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Product FAQs

  • What is the expected lifespan of composite decking?
    Our range of composite decking boards are available with a range of warranties that span from 25 years, right up to 50 years. The warranty is transferable too, so if you move home, we can transfer the warranty to the new owner, making it even more of a good investment and another reason for them to buy your property.
  • Why would I choose composite decking instead of timber decking?
    Composite decking is a far more superior product for so many reasons. Unlike timber decking, composite does not rot, split, twist or splinter, making it family and pet-proof. It also requires zero maintenance, other than a wash every now and then. There’s no need to paint or treat it either. Plus, composite decking is significantly more slip-resistant and stain-resistant than timber decking. It’s also proven to outlast timber decking too.
  • Is composite decking more expensive than timber decking?
    Yes it is. Composite timber decking typically costs between three and five times more than timber decking, depending on the type of boards you choose. But that’s from a short-term perspective. From a long-term perspective, the cost of composite decking boards far outweigh the benefits in so many ways, for instance, they’re low maintenance, slip resistant, highly durable and available in the widest range of colours, shades and textures. Composite decking should be viewed as an investment that adds value, instantly increases the use of your outdoor space and continues to look good year-on-year.
  • Do I have to maintain composite decking?
    No, which is the beauty of composite timber decking! The whole idea of composite decking is that you get to spend more time relaxing on it and enjoying it rather than maintaining it. All it needs is an occasional jet wash to get rid of any dust and dirt that builds up over time. (We do recommend you clean up any food, drink or cooking fat spillages along the way though to keep your decking in pristine condition).
  • What is composite decking?
    Composite decking, which is also referred to as Composite Timber Decking, is made by processing waste plastics and timber together to produce the material the decking is then manufactured from. During the process, the composite timber material is extruded and then covered with a coating that gives its distinctive finishing colour and texture, as well as slip, stain and fade-resistant qualities.
  • Can composite decking be used for businesses?
    Yes, our extensive range of composite decking is suitable for both residential properties and commercial venues, such as hotels, restaurants, holiday parks, entertainment venues, public spaces and national parks. It is long-lasting, low-slip, low maintenance and environmentally-friendly and comes with warranties of up to 50 years.
  • How many types of composite decking boards are there?
    Far too many to list here! As is the case with most products, there are cheaper and more expensive products, which all come with their own look and finish and, of course, differing quality levels. The cheaper boards tend to be made from low grade recycled plastics and aren’t coated, which makes them prone to colour fading. We only supply and install boards that are made of higher grade recycled plastics and feature a fade-resistant coating that is designed to last. For instance, our range of Trex composite decking boards come in a wide choice of finishes, colours and features, all designed to help you turn your decking vision into reality.
  • Can your composite decking be fitted to an existing timber frame?
    This isn’t something we advise for several reasons. It’s not possible to achieve secure fixings or a flat finish on existing frames that, in our experience, tend to be uneven because they’ve warped and become worn over the years. What’s more, existing frame support joists that aren’t spaced out correctly for composite decking. In turn, this can impact the end result and overall performance of the composite decking. To add to this, there’s also the fact that the existing timber frame will rot and fail well before the composite decking does. We always advise that composite decking is fitted on to a new frame that has been specifically created to support the decking.
  • What support frame do you recommend for composite decking?
    You can choose treated timber or composite timber joists for the support frame. Treated timber frames (the top section) should ideally be wrapped in a special water resistant tape to protect the wood and help it last longer. Composite timber joists can also be used to provide the required support. While they may be more expensive than treated timber, they do provide peace of mind that the frame is 100% rot-resistant and, if both composite decking and frames are used it will last for many years to come. Just like timber frames, composite decking joists are supported by 100mm x 100mm composite timber posts or galvanised steel ground screws. When securing frames into the ground, we use 100mm x 100mm composite timber posts or galvanised steel ground screws to make sure this element is rot-proof.
  • What is the warranty?
    All of our composite decking products come with a warranty (from 25 to 50 years) that is provided by Trex Composite Decking.
  • Is composite decking safer than timber decking?
    Yes it is, and it’s all thanks to the special protective shell that makes composite decking more slip-resistant than timber decking, even when it’s wet. There’s also the fact it doesn’t split or splinter like wood does, which makes it a whole lot safer for the entire family (little ones and pets included) to walk, lie, sit and play on. Some of our composite deck boards incorporate heat-resistant properties, which enables them to stay cool, even on the hottest days.
  • What about side screens, are they available?
    Yes, we provide electronically-operated retractable side screens in a range of colours. The screens are fitted to the underside of the perimeter bar on the Classic POD and are integrated into the bar with the Deluxe POD. Both options can be fitted at a later date.
