All about deck board

Nowadays, deck board is a very popular material that is often used as an attractive and practical flooring. Such a coating is characterized by a high level of strength, moisture resistance and a non-slip surface. In this article, we will learn all about the deck board and its features.

Before considering all the features and characteristics of a deck board, it is advisable to understand what it is. It is a practical and sturdy material of natural origin, which is most often used for installation in gazebos, saunas and baths. Often, such coatings can be found around swimming pools or artificial reservoirs. The fact is that in such conditions, the deck board will not deform or collapse, and it will be safe to walk on it.

Modern deck material is distinguished by the fact that it has a very neat, perfectly straight surface. It is pleasant (from a tactile point of view) and looks very aesthetically pleasing. The material in question has also become very popular due to its attractive appearance. The deck board looks aesthetically pleasing and expensive. It is represented by specimens with different dimensional parameters. They are made from different types of wood, each of which has its own distinctive features and characteristics. The considered coatings differ not only in length, but also in width and even thickness.

Many people, choosing a high-quality deck covering, ask a reasonable question: how does it differ from standard and terrace boards? Here you need to immediately notice that the material in question is made with a perfectly smooth and even surface, and the same decking board is made corrugated, anti-slip. This is one of the most important differences between these materials. The terrace board differs in that it has ventilation gaps-grooves in the lower part. In the deck there are special chamfers on the edges from the front side. It is difficult to say which material is better: decking or deck board.

From a safety point of view, decking turns out to be more attractive than a smooth and flat deck modification. Also, among the differences, it is worth noting the different production technology. The process of making "palubniks" differs in many respects from other materials of this type. The deck covering is superior in many respects to the usual, standard plank. The material in question is more durable, wear-resistant and aesthetically pleasing.

Before heading to a specialty store to buy a quality deck board, it is important to understand what grades and classes it is divided into. The material in each category has its own performance characteristics and features that must be taken into account. There are 2 main classes of modern deck planks.

• Class "extra" (in another way this class is called "elite"). This category includes quality boards with no knots on the surface. "Extra" class materials can boast of impeccable quality, so they are very often bought when building very expensive, elite structures. The considered coatings are made from the highest quality larch, therefore, the cost for them is correspondingly high.

• Prima class. Deck planks of this class are cheaper than premium items. At the same time, it is characterized by high quality, but sometimes you can still see 1-2 knots. In rare cases, small differences in the colors of the boards can be noticed.

Let's dwell on the premium class "extra". It is also subdivided into several additional varieties. Let's get to know them better.

• Grade "A". This is a material that has a small number of knots per 1 running meter. Usually their number does not exceed 1-2. In one batch, there may be a difference in the colors of several boards.

• Grade "B". Deck board of the specified grade allows for about 2-3 knots in 1 running meter. Sometimes there are resin pockets that have not leaked out. In total, there are no more than 1-3 small cracks per 2.5 m of the product.

• Grade "C". Such coatings are characterized by low workmanship. On such boards there are defects in the form of knots, through cracks, small chips and even blue. Deck planks belonging to the "C" grade are most often used for those structures that are planned to be supplemented with cladding materials in the future.

• Variety "AB". The deck board of the specified grade allows for the presence of 1 intergrown knot, a couple of live ones, a resin pocket and cracks (they are not through) per 1 running meter.

• Variety "VS". Materials of this grade allow the presence of uneven, resin pockets, cracking from drying cracks. Often on the boards you can see small areas with blue and minor mechanical damage.

A quality deck board is made from a variety of materials. Each option boasts its own advantages and application features. Let's take a closer look at the various modifications of the material in question.

Deck board made of natural wood is especially popular today. Different types of wood are used in the production of such coatings.

• Pine. Pine boards are widespread. The materials do not decay, they are not susceptible to the formation of fungi, and are characterized by a low level of thermal conductivity. Pine boards have a characteristic golden hue, give off a pleasant natural aroma and are environmentally friendly. If you provide the materials described with the correct additional processing, then they can last a very long time.

• Oak. High-quality oak boards are obtained with high-quality and richness. They are not afraid of atmospheric influences; over time, the oak board does not lose its original properties. The oak is durable enough, does not require additional painting. It is environmentally friendly and absolutely safe for human health.

• Teak. On sale you can also find boards made of teak. Such materials are not afraid of any atmospheric influences, they are not subject to rotting, the appearance of fungus. In addition, teak deck planks have a very attractive appearance and give off a stunningly pleasant scent.

• Ash. Ash products have begun to be used relatively recently. They are less durable than oak, but under external influences they still do not crack, do not shrink.The main difference between the considered coatings is a pronounced woody texture, which has a slight yellowish tint. It costs less than oak.

