Hot tubs and spas are becoming increasingly popular in the UK despite our inclement weather. With even the most basic tub coming with a hefty price tag, ensuring the pool or tub is positioned so as to give an element of seclusion and privacy is vitally important if it is to look an integral part of your landscaping, and not something added as an afterthought.
The use of decking to surround the tub is ideal, not only for providing aesthetic appeal, but to add warmth and softness to the area, which would be unobtainable with natural stone, slate or paving.
Decking’s Not Just For Decks:
The majority of people choose to have their hot tub close to the house for obvious reasons. Connection to the mains water and electrical supply is much easier when the tub is just the other side of the wall. A wood backdrop behind the tub can be included, with decking fixed horizontally or vertically to the house wall.
One or two steps leading to the edge of the tub can be constructed with deck boards, and a lean-to roof with glass panels can be incorporated. A stud modesty wall can be added using deck planks, trellis or glass windows.
An even softer feel can be accomplished, making planters from decking off-cuts and planting climbers, or the more exotic hardier plants. All this can be achieved using your choice of decking, but what decking will provide the most cost-effective, long lasting solution?
Composite Decking – Long Service and Minimum Maintenance:
If it’s been a few years since you looked at composite decking as alternative to natural wood, maybe it’s time to look again. The improved manufacturing process and variety of finishes available in today’s modern composite decking makes it the ideal solution for use anywhere it has regular contact with water – and we’re talking about the UK here. Add to that the family constantly being in and out of the tub, and it wouldn’t be long before damp began to cause major issues with even the most expensive hardwood deck planks.
Composite decking is a mix of recycled natural wood and plastic materials. With a range of finishes that mimic the grain of natural hardwoods, they have none of the maintenance requirements of wood. They don’t twist or warp, are treated against fading due to sunlight, and are not subject to the rotting process of cheaper decking woods such as pine.
Although plastic deck boards are also low maintenance, they can prove slippery around a tub or spa, and even the most expensive are, over time, likely to bow and become brittle. Splitting and cracking will result, with no option other than to replace the offending boards.
Composite deck-boards have maximum moisture resistance when compared to natural wood. Without any of the need for annual treating and sealing, which is paramount when trying to keep natural hardwood decking in good condition, composite boards just need the occasional wipe down to remove accumulated dirt and grime.
All the materials needed to lay your hot tub, spa, or splash pool decking are available in composite materials. Decking joists, boards, balustrade, spindles and railings as well as a host of lighting and other accessories will provide you a hot tub area which is virtually maintenance free, but that retains its just-laid look for years to come.
For more information, please visit: https://www.timbertechuk.co.uk/