  • Are the pergolas wind resistant?
    The pergolas we install have all been tested to withstand hurricane force winds, and the side screens, in particular, can withstand winds of up to 26 mph. The pergolas and side screens can be fitted with wind and sun sensors for ultimate peace of mind and protection.
  • What is a louvred pergola?
    Louvred pergolas are powder-coated aluminium structures with a rotating louvred roof that can be opened or closed, depending on the amount of shade or shelter you need.
  • Are there heating and lighting options?
    Yes, dimmable perimeter and integrated lighting in the louvres is available, as well as infrared low energy heating options, all of which are controlled by the same multi-channel remote control.
  • How many types of pergolas are there?
    We install five different types of pergolas: The Classic Lite POD, which comes in set sizes (ranging from 3.64, 4.60 and 5.56 long x 3.5m wide) and louvres that rotate 150°. The Classic POD is the same as the Classic Lite POD with the same rotating louvres, but is available in different sizes - 2.38 to 5.5m long x 1.5 to 4.5m wide. The Deluxe POD features a similar style rotating roof and is available from 2.5 to 7m long x 1.5 to 4.5m wide, and can be linked together. The Classic plus POD comes with fixed glass and rotating roof louvres and is available in different sizes – from 2.38 to 5m long x 3 to 4.5m wide. The Prestige POD has a fully-retracting roof and is available in different sizes, spanning 2.59 to 5m long x 1.81 to 4m wide. Find more information on our Pergola product page.
  • How do I maintain my pergola?
    The frame, louvres and side screens should be cleaned with mild soapy water and left to dry before being retracted into their stored position. The guttering should be regularly inspected, and any leaves, dirt and other debris removed to allow the water to fully drain away.
  • What colours are available?
    All of the pergolas we install are available in anthracite grey, as standard, but can be finished in any RAL colour (upgrade option). The actual roof louvres are available in a woodgrain finish, as standard too.
  • Where does the water go from the roof of the pergola?
    All of the models feature a clever internal drainage system that channels the water along an internal gutter and down an internal drainage pipe that is situated in one of the supporting legs.
  • What is the warranty?
    All of the pergolas we fit come with a five-year warranty from a UK-based manufacturer that is effective from the date of installation.
  • How are they operated?
    You can use either a remote control or an app (upgrade option). Both of these options provide you with the flexibility to rotate the louvres to a precise point or fully open or close them.
  • Can I use a pergola for my business?
    Absolutely, our pergolas provide the perfect retreat for customers. They can be fixed to existing buildings or be completely free-standing, making them a stunning addition to commercial venues, including hotels, golf courses, restaurants, spas and holiday resorts. Pergolas provide differentiation over the competition and maximise customers’ comfort and enjoyment, not to mention the overall return on investment.
  • Can they be fixed to the building?
    Yes, all of our pergolas can be fitted to buildings to provide shade and rain cover over an existing patio or deck. They can also be installed as a standalone structure in residential or commercial settings.
  • What are aluminium verandas?
    Aluminium verandas are typically made from powder-coated aluminium posts and roof bars that support different glazing options. They are attached to buildings to create covered spaces, usually domestic patios, decking or external seating areas for hospitality businesses.
  • What colours are they available in?
    Our verandas are available in standard white, anthracite grey or black. You can also choose to upgrade your colour to a powder-coated RAL colour in a specific shade as an upgrade.
  • Why would I have a veranda rather than a conservatory?
    Conservatories are designed as an enclosed space with insulated frames and double glazed windows and act as a fully glazed extension to homes. Verandas, on the other hand, are designed to provide a covered area that enhances the use of existing outdoor spaces, e.g. patios and decking areas. Because of all of the double glazing, conservatories tend to get too hot in the summer due to heat from the sun being trapped inside and effectively turning them into a greenhouse. In comparison, verandas are open on the sides and front, which enables the heat to escape, and the covered area(s) to remain sheltered and nice and cool at the same time.
  • What about lighting and heating?
    There are several options available, which include infrared heating, LED dimmable and colour changeable strip lights and recessed LED lights (which are popular in roof bars). All of these different heating and lighting options mean we can fully customise your veranda to suit your exact needs.
  • Can I have side screens and doors?
    Yes, glass or fabric side and front screens options are available, as well as sliding front doors. What’s more, these features can be installed at a later date, which gives you the chance to try your veranda out for a season before deciding if you want to add any screens or doors to it.
  • Where does the water go that runs off the veranda?
    All of our verandas have a concealed drainage system that directs the rain along a gutter and down a pipe that goes down one of the support posts to an outlet. This outlet can be connected to a water butt or pointed towards a drain or flower bed.
