Purchasing a sample of decking beforehand and imagining how your deck will look in your garden is a common technique. However, a sample deck board which looks even and warm in the trade show room might silver drastically once placed in your garden where sun, rain and many other weather elements will expose its true colors and change it drastically. The first aspect prospective customers notice the most is color. Because color is the most volatile element, the decking board may look completely different once it is put on the deck.
Softwood, which starts as an even, honey-like color, will in time silver and turn to shades completely different and lack the sample’s color and tone. People either love the weathered gray look and choose softwood for that reason, or they dislike the look range and are disappointed to see the sample board’s warm tone disappear. Pre-treated decking boards, while not completely solving the problem, will retain their color much better, and will be less likely to gray faster and unevenly with time.
Most composite boards are “colorfast,” and they remain relatively consistent in color, but that does not mean they will not change color over time. Boards that get a lot of sunlight every day will begin to fade more quickly than boards that are in the shade. Boards that are in full sun for most of the day tend to fade faster than boards in areas that get less direct sunlight. This means that boards that people buy in order to match fences or doors may not stay matched for very long. It is best to ask a supplier for their recommendations on a given board that is exposed to direct sunlight.
Shaded gardens have their own problems when it comes to choosing the right board. Boards that are located in areas that are shaded, such as boards that are against a wall or trees, retain moisture, and will begin to grow algae and darken faster. Paint that retains moisture will also begin to darken. Boards that are not located in direct sunlight tend to begin to grow algae faster than they begin to fade. This is why in shaded, moist, dark areas of the garden it is better to use boards that are either pre-stained or darker in color.
Most people do not think of texture along with color when purchasing boards; however, it is very important to consider texture as well as color. Boards that have a lot of difference in color along the grain will hide minor scratches. These boards hide even significant scratches very well. Boards that are very smooth tend to attract scratches very easily because they have no texture to hide them.
Just because something is complicated doesn’t mean it should be a completely subjective exercise. When it comes to selecting decking boards, a board should not be chosen solely on aesthetics, as this may be incorrect for the location it is intended for, whether it be a baking hot patio or a secluded spot behind the shed. Aesthetics should not be the primary concern, as the board must endure a wide range of environments and climates.