Timber decking is made from natural wood, either softwood or hardwood, and gives a traditional warm appearance. It tends to cost less upfront and is easy to cut and fix on site. Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibres and recycled plastic, making it more resistant to rot, splintering, and fading. It needs less ongoing maintenance but usually comes at a higher initial cost. The right choice depends on your budget, how much upkeep you want to do, and the look you are going for.
Timber Decking Boards for Gardens
MacBlair stocks a practical range of timber decking boards suited to everything from a small garden platform to a larger raised deck. Boards are available in softwood and hardwood species, with pressure treated options offering resistance to rot, fungal decay, and insect attack. Sizes typically run from 32mm x 144mm finished sections, available in lengths to suit most garden layouts without excessive cutting. All boards carry grooved or smooth profiles, so there is a choice depending on whether grip underfoot or a cleaner visual finish takes priority.
Timber decking suits a wide range of outdoor applications. Common uses include:
- Ground-level garden decks and patio extensions
- Raised platforms with Decking Posts and subframe joists
- Walkways and transitions between lawn and Paving
- Steps and seating areas alongside Fencing or boundary structures
Pressure treated softwood should meet Use Class 3 at a minimum for above-ground use, in line with BS8417 guidelines. This gives a baseline service life of 15 years, with treated hardwood species capable of significantly longer performance when maintained correctly.
Board spacing during installation matters. Leaving a 5–6mm gap between boards allows for drainage and seasonal expansion, reducing the risk of warping or cupping over time. Grooved boards should be laid in the direction of fall to help surface water run off. Once cut on site, treat any exposed end grain with a brush-applied end grain preservative to maintain protection. For ongoing upkeep, Decking Stain and Decking Treatment products help preserve appearance and extend service life year on year.
To finish a deck properly, MacBlair also carries Decking Handrails, Decking Spindles, and a full Composite Decking range for those wanting a lower-maintenance alternative. Whether the job is a straightforward ground-level build or a more complex tiered structure, the range covers the boards, components, and treatments needed to complete it.
Timber Decking FAQ's
For outdoor use in the UK, pressure treatment is strongly recommended. Untreated softwood will absorb moisture and deteriorate quickly, especially given the wet Northern Ireland climate. Pressure treated boards are impregnated with preservative under controlled conditions, protecting against rot, fungal decay, and insect attack. Look for timber treated to at least Use Class 3 for above-ground decking, in line with BS8417. Any cuts made on site should have end grain treated with a brush-applied preservative to maintain that protection.
Measure the total area you want to cover in square metres, then divide that by the coverage area of a single board based on its width and the length you are using. It is good practice to add around 10% extra to your order to allow for cuts, waste, and any boards that need trimming around obstacles. If you are laying diagonally, increase that allowance to at least 15%. Having a few spare boards also means you can replace any damaged sections in future without needing to source a matching batch.
Most timber decking boards have a grooved face and a smoother face. The grooved side facing up improves grip underfoot and helps with drainage, making it the safer choice in wet conditions. The smooth side can be used face up for a cleaner look, but it may become slippery when wet so is better suited to sheltered or low-traffic areas. Grooved boards should be laid so the grooves run in the direction of fall to allow surface water to drain away effectively.
Sweep the deck regularly to remove leaves, dirt, and debris that can trap moisture and encourage algae growth. For a more thorough clean, scrub the boards with a stiff brush and warm soapy water, or use a pressure washer on a low setting. Once clean and dry, apply a decking oil, stain, or treatment every one to two years to replenish the protective coating and keep the timber looking its best. Check for any loose fixings or boards at the start of each season and treat any exposed cut ends to prevent moisture getting in.