  • What is the warranty?
    All of our verandas come with a ten-year warranty that is issued by a UK-based manufacturer and effective from the date of installation.
  • What are the glazing options?
    The standard options are either 6mm clear toughened glass, which can be upgraded to grey tinted or self-cleaning glass, or 16mm polycarbonate sheets, which are available in clear sheets or in a bronze or opal finish at no extra cost.
  • What sizes do the verandas come in?
    All of our verandas are made to measure to suit the building and area that’s being covered. There’s no size limit when it comes to installing verandas, but they do have a maximum projection (they must extend no further than four metres from the building). As a general rule, the posts are positioned three metres apart. However, if required, the spacing can be extended by using clever reinforcing profiles that are difficult to spot once the veranda has been fully installed.
  • Do verandas need any maintenance?
    The powder-coated frames should ideally be regularly cleaned with soapy water, and the glass and polycarbonate sheets should be cleaned in exactly the same way you clean the rest of your windows.
  • Are verandas suitable for business use?
    Yes. Our range of verandas can be installed in a wide range of commercial settings, which includes hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and bars. What’s more, heating and lighting can be added to further enhance the overall customer experience and maximise your return on investment. Verandas are also a popular choice among many schools and nurseries - they’re frequently used to create a covered space for pupils to line up as they wait to go back inside.
  • Are awnings only suitable for domestic use?
    Not at all, we often fit awnings at commercial premises, such as hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and bars. Just like verandas, awnings are used by our commercial customers to provide shade and/or shelter for guests and generate maximum use from their outdoor space. Meanwhile, heating and lighting can be installed to make the spaces more comfortable while the extensive colour range enables our awnings to seamlessly blend in with existing branding. We can also supply fully branded awnings, if required.
  • What is an awning?
    Awnings are retractable fabric covers that extend out from buildings to create shade and cover over patios, decking areas, shop fronts. They’re widely used in the hospitality sector, for example, by hotels, restaurants and cafes too.
  • What are the colour choices?
    The awning cassettes come in either a white or anthracite grey powder-coated finish (RAL colour upgrades are also available upon request). To add to this, there are hundreds of different fabric choices, from plain to patterns, to choose from, making it really easy for you to achieve your desired look.
  • How are the awnings fitted to my property?
    The awnings are fitted using brackets and resin anchor fixings that are supplied by the manufacturer and have therefore been designed to provide a compatible and robust solution that’s covered by the same product warranty.
  • How do awnings differ from verandas?
    Awnings are designed to provide shade from the sun, as well as shelter from the rain. However, unlike verandas, which are static structures, awnings can be partly or fully opened and closed, depending on the amount of cover that’s needed.
  • If I live in a bungalow or have a single storey extension can I still have an awning?
    Yes, you can. We have a range of brackets that are designed to safely and securely raise awnings above wall height and are specifically used for these types of buildings.
  • How are awnings operated?
    They’re usually operated via remote control, making it quick and easy for them to be fully retracted or extended at the touch of a button. They can also be stopped at any point too. Some awnings are also manually-operated. They work by using a cranked handle, but are rarely used these days due to the fact electronically-operated awnings have become more cost effective.
  • Are there any heating and lighting options?
    Yes, dimmable LED lighting strips can be fitted under the awning. Infrared heating options are also available as an upgrade.
  • What is the warranty?
    All of our awnings come with a five-year warranty from a UK-based manufacturer that is valid from the date of installation.
  • Will my awning be OK if it gets windy?
    Yes, our awnings are tested to withstand constant wind speeds of 24mph (for the Tortola) and 31mph (for the Cuba). They are also fitted with a wind sensor that retracts the awning if the wind gets too strong and prevents it from getting damaged.
  • Can the awnings be fully automated?
    Yes, there are both wind and sun sensors that are available that automatically extend the awning if the sun gets too bright and retracts it if the wind gets too strong. You can also choose between a standard remote control and app control option too.
  • How do I maintain my awning?
    The awnings we install feature a stain-resistant coating, as standard. To keep your awning in the best possible condition, you should clean it with mild soap and water at the end of every season, or more frequently if you prefer. Just make sure you let it fully dry out before storing it away in its cassette.
  • What sizes do the awnings come in?
    The awnings we install are made to measure so that they exactly fit the space they are intended for. Our Tortola awning ranges from 2 metres wide x 1.5 metres projection to 5 metres wide x 3 metres projection. While our Cuba awning ranges from 2.5 metres wide x 1.5 metres projection to 7 metres wide x 3.5 metres projection, and can be combined to achieve a maximum width of 14 metres.
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