Help Please - Thermowood decking

Help please from an amateur garden designer.

I'm thinking of using "thermowood"decking (Finn Forest) , has anyone out there used it. Any comments.

Basically I want smooth boards that have a nice deep colour, rather than the grovved deck board that seen to look washed out within a few months whatever stain you put on them.

Any help or advice greatly appreciated.

 

http://www.hillwoodproducts.com/specialty/thermowood/decking

It says here that it will weather to light grey if you do not apply a coating.
Is that not the same as any other type of decking.
Not tried it so cant say really but smooth boards will, I should think, become very slipery in winter.

 

As Pete says,smooth decking becomes like an ice rink when it is damp. If you are designing gardens for other people you have to take their safety into account, or risk being sued.

 

Ronseal decking oil is fantastic !

Mine has done nearly 4 years on 2 coats on grooved. Colour is Redwood IIRC.

Needs another coat next year.

 

All I can see is a high price tag on a pree stained timber that will fade just as quick as normal decking timber with an aftermarket stain. Any visible end grain cuts will need to be stained with the same colur or they will stick out.

Non groved boards become absolutly lethal EVEN with regular cleaning. One of the property i work on has non groved deck and Ive gone A over T several times despite the fact the tread on my chainsaw boots is slip resistant and very grippy.

 

Even the grooved deck can be slippy. Good point about the ends. If you go for the oils, of which you can get a clear version, they don't spoil the natural patterns which some stains can hide.
The only compromise would be to alternate the board sides to get some smooth in with the grooves. I really like the pattern in my boards there are thicker smoothes in there too. I will find a picture.

 

I think personally its the water based peservatives that dont last, the good old white spirit based stuff is much better.
Trouble is, the "greens" keep promoting water based stuff as enviromentally friendly,.......... trouble is, it dont work.

 

I'm all in favour of white spirits. That's my vote. :D

 

Thank you all for your advice.The picture of the decking above looks a lovely colour, most that I've seen looks grey and washed out. I know the smooth with be slippery but its only me that will probably fall over!
The thermowood has such a lovely deep colour which I think is making me consider it.
Anyone know of where I can get any decking with one side smooth, but not hardwood its too expensive.
Any pics and ideas on staining welcome

 

BM, I have looked at your beautiful pics of your decking, how did you get round not interfering with the damp proof course with the decking next to the patio doors,

 

By the way trying hard. .....................

 

It has a slight run away from the house to start with. It is not attached in any way to the house and there is 5mm+ Gap between the frame and the plinth. The frame sits on concrete pads and is braced in the middle by two flat joists. The frame is also bolted in places to the pads.

Have you seen the decking thread I did ?

http://www.gardenerscorner.co.uk/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=20;t=000132

 

Yes, its absolutely beautiful.

The problem I've got is I wont have as many plants as you therefore the deck has got to be a real statement. I'm going to try the ronseal stain on a bit of decking though to see if I like it. Still trying to source smooth decking.
many thanks

 

Smooth decking is just timber boards, as far as I can see its only classed as decking if its grooved.
Most fencing contractors sell softwood boarding that has been pressure treated.
Buy some 32mm boards and find a local joinery company who'll put it through a planer for you.