Decking Help & Advice
All of our decking information and advice on one page. If you can’t find what you need please don’t hesitate to call our friendly team on 01837 659 901 or email [email protected]
Try Our Decking Calculator
From first-time DIYers to experienced installers, Cladco’s decking calculator takes the guesswork out of planning. Quickly work out how many decking boards, fixings, and accessories you will need, saving you time, money, and hassle from the start. Decking CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
Unless decking is being added to a listed building or a property based within a conservation area, the project should only require planning permission if the height of the deck exceeds 30cm, or if the deck, along with other extensions, takes up more than 50% of the Garden. Find out more about planning permission here.
Yes, decking can be used as a great design tool to help flatten out your garden space. If you are installing a deck on a sloped garden, be sure to measure and install the structural joists correctly, as the base and joists may need to be cut to different lengths to ensure the deck is level. See our decking installation guides for more information.
Unfortunately, we do not offer an installation service for any of our products. However, all products can be installed by any capable DIY-er, with the easy to follow installation guides.
Composite decking options can be more expensive than traditional timber due to the higher cost of materials sourcing and manufacturing costs. As well as the additional additives, which gives the boards their range of colours and resistant properties. Find out more about the difference between timber and composite decking boards here.
You can use our easy-to-use online decking calculator to work it all out. Just enter the dimensions of the area you plan to deck, and the calculator will estimate how many Signature boards, fixings, and accessories you'll need for your project.
Yes. We provide samples for Cladco decking ranges, allowing you to see first-hand the quality, colour and texture of our boards. Please see our website here.
Unfortunately, we’re unable to cut boards to length or carry out any cutting on our premises. However, the boards can be easily cut using a traditional saw - just be sure to take care and follow appropriate safety precautions when doing so.
Choosing a style of balustrade for your property is a tough decision. Different materials bring distinctive styles, features and benefits, and at Cladco, we offer a premium powder-coated aluminium balustrade system that has superior strength properties when compared to alternatives on the market. The great choice with Cladco aluminium balustrade is that it can be painted, meaning you can ensure it complements any design it is attached to. Alternative options available on the market are timber, glass, composite or wire.
Timber balustrades are more likely to need constant care and maintenance and may not last as long. Glass balustrades also require significant maintenance and thorough cleaning to maintain a flawless finish. The Cladco powder-coated balustrade is a superior material, meaning it does not need ongoing maintenance and will stand the test of time with its long-lasting and durable properties. See here for more information about Cladco aluminium balustrades.
Signature Composite Decking Installation Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use our easy-to-use online decking calculator to work it all out. Just enter the dimensions of the area you plan to deck, and the calculator will estimate how many Signature boards, fixings, and accessories you'll need for your project.
Composite decking requires time to acclimate to outdoor environments. During the stabilisation period of around six months, sections of your decking that are not exposed to UV and weathering, such as areas under furniture, will not weather at the same rate as the rest of your decking. If you expose these areas to the natural elements, they will gradually even out in colour, as the previous boards have.
Watermarks are a common occurrence during the weathering process of composite products. As the tannins in the timber content of the boards come out, watermarks may appear. This is a temporary condition, and the marks will fade naturally as the decking stabilises over time.
Due to the porous nature of Signature composite decking, prolonged contact with plant pots may cause staining. We recommend placing a mat underneath any pots to prevent this. This precaution should also be taken for other garden furniture.
If you choose to go for one of our lighter colours, such as ivory, your Signature decking is more likely to show dirt. To avoid this, you may need to clean your decking more often than if you were to choose a darker colour.
Our Signature composite boards are designed to replicate the natural appearance of timber while eliminating the need for regular maintenance. The pigments used in the manufacturing process may react differently with the timber content in each board, resulting in variations in shade. This is particularly noticeable between the 2.4m and 4m boards. The same applies to our decking Trims, as they are made using the same composition.
Our Signature composite boards consist of 60% recycled timber. Due to the natural properties of timber, the boards expand and contract with temperature changes. Leaving appropriate expansion gaps between boards allows for this movement, reducing the risk of warping or splitting caused by restricted space. Adequate board spacing also facilitates cross ventilation, ensuring the longevity and stability of your decking.
