any previously written articles call in to see us at our Branch in Pontardulais Swansea South Wales. Or alternatively give us a call on ( Swansea ) 01792 884828 or visit our Website at www.dgheath.co.uk. 

Visit our Maintenance Free Decking display area in Pontardulais Swansea South West Wales.

The information about Composite & PVC Decking Article - Part 3 appeared first on DG Heath.

Trex Decking Island Mist & Gravel Path Mix

 

This week one of our customers has been installing Trex Composite Decking boards in a holiday home in Milford Haven. The customer has opted for Trex Gravel Path Solid Composite Decking boards with an Island Mist Solid Composite Surround.

The wooden decking had been previously installed over 15 years ago and had come to the end of its natural service life it therefore needed to be changed. This Decking projest proved slightly more challenging than your average low maintenance decking installation due to the fact that the balcony and the handrail also needed to be replaced.

The fitter in this instance machined a bespoke handrail system as per the customers request installing it directly into the steel frame that had been fabricated at the time of construction. It is worth noting that he decking board needs to be fitted on a base with a minimum of 400mm Joist centres.

 

BEFORE THE TREX COMPOSITE DECKING WAS INSTALLED

           

 

AFTER THE TREX COMPOSITE DECKING WAS INSTALLED

            

 

The customer has opted for the composite decking boards over the more traditional wooden decking boards primarily due to the reduced ammount of maintenance that needs to be carried out on this particular style of decking. The product offers a 25 year Residual warranty and requires very little up keep. Basically once installed correctly it will need to be cleaned when required and that will be it until the next time that it needs a revamp.

 

           

Trex Decking in our opinion is the Market leader, as a company they have been producing decking for over 20 Years. It is a tried and tested product that has stood the test of time. However the Trex deck board doesnt come cheap.

Look out for the next decking installation. For further information on Decking products feel free to give us a call at our Swansea Depot South Wales on 01792 ( Swansea ) 884828 or alternativly call in and visit our extensive Composite & PVC decking display area.

 

The information about Trex Decking Island Mist & Gravel Path Mix appeared first on DG Heath.

Decking Article Part 2

Garden Wood & Composite Decking Article Part 2

Part one of the Decking article concentrated solely on Wooden decking boards and the various options that were currently available within the UK market.

Alternative Decking products ?

There are however a number of alternatives to wooden decking now available, increasing in popularity and driven by Low maintenance and Low slip attributes, COMPOSITE AND PVC decking products have made their way onto the shelves of the Decking retailers.

The main advantages are as follows

• Increased Slip resistance.
• Relatively Low Maintenance.
• High level of durability.

Hollow Composite Decking

1. The 1^st product that we have tested became available roughly ten years ago it is branded as a “ Hollow composite Decking board “.

 

The verdict on hollow composite decking

When the hollow composite decking board became available it was a fantastic alternative to conventional wooden decking boards with good esthetics, easy installation and relatively low maintenance. However one issue that soon became apparent with this particular type of hollow decking is the fact that it excessively expands and contracts on both the width and the length of the boards.

Whilst still a good alternative to wooden decking it is felt that there are a number of superior products in this price bracket, hollow composite decking has become a little bit dated.

 

RATING

( Highest Rating 10 Lowest Rating 0 ) 

Cost Effective      6

Aesthetics            8

Slip Rating           6

Maintenance        6

Durability              5

 

Overall                  31

 

 

 

2. The 2^nd product that I have come across and had experience with over the last year or two is the contemporary PVC Decking range.

​

 

 

Our opinion of PVC Decking

PVC Decking has proven to be an excellent alternative to the hollow composite decking with very little expansion and contraction it more than fits the bill. In roughly the same price bracket the PVC contemporary decking range offers a lot more, with excellent anti-slip rating and very low maintenance. If I could pick any issues with the PVC deck boards I would say that esthetically this product does not give a wooden plank appearance and therefore will only satisfy those looking for a more contemporary look and feel.

      

RATING

( Highest Rating 10 Lowest Rating 0 ) 

Cost Effective       7

Aesthetics             8

Slip Rating            10

Maintenance       10

Durability             8

 

Overall                  43

 

     3. The next product that we are comparing is a composite Decking board manufactured by an American company the product is branded as a Trex Composite Decking board. Trex is marketed as a Premium Composite decking product.

Our opinion on Trex Decking

We have displayed Trex in our display centre in Swansea South Wales for a number of years. The product stands up in more ways than one and does exactly what it claims to do . It looks good, it is easy to maintain and needs very little upkeep. Trex as a manufacturer has been developing this brand of Wood decking alternatives for over 20 years. Hence they are able to offer a 25 year Trex Limited Warranty in all residentiai areas with 10 years commercialy.

If there was one negative aspect related to the Trex product it would be the increased cost. The boards work out around twenty percent more expensive than their PVC counterparts. 

 

RATING

( Highest Rating 10 Lowest Rating 0 ) 

 

Cost Effective      5

Aesthetics            10

Slip Rating            8

Maintenance       10

Durability             10

 

Overall                  43

 

For further information on the Decking products highlighted in this article give us a call on Swansea ( 01792 ) 884828. Or alternatively call down to our Composite decking display centre in Swansea South Wales. ( Junction 48 off M4 Llanelli Turnoff ). Or visit our website at www.dgheath.co.uk

The information about Decking Article Part 2 appeared first on DG Heath.

Decking Article Part 1

 

Part 1 Wooden Decking Boards

With Summer fast approaching I have decided to write a Decking article, it will take the form of a three part editorial highlighting the vast array of Garden Decking boards and Decking products that are currently available within the UK.

