Over the last ten years decking has become an increasingly popular alternative to hard paving in gardens around the country. Cheaper than paving and more environmentally friendly, wood is naturally beautiful and ageless.

Aside from its visual appeal, decking immediately transforms a landscape. It is comfortable to walk on and blends seamlessly into the natural environment while adding a whole new area for outdoor living.

A new useable space in a garden is immediately created by adding a deck. It might be in a different spot from the rest of your outside area or at a different elevation, and you can even install decking to create a garden path.

Thanks to modern technology, the days of high maintenance and slippery surfaces are long gone. This is primarily due to the introduction of composite materials, which offer a low maintenance option to the traditional softwood decks of the past. So, what exactly is “composite”?

ASK THE EXPERTS

Recognised as one of the leading distributors of interior and exterior timber products in Ireland, Whiteriver Group is a privately owned family business focused entirely on the import and distribution of hardwood flooring, laminate flooring, internal doors and composite decking and cladding. When it comes to the great outdoors, Whiteriver is the go-to place for professionals and DIY’ers alike. We asked Iain Wogan, Co-CEO & Head of Sales at Whiteriver, to explain composite products and why they are the best choice for Irish homeowners.

 “Composite decking is a blend of 60% recycled wood, 30% high-density polyethylene, and 10% additives,” explains Iain. These ingredients are combined to form a denser, stronger, and heavier material than wood alone. This formula results in a long-lasting, easy-to-install deck that requires little maintenance. Composite decking comes in a wide variety of colours and designs, limited only by imagination.”

 There are two types of composites on the market. First-generation composite has a plain or grooved surface and a consistent monotone colour. While this format remains hugely popular, particularly in the commercial sector, the ‘second generation’ composite is a more attractive option for most households. This is because it has all of the attributes of the first generation with added protection in the form of a capped shield, giving the boards a natural wood grain surface and a wider range of colour options,” he adds.

Whiteriver Group cover all the options with their Portland and Ultrashield ranges. The company also offers a full range of accessories, including pedestals for levelling and aluminium joists for a lifelong installation.

CLADDING

Composite cladding is new to the Whiteriver range and has quickly become one of the company’s top-selling products. Like decking, composite cladding is a low-maintenance alternative to traditional timber such as larch or cedar. Installation is easy using hidden fixings resulting in a nail-free seamless finish.

Whiteriver offer two cladding styles,‘traditional’ (plain TGV style) and a unique ‘contemporary’ modern alternative, both available in teak, walnut and silver grey. Cladding is ideal for gardening projects such as covering block work on garden walls, screening off unsightly oil tanks, covering gates, or giving timber sheds a welcome makeover. It can also be used for single-story applications like garden pods or porch entrances.

Composite products such as decking and cladding are the perfect solution for transforming an outdoor space into a practical, durable extension of the home. Ready for the ever-changing forecast of Irish seasons? These composite products are designed for maximum durability to stand the test of time and allow homeowners to maximise on outdoor living space.