Decking is a popular feature in UK balconies, terraces gardens and outdoor spaces, enhancing aesthetic appeal, functionality, and property value. Traditionally, timber has been the material of choice for decking due to its natural appearance and versatility. However, the lifespan of timber decking, alongside its susceptibility to fire, has prompted an increasing shift towards non-combustible alternative decking materials for balconies and terraces especially. This analysis will explore the lifespan of timber decking, the challenges associated with it, and the benefits of opting for non-combustible decking solutions, particularly in the context of the UK’s climate and regulatory environment.

Lifespan of Timber Decking

The lifespan of timber decking is influenced by a variety of factors, including the type of wood, maintenance practices, environmental conditions, and the quality of installation.

Types of Timber and Their Durability

Softwood Decking: Commonly made from pine, spruce, or fir, softwood decking is widely used due to its affordability. However, it is less durable compared to hardwoods. Typically, treated softwood decking has a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years if properly maintained. The treatment process involves infusing the wood with preservatives to protect it from rot and insect damage, but this does not make it immune to weathering and decay.

Hardwood Decking: Hardwood varieties such as oak, teak, and iroko are denser and more resistant to wear and tear. Hardwood decking can last anywhere from 25 to 50 years, depending on the species and the care it receives. However, the higher cost, specialist maintenance requirements and sustainability concerns associated with some hardwoods can be deterrents for many homeowners.

Environmental Factors: The UK’s temperate maritime climate, poses specific challenges for timber decking. Prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to issues like rot, warping, and splitting, significantly reducing the lifespan of timber decking. In areas with high rainfall or near coastal regions, the lifespan of timber decking can be further compromised by increased humidity and salt content in the air.

Maintenance Requirements: Regular maintenance is critical for prolonging the life of timber decking. This includes cleaning, sealing, and treating the wood to protect it from moisture, UV rays, and fungal growth. However, even with diligent maintenance, the natural aging process of wood will eventually lead to degradation. Maintenance can also be costly and time-consuming, making timber decking less appealing for those seeking low-maintenance solutions.

Installation Quality: Proper installation plays a vital role in the longevity of timber decking. Poor installation practices, such as inadequate spacing between boards, improper support framework preparation, or substandard fasteners, can accelerate wear and tear. Ensuring proper drainage and ventilation beneath the decking is also crucial to prevent moisture accumulation and rot. For example, at the edge of a balcony closest to the building, it can be comment for timber decking substrate to be trapped against an area which does not drain well, this can cause accelerated degradation of the decking and/or support framework. Covering the timber deck with carpet or artificial grass can slow the drying process after rainfall, which reduces the lifespan of any timber decking. These coverings can also be flammable and create a threat from discarded smoking materials.

Challenges of Timber Decking in the UK

While timber decking offers aesthetic appeal and a natural feel, it comes with several challenges that can limit its lifespan and functionality.

Susceptibility to Fire: One of the most significant risks associated with timber decking is its flammability. In the UK, where building regulations are increasingly focused on fire safety, particularly in light of recent disasters like the Grenfell Tower fire, the use of combustible materials such as timber in construction is under scrutiny. Timber decking, especially when dry, can be a fire hazard, raising concerns for both residential and commercial properties. This risk can be exacerbated by flammable materials being allowed to accumulate on the deck, such as dead leaves, coverings such as artificial grass and stored possessions.

Environmental Impact: The environmental impact of timber decking is another concern. The demand for hardwoods, often sourced from tropical forests, contributes to deforestation and biodiversity loss. While softwoods are more sustainable, their shorter lifespan means they need to be replaced more frequently, potentially offsetting the environmental benefits. There are schemes which aim to provide confidence that

Cost Implications: The initial cost of timber decking can be lower than that of some non-combustible alternatives, but the long-term costs associated with maintenance, repairs, and eventual replacement can add up. In areas where fire regulations mandate the use of non-combustible materials, timber decking will not be an option.

Benefits of Non-Combustible Decking
In response to the limitations of timber, non-combustible decking materials such as composite, aluminium, and steel have gained popularity. These materials offer several benefits, particularly in terms of safety, durability, and sustainability. We talk in more detail about aluminium decking in our Blog article Aluminium Decking Explained – Blazeboard.

Fire Safety: Non-combustible decking materials are inherently resistant to fire, making them a safer choice for properties in the UK. These materials meet the stringent fire safety regulations that have been introduced in recent years, particularly for new builds and renovations. The required standard for high-rise buildings and other higher risk buildings is A1 or A2-s1,d0 to EN 13501-1. There is no treatment for timber or plastic which will enable these materials to meet this standard. The process for determining the need for non-combustible materials to be retrofitted is known as a Fire Risk Assessment (External Wall) or FRAEW. We talk in more detail about the FRAEW process in What is a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW)? – Blazeboard. . By choosing non-combustible decking, homeowners can reduce the risk of fire spreading to or from their property, providing peace of mind and potentially lowering insurance premiums.

Longevity and Durability:- Non-combustible decking materials generally offer superior longevity compared to timber. Plastic Composite decking, which is made from a mixture of wood fibres and recycled plastics, can last 25-30 years with minimal maintenance, but it is also very flammable. Some treatments to the plastic can reduce its flammability, but no treatment can get any type of plastic composite decking to meet the non-combustible standard. Aluminum and steel decking can meet the non-combustible standards, only if the correct coatings are used. They also need treatment to be resistant to corrosion. Blazeboard decking is a special mineral composite which doesn’t require any treatment and meets the highest standard of non-combustibility, meaning that Blazeboard decking is suitable for use on all buildings. If properly maintained these types of non-combustible decking materials can last potentially 50 years or more. Blazeboard decking will not warp, rot, or split, and is resistant to insect damage and moisture, making it ideal for the UK’s challenging climate.

Low Maintenance: One of the most appealing aspects of non-combustible decking is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike timber, these materials do not need regular sealing, staining, or treating. Cleaning is typically straightforward, involving nothing more than occasional washing to remove dirt and debris. This not only saves time but also reduces the ongoing costs associated with maintaining a deck.

Environmental Benefits: Many non-combustible decking options, particularly composites, are made from recycled materials, contributing to sustainability. Additionally, the long lifespan of these materials means they do not need to be replaced as frequently as timber, reducing the demand for raw materials and the environmental footprint of decking projects. Some non-combustible materials are also fully recyclable at the end of their life, further enhancing their environmental credentials. If you want the most sustainable option, look for an Environmental Product Declaration or EPD.

Aesthetic and Design Flexibility: Modern non-combustible decking materials are available in a wide range of colours, textures, and finishes, allowing homeowners to achieve the desired aesthetic without compromising on fire safety or durability. Some composite decking products are designed based on a mould taken from natural wood, which can give an appealing visual aesthetic of timber without the associated drawbacks. Additionally, the flexibility in design offered by non-combustible materials means they can be used in various architectural styles, from traditional to contemporary.

While timber decking has been a longstanding choice for UK homeowners, its limitations in terms of lifespan, maintenance, and fire safety are leading many to consider non-combustible alternatives. The benefits of non-combustible decking, particularly in terms of fire resistance, durability, low maintenance, and environmental impact, make it an increasingly attractive option. As building regulations continue to evolve, and as homeowners seek long-term value and safety, the trend towards non-combustible decking materials is likely to grow. In the context of the UK’s unique environmental and regulatory landscape, investing in non-combustible decking offers a practical and forward-thinking solution that aligns with modern standards and expectations.