Wooden decking is still a very popular choice with the British home owner however there are now alternatives available in the form of Composite & PVC Decking products. The areas that I will be highlighting in the decking article will hope to answer questions such as “ What is composite Decking, What are the advantages of PVC & Composite Decking, is composite decking cost effective and what are the current market leaders highlighting the pros and cons.

For now however lets concentrate on the natural wooden decking boards that are currently available as these are still by far the most popular choice when looking to deck a garden.

 

1. The 1^st Garden Decking product that I am going to highlight is Wooden softwood decking.

 

 

Wooden softwood decking has been a firm favourite within the UK market for a number of years still offering the most cost effective alternative to hard Landscaping products. There are a number of grades in wooden decking with the most durable decking product being the Waxed & Tanalised Deck board in a 125mm by 38mm

 

RATING

( Highest Rating 10 Lowest Rating 0 ) 

 

Cost Effective       10

Aesthetics             8

Slip Rating             2

Maintenance       4

Durability             5

 

Total                    29

 

The one issue that consumers have with wooden decking is  that wooden decking needs to be maintained which can be quite time consuming. Also if not maintained properly wooden decking is prone to becoming slippery. However there are grip strips available that can be inserted into the Wooden deck plank to give it slip resistance.

 

 

2.  Wooden Decking with a Rubber Insert

 

​​​​​​​​​​​​As a Low-Slip alternative to wooden deck boards Rubber Insert decking boards are an option. The decking board is a slip resistant product combining EPDM rubber and pressure treated softwood. This results in a wooden decking product that is both attractive and colourful offering alternative to traditional timber decking but also a safe slip resistant surface in wet or dry conditions.

The rubber certified and has a 15 year guarantee against rot and fungal decay, this is however subject to correct installation and treatment of cut ends.

This product is also rated as 'low potential for slip' tested to BS 7976 part 2 and is ideal for commercial areas.

 

RATING

( Highest Rating 10 Lowest Rating 0 ) 

 

Cost Effective      6

Aesthetics            6

Slip Rating            7

Maintenance       6

Durability             6

 

Total                  31

 

 

3. Anti – Slip Wooden Decking boards

 

 

This particular design of Wooden decking board will resolve the issue of wooden decking boards becoming slippery when wet, a resin insert is manufactured into the decking board to give a fully anti-slip surface. This is a solution to one of the major issues associated with softwood wooden decking boards. However this particular style of wooden decking board does come at a significantly increased cost.

 

RATING

( Highest Rating 10 Lowest Rating 0 ) 

 

Cost Effective      4

Aesthetics            8

Slip Rating            10

Maintenance       6

Durability             6

 

Total                  32

 

4. Hardwood Decking

 

There are a number of Hardwood wooden decking options available for purchase within the UK. The most common Hardwood deck tends to be Balau. Balau decking is an Indonesian hardwood with a reddish or yellow brown colour this is however dependant on the species. The misconception that a lot of consumers have with Hardwood decking is that it will remain its original colour.

This is not the case as ALL wooden decking boards will go a weathered grey colour without prior treatment.

 

RATING

( Highest Rating 10 Lowest Rating 0 ) 

 

Cost Effective      4

Aesthetics            9

Slip Rating            6

Maintenance       6

Durability             7

 

Total                   32

 

 

I hope that you have found the article useful, if you require any further information on Wooden decking or decking products either give us a call on Swansea  ( 01792 ) 884828 or visit our decking design and display centre at our Swansea South Wales Depot.

 

My next article will focus on the different types of composite Decking products that are available for sale in the Uk at the present time highlighting any pros and cons.

The information about Decking Article Part 1 appeared first on DG Heath.

Fencing Installation in Carmarthen

One of our customers has recently installed a Garden fence system using two materials that you wouldnt normally think would mix. ( Concrete posts, concrete gravel boards mixed with wooden panels ).

Wooden garden fences are both aesthetically pleasing and easy to work with. However the down side is that in time they can be prone to rotting and decaying at any point that the wood comes in direct contact with the ground.

So What are my fencing options ? Its quite simple.

There are three commonly used fencing post products available, these are -

1. Wooden Fence posts.
2. Plastic Fencing Posts.
3. Concrete Posts.

Concrete fencing along with PVc fencing products offer a low maintenance alternative to wood hence aleviating issues with post snapping or breaking. Both offer a good alternative to timber fencing posts which is why in this instance Martin ( The fitter) has used the Concrete post with Wooden fencing panels. As you can see from the Garden fencing image the wooden panels at no point are coming in contact with the ground hence allowing air to circulate which will improve the durability of the fencing Panel over time.

There are however a few downsides of using concrete Fencing posts, these are - 

• Concrete fences are much Harder to work with.
• Concrete posts can be very heavy.
• Concrete fencing components are generally More expensive to purchase.
• Concrete fence posts Can be prone to cracking over time.
• Concrete generally doesnt look as aesthetically pleasing.

However in this instance i think that Martin has designed a fence that not only looks good but that is also practical and durable. His remit from the customer was to install a fence that would last and he appears to have done this. Well done Martin keep the images coming and we will keep posting them on the Fencing news section of our website.

 

For further information on alternative fencing products feel free to Call down and visit our extensive Fencing displays in Pontardulais Swansea South Wales( Llanelli turnoff Junction 48 off M4 ) or give us a call on 01792 ( Swansea ) 884828

The information about Fencing Installation in Carmarthen appeared first on DG Heath.