Transform your outdoor space into a year-round haven with garden decking, perfect for summer BBQs or cosy winter nights by an open fire. Timber decking offers a seamless transition between your home and garden, but to ensure it lasts for decades, it's crucial to protect your investment from ground rot. Proper protection will keep your decking sturdy and secure, allowing you to install it and enjoy it for years without worry.
Why Protect Your Decking
Timber decking is a fantastic addition to any garden, providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. However, both decking materials and labour come at a cost, making it a significant investment. If your decking fails after only a few years, it can become a costly problem.
Repairs to the supporting posts of decking can be particularly challenging. Since these supports are hidden under the deck, maintenance often requires considerable dismantling, leading to high labour costs or a time-consuming DIY project. Protecting decking from the ground up will save money and hassle in the long run.
How Postsaver Protects Your Decking
We understand the importance of longevity for your decking. The timber support posts are crucial but vulnerable to ground line decay. Hidden in the soil beneath your decking are numerous wood-decaying organisms, thriving in oxygen-rich soil and moisture, ready to attack decking supports.
Postsaver rot protectors provide an air and watertight seal to prevent ground rot. Featuring a dual-layer system with a UV-stabilised outer film and an inner bituminous liner. Postsaver +PLUS products are recommended for deck post protection and come with a 40-year post-replacement guarantee. By locking in wood preservatives and keeping decay out, your decking will remain firm for decades.
Constructing Garden Decking
Garden decking is an excellent way to utilise uneven ground, slopes, or undulations. Typically, wooden decking is built with an elevated frame supported by timber posts, onto which the decking boards are fixed. These posts, dug into the ground, offer a firm foundation for the structure above. While decking designs vary, the most common is cross-laid timber boards, often finished with a timber handrail.
Deck Footings: A Solid Foundation
Ensuring your deck has solid footings is crucial for its stability and longevity. Footings must be placed below the frost line to prevent movement during freeze-thaw cycles. The type and depth of footings depend on your location, soil conditions, and deck design. Properly installed footings provide the necessary support and distribute the load evenly, preventing sagging or collapse.
Beyond preventing ground rot, Postsaver offers Pro-Set, a rigid post-fixing foam that secures your decking posts. This foam is 97% lighter than post concrete and doesn’t require water, making it perfect for installing multiple posts. The two-part foam is easy to use, sets in just 90 minutes, and accelerates the installation process.
Don’t forget to treat your decking to protect it from the elements. Properly treating the exposed timber can significantly extend the lifespan of your decking and keep it looking great. Explore our range of decking supplies and treatments to help transform your garden.
Pro-Tip for Decking Maintenance
Maximise the life of your decking by applying wood stain at least once a year. Our experts suggest doing this in the autumn for the best protection against winter weather, ensuring your decking remains smart and durable.
Safeguard your deck posts against premature failure with Postsaver. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your investment is secure and guaranteed for 40 years. Explore our products and see how we can help you build the perfect garden decking.
