Tableview Patio and Pool Deck
In this project, the client contacted us to renovate their pool deck and patio. Due to budgetary constraints, a decision was made to renovate the existing patio which was initially designed and built by a different contractor rather than working on a completely new design.
The homeowners were frustrated—and for good reason. While they certainly did love the current design and build, the wood decking flooring was rotten and needed replacing. With some ingenuity and planning, we managed to get the job done to client satisfaction.
Most of the decking faults we uncovered were caused by poor practice. The timber deck in this instance was subject to a complete overhaul. What’s sad is practically all of the issues identified could have easily been avoided.
In our experience over the years, we came to realise that timber expands and contracts with changes in surrounding moisture levels, but these boards were clearly fitted too close to each other.
Gaps between adjacent boards should be between 5 and 8mm and the timber should be installed at a moisture content of 20% or less. Fitting the boards too close together inhibits movement and risks causing the timber to buckle and twist as it tries to break free from its constraints.
Spacing the boards also provides ventilation to the underneath of the deck. This was noted in our reports and communicated to our team before we kicked off the work.