ProDeck Composite Decking Installation Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Our ProDeck composite decking products are encased in a protective polymer outer shell. This polymer-capped surface increases its resistance to potential damage as well as fading due to UV exposure.
No. ProDeck composite decking boards are manufactured with a hollow, circular honeycomb core rather than a solid one. This design offers excellent structural strength while significantly reducing the overall weight of each board. The result is a decking board that is not only durable and reliable underfoot but also easier to handle, transport, and install, ideal for both DIY users and professional installers alike.
While both ProDeck and Signature composite decking boards feature a durable composite core, they are not the same. ProDeck benefits from a polymer-capped outer shell, which offers enhanced protection against staining, fading, and moisture ingress. This makes it an excellent choice for low-maintenance outdoor spaces that demand extra durability and long-lasting colour.
Absolutely! Fascia Boards are designed to complement the entire ProRange, including ProDeck and ProClad products. They can also be paired with ProDeck Corner Trims for a cohesive and professional finish.
We recommend using 13 T-clips for every 4m ProDeck composite decking board.
These T-clips can be used for bullnose boards, alongside our corresponding bullnose/starter clips. Please refer to our ProDeck composite decking installation guide for more information.
No. Due to our ProDeck composite decking boards having a hollow core, they can only be installed using these T-clips to avoid damaging the boards.
Boards cannot be cut lengthway. When installing ProDeck bullnose boards, two rows of clips will need to be secured underneath. Please read our installation guide for more details.
Unlike the standard boards, ProDeck bullnose boards have a solid core and a rounded front edge. They’re engineered for edge applications, where added strength and a clean visual line are needed.
Yes, these bullnose boards feature the same durable, capped polymer shell with a woodgrain finish. This ensures consistent appearance and performance across your decking project.
Yes, bullnose boards are available in all six ProDeck colours, onyx, burnt oak, pewter, platinum, rosewood, and sandstone, for a seamless match.
Yes, for a more refined finish, ProDeck bullnose boards can be paired with capped composite fascia boards. This will allow you to easily conceal any exposed areas of the framework or create an attractive steps system.
ProDeck bullnose boards are designed to create a neat, rounded edge, ideal for steps, borders, and finishing details.
Nordeck Decking Installation Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Cladco Premium Nordeck Decking Boards have a low absorption rate of water, thanks to the PVC interior and exterior ASA Resin. The low-absorption rate and the man-made interior properties of Nordeck Decking means the Boards should not expand or contract. Find out more about Cladco Premium Nordeck Decking with our Sample Packs here.
Cladco Nordeck decking boards are made from man-made materials. The absence of natural wood within the boards means they should not absorb moisture, which is what could make the boards slippery. Nordeck decking boards have a textured woodgrain surface which has a rough feel and gritted surface to provide the boards with low-slip properties. Find out more about our Nordeck boards by ordering a sample pack.
Nordeck decking boards feature a tough ASA shell encasing a PVC core, making the boards highly resistant to scratches, stains, moisture and mould. Composite decking is resistant against rotting warping and insect damage, however, these types of boards are not recommended for use around water features or pools, due to the risk of water absorption and expansion and contraction. The lack of natural fibres that make Nordeck decking more resistant, make the boards a more expensive decking option.
Nordeck decking is made from high-performance PVC (polyvinyl chloride) encased in a durable ASA resin (acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile). It contains no wood fibres or natural materials, offering a completely synthetic, long-lasting solution for decking.
Unlike timber or composite decking, Nordeck is 100% synthetic, and therefore offers superior resistance to moisture, stains, mould, scratches, warping, and fading. It also requires less maintenance and has a longer lifespan.
Each Nordeck board is 3.6m long and provides 0.7m² of coverage. It is available in a single woodgrain design and comes in a choice of natural colours to suit various outdoor aesthetics.
