You’re excited to enjoy your garden/poolside area one bright Dubai afternoon but quickly find that the decking is very hot, the wood is fading or you need to constantly maintain it.
To ensure you have the right decking option for your villa terrace, hotel pool area or commercial decking, there are several decking options to consider. We have listed below some ideas to help you decide which is the best weather resistant decking that suits your needs.
1. Composite Decking
If you want the aesthetic of wood decking but do not want to spend extra time sanding, staining and oiling, then Composite Decking could be your best option.
This type of decking combines plastic and wood fibres to create a wood aesthetic with minimal maintenance. High quality boards, with UV protection, can be used outdoors and are not prone to any damage due to moisture.
Pros:
- Can come in a range of colours, textures and wood finishes.
- Minimal maintenance.
- Villa terrace, garden seating areas and certain pool areas.
- Generally do not require much oiling.
Cons:
Composite decking can get quite hot in direct sunlight, especially if using darker colours. Therefore try to go for lighter colours and adding a pergola.
2. Natural Hardwood
There is something special about natural wood. This can give your decking a warm and welcoming feel.
Teak and Ipe can be great options for high-end decking. However, natural wood does require some maintenance. The sun can cause the decking to fade and incorrect fitting or lack of maintenance can cause the decking to crack.
Best suited to:
Luxury villas, covered terraces, boutique hotels and outdoor lounges.
If you are looking for a natural wood decking option, try asking your supplier what type of wood they are using, what treatment it has and what maintenance is required.
3. WPC Decking
This decking option has many similarities to composite decking.
The difference between these options is that WPC refers to the product. Whereas composite refers to a range of products.
High quality WPC decking can be moisture resistant, UV resistant and durable. This can be a great option if you want something that has a consistent look without any maintenance.
Check the UV protective properties, slip resistance, thermal expansion and warranty before purchasing.
4. Porcelain Decking
If you want to have a clean and modern finish, then porcelain decking can be a great option.
Porcelain decking is generally fade, moisture and stain resistant. They are very versatile and can be used on modern villas, hotel terraces, walkways and pool areas.
However, ensure you purchase the right porcelain tile. Not all porcelain tiles can be used outdoors, especially in wet areas.
Before installing, check:
- Is it suitable for outdoor use?
- Is it slip resistant when wet?
- How hot will it get in direct sunlight?
- What is it being fixed onto? Ensure there is good drainage and the correct installation.
Using light coloured textured tiles can be a good option if going to use them in bright areas.
5. Natural Stone
Natural stone can really add a touch of luxury to any outdoor space. Travertine and granite can give you a unique texture and natural colour variation.
Depending on the stone, some lighter colours can be more comfortable to stand on. However this will depend on the stone, finish and conditions.
Natural stone can be quite tricky to get right. Certain stones can be porous and require sealing and polished finishes can be slippery when wet.
If you are using this around a pool, make sure it has a good texture, good drainage and is safe to walk barefoot.
Decking Comparisons
| Decking Material | Main Benefit | Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite decking | Wood aesthetic with less maintenance | Low | Terraces and Garden Decks |
| Natural hardwood | Natural wood aesthetic | Moderate/High | Luxury Outdoor Lounges |
| WPC decking | Consistent appearance and moisture resistant | Low | Villas and certain pool areas |
| Porcelain pavers | Durable and modern | Low | Walkways and Terraces |
| Natural stone | Unique and natural | Low/Moderate | Luxury Gardens and Pool Areas |
The amount of maintenance will depend on the product, quality of installation and exposure.
Things To Consider When Choosing Decking In Dubai
Before choosing decking, think about how you will be using the decking. Will children be running barefoot around the pool? Will you be moving furniture outside regularly? Will it be in direct sunlight in the afternoon? Do you want to spend your weekends maintaining timber decking or would you prefer it to be low maintenance?
When looking at recommendations from Landscaping Companies in Sharjah, ask what UV protection it will have, what sub-frame it will have, drainage and maintenance. If you are having a swimming pool installed, ask Swimming Pool Companies in Dubai what safety features there are for wet surfaces and what impact the pool chemicals will have.
If you are working with Landscaping Companies in Sharjah, make sure they have experience of installing your decking. Even if it is a quality product, it needs to be installed correctly with the right gaps, support and fixing.
If working with Swimming Pool Companies in Dubai, make sure it has been designed to take into consideration any splash areas, drainage and comfortable movement around the pool.
Top Tips
- Go for lighter colours. Dark colours can get uncomfortable in direct sunlight.
- Make sure you have the right sub-frame. Raised decking will need the right support and ventilation.
- Allow for expansion. Some decking will expand and contract depending on the temperature. Make sure you follow the manufacturers guidelines.
- Ensure there is good drainage. Standing water can cause issues with maintenance.
- Add some shade. Adding a pergola or shaded seating area can help.
- Keep it clean. In Dubai it can get very dusty quickly with fine sand. Keeping it clean will help keep the finish and reduce any slipping.
FAQs
1. What decking is best for Dubai?
A good option for those looking for a wood aesthetic with less maintenance would be composite or WPC decking. Porcelain and suitable natural stone may be a better option for fully exposed areas. It will depend on how much sun it will get, what it will be used for and how hot the surface needs to be.
2. Can you use composite decking around a swimming pool?
Yes, as long as it is designed for the purpose and has good slip resistance when wet. Consider how much heat it will retain, drainage, exposure to pool chemicals and how it will be installed.
3. Does natural wood decking need maintenance in Dubai?
Yes. Depending on the type of wood and how exposed it is, it may need cleaning, oiling or re-finishing.
4. How can I make my decking more comfortable in the summer?
Use lighter finishes, add some shade where possible and check how hot the product will get. No decking will be cool in extreme direct sunlight.
Final Thoughts
The best decking for your outdoor area will not be the most expensive or the one that looks impressive in the showroom. It will be the decking that will work for your space, weather conditions, maintenance and budget.
At Progren Flooring we aim to help property owners understand what options they have for outdoor flooring. Carefully compare the decking options, ask the right questions to your installers and plan for the conditions. Your outdoor area should be a place you enjoy spending time in!
