Decking

[compman]

I intend to make a patio using timber decking boards.

I read recently that in the United States and Canada, hardly anyone uses the grooved type of boarding. I gather the reasoning to use plain boards is that the grooved type attracts dirt and debris into the grooves.

But I wonder with the British weather, would using plain boards make them more slippery in wet weather, or is the grooved type just as slippery?

[dilligaf]

We have a patio made from grooved boards and they do attract dirt and debris in the grooves but it can easily be hosed or brushed out. I believe the main problem is the debris (including food) dropping between the boards which can not be removed leaving an invitation for rats, mice, etc. Although I have not had that problem (Yet)

My wife recently informed me she read somewhere that decking was now out of fashion. My advice would be not to rush into it and seek further advice.

[shylock73]

Forget decking, you`ll regret it.

[Twenty20]

Grooved boards are less slippery because water tends not to sit on the surface but in the grooves. They do collect dirt though. Personally, I wouldnt put decking next to the house, mainly because of the things that can live underneath it but that will really depend on where your house is etc. As I say, thats a personal view.

[compman]

Thank you for your replies - they've given me something to think about.