Among fans of high-quality and rare deck finishes, specimens made of tropical wood are very popular. Such coatings can look much more spectacular and richer than options from the same needles. Among the elegant exotics, boards made from massaranduba stand out especially. High-strength, light-resistant materials are obtained from this breed.

A deck board made of kumaru wood can also boast of excellent performance characteristics. It has a characteristic golden hue with reddish veins. Products made from lowro are reliable and durable.

Nowadays, both natural and artificial deck finishes are in demand. Today on sale you can find a modern version of this material, produced on a polymer basis. The composition of such boards contains wood mixed with special monomers, which are then polymerized and combined with wood during the extrusion process.

It is believed that products made of WPC are not inferior in their properties to natural specimens and even ceramic tiles. Wood-polymer composite is different.

Deck planks are also made from special thermally modified wood. Heat treatment of different types of wood involves exposure to high temperatures ranging from 160 to 250 degrees. After that, the natural material will certainly become highly durable, strong and wear-resistant. The result is coatings that are not inferior in quality to the same oak.

Deck coverings made of thermo ash, for example, will not be attacked by tree pests. The material boasts an enviable fire safety. Such boards do not rot and can last for many years. They have a very attractive appearance.

As mentioned above, deck coverings are available in different lengths, widths and thicknesses. Certain dimensions of the deck board must be selected based on the purposes for which this material is purchased. The thickness of the considered coatings can be 25, 28, 30, 32, 35, 40, 45 mm. The width of the boards also varies and can be from 90 to 140 mm, and the length is from 2.5 to 5.1 m.

Nowadays, the coating in question is one of the most popular and demanded materials. It is used for a variety of purposes:

• often such cladding is installed in gazebos;
• deck board is an excellent solution for arranging a veranda or terrace;
• the material in question looks great when properly laid in an apartment, namely, on a balcony or loggia;
• very often, "palubniks" can be seen in a sauna, a bathhouse or in a steam room;
• often, a deck board is used when arranging the area around the pool (it is often used to decorate a patio);
• such coatings are also suitable for arranging garden paths;
• can be used on walkways;
• often floorboards made from the material in question are laid inside residential premises, for example, in the kitchen or in the bathroom.

Deck planks can be purchased not only for the floor, but also for further mounting on the wall. These coatings look great both on the street and directly in the interior. They can be used to decorate street stairs, steps, sidewalk areas.

Choose the right deck board. Consider what you need to pay attention to in order to be satisfied with your purchase.

• Initially, the buyer must decide for what purpose he wants to purchase wooden coatings. Many other important criteria will depend on this, according to which it will be necessary to choose a material.
• Think about which color you are most interested in. The boards are presented in a huge spectrum of colors. On sale you can find specimens with a pronounced wood structure, dark and light coatings. You can choose the best product for any conditions.
• Decide on the class of the material. Above, it was described into which categories the deck board is divided. Find products that meet your quality and design requirements. Do not forget that the premium category products, although the highest quality, are quite expensive.
• It is important to decide on the correct dimensions for the deck plank. And here, too, everything will depend on where exactly you planned to lay it. You can consult with a sales consultant who will help you find products with optimal parameters.
• Pay attention to the fact that the boards are of high quality, have no serious defects, traces of mold and rot. Such shortcomings are very serious - you should not buy boards with them.
• There are many types of deck boards. Many of them produce large eminent brands. Try to choose only good quality branded products.

If you purchased a deck board, then you will need to take care of its proper installation. Consider the installation technology of this material.

• First you need to start preparing the base before laying the boards. It is necessary to tamp the place where the floor covering will be installed. Acclimatization of board material will be required.
• This is followed by the installation of the lag. They must be correctly mounted perpendicular to the floorboards. Gaps of 40 to 70 cm should be left between the lags, based on their thickness. Before flooring, the material must be covered with special antiseptic compounds (protective impregnation is suitable). The ends are lubricated with wax to avoid cracking the lag.
• Then the deck board itself is installed. When fastening the floorboards to the logs, at least 4 cm is left between them and the ground for ventilation.
• Fasteners when laying boards can be closed or open. If an open method is used, then the self-tapping screws are recessed inside the wooden parts by means of a screwdriver.
• If you want to fasten the coverings in a closed way, then all the fasteners must be left under the boards. Then the floors are perfectly smooth and neat.
• Deck planks can be laid diagonally or vertically. According to the classical scheme, the covers are fixed perpendicular to the lags.
• After installation (or before it), it is recommended to cover the board with antiseptics or water-based, polyurethane, latex paint - all options are suitable.