FAQs
Businesses and individuals regularly ask the TDCA many questions about timber decking and cladding and so we have developed a list of frequently asked questions, to give you some useful answers to common queries. Of course, if your question is not listed here, please do get in touch and we'll help you with your query.
Timber Decking Questions
- Is decking planning permission required?
- Are there any publications about timber decking?
- I want to use sustainable timber for my deck. How do I ensure this?
- How to install a deck: do I need professional help?
- What’s the difference between hardwood decking and softwood decking?
- How long does a timber deck last?
- Deck fixings – what do you recommend?
- Decking balustrade – should I have one?
- Deck design ideas: can I personalise my deck?
- I want a hot tub on decking, what do I need to know?
- Decking costs: how much should I be paying?
- Where can I see lots of deck images?
- Where can I find a list of decking suppliers?
- What decking finishes exist for me to choose from?
- Should grooved decking face up or down?
- What should I consider when thinking of deck lighting?
- Should I use plastic sheeting to protect deck joists?
- Why do I need to re-treat cut ends of treated timber?
- How do I clean the mess off my deck left by pigeons?
- What should I know about deck joists?
- How to clean decking: can I use a pressure washer?
- Deck maintenance – what should I do?
- Does treated timber vary in colour from one piece to another?
- Deck coating: mine is flaking off, what can I do?
- Will I have slippery decking in the winter?
- Does wood decking attract rats?
- Will grooved timber decking boards be less slippery than plain boards?
- Are treatments used in protecting softwood decking harmful in any way?
- Can I place plant pots and other objects on my decking?
- How can decking help with sustainable drainage systems?
- DPC: where should I install the ledger board when the deck is attached to a house?
- Resin is coming out of the timber, what can I do?
Timber Cladding Questions
- What is the difference between hardwood and softwood cladding?
- Does my timber cladding need a cavity behind it?
- Open jointed timber cladding: what do I need to know?
- Cladding board end joints: butt together or leave a gap?
- What is the most common sheathing board used to line an external wall to be timber clad?
- Does timber cladding have thermal insulation or sound proofing properties?
- Chimney flues and timber clad walls - what do I need to know?
- Can you paint or stain wooden cladding?
- What should I know about coated exterior timber cladding?
- Can 9mm thick untreated timber be used instead of fire-rated Euroclass C-s3,d2 for external wall surfaces?
- How do you prevent timber cladding boards from splitting when fixing?
- Why is my timber cladding coming away from the wall?
- Small holes in your cladding? What might they be?
- What Use Class should timber cladding be treated to?
- Should timber cladding be flame retardant treated?