Nordeck offers numerous benefits, including:
- Water, scratch and stain resistance
- Mould and fade resistance
- Entirely timber-free construction
- Increased strength for high footfall or heavy loads
- Very low maintenance requirements
- 20-year warranty
While Nordeck is durable and long-lasting, it is not recyclable and not environmentally friendly compared to composite options. It is also more expensive than Signature and ProDeck composite decking because of the improved overall performance and resistance.
Millboard Decking® Installation Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Millboard® decking is hand-moulded from real oak timber, giving each board a highly authentic woodgrain appearance. It features a unique, slip-resistant Lastane® surface and allows for a ‘lost head’ screw finish, resulting in a clean, seamless look. This level of style and performance contributes to its premium price.
Millboard® decking boards are made from a unique composite material. The core is formed from natural minerals blended with a polymer resin and reinforced with long fibres for added strength. Each board is finished with a durable, splinter-free Lastane® surface layer, which is chemically bonded to the core for lasting performance and slip resistance.
At Cladco, our experienced sales team is here to help you choose the right Millboard® products for your project, no matter the size or complexity. With high stock levels and a dedicated Customer Support Team on hand, you can expect expert advice, quick turnaround times, and a smooth, stress-free ordering experience.
Millboard® is a premium decking option that offers long-lasting durability, thanks to its wood-free, water-resistant core and tough Lastane® surface layer. Unlike composite boards, such as our Signature and ProDeck ranges, which are made from a wood–plastic blend, Millboard® contains no natural timber fibres. This means it won’t swell or warp in damp conditions, and it holds its colour better than traditional composite boards. Each option has its own benefits, but Millboard® is ideal for projects where maximum performance and minimal maintenance are a priority.
Millboard® decking is designed for long-term performance and durability. Depending on how it’s installed, it comes with a warranty of either 10, 12, or 25 years. For full details on warranty terms and coverage, please refer to the Millboard® website.
Millboard® decking experiences minimal expansion or contraction compared to traditional timber decking. Its wood-free composition is engineered to reduce thermal movement, meaning the boards remain stable even with changes in temperature and humidity.
Millboard Enhanced Grain decking boards are manufactured using a wood-free composition, which prevents the boards from getting as hot as traditional timber or other decking materials may. These decking boards feature UV stabilisers to resist the effects of sunlight.
Yes – a pressure washer can be used on Millboard® decking, but it should be done with care. We recommend using a unit with a maximum pressure of 2,000 PSI and a 40–60° fan tip. Keep the nozzle at least 300mm away from the surface to avoid damage while cleaning or rinsing.
Yes – Millboard® decking is supplied with a Limited Warranty for added peace of mind. The length of the warranty depends on how the boards are installed and can range from 10 to 25 years. For full details, please refer to the Millboard® warranty document or view our Terms and Conditions.
Aluminium Decking Installation Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Aluminium decking is ideal for projects where specific building regulations apply, such as commercial spaces or high-rise installations that require enhanced fire safety and durability. Cladco’s aluminium decking boards carry an A2 fire rating and an S1 non-combustible classification, making them suitable for use in buildings over 18 metres in height.
Yes, provided the underlying substructure is level and stable using our aluminium joists and suitable pedestal brackets, our decking boards can be installed upon a flat roof, and make a great solution to a long-lasting outdoor space with striking rooftop views.
Cladco aluminium decking boards feature a positive drainage system that provides excellent water runoff when used on a terrace or balcony project. This is due to the slight sloping angle at which the decking should be installed. Please follow our easy installation guide to ensure your aluminium supporting system is correctly fitted to benefit from this.
When these boards are laid perpendicular to their main walking path, combined with the finely-grooved surface, aluminium decking can benefit from additional slip-resistant properties.
Bamboo Decking Installation Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes – bamboo decking is considered a highly sustainable choice. Our boards are made from fast-growing bamboo plants that require minimal maintenance and naturally regenerate after harvesting, as the roots remain intact.
Unlike traditional hardwoods, which can take decades to mature and are often linked to deforestation, bamboo regrows quickly and helps reduce environmental impact without compromising on strength or durability.
Our bamboo decking boards are a robust, durable and solid material that will last a considerable amount of time. The superior strength of our bamboo boards means you will benefit from a 10-year warranty, when the boards are installed with our fixing clips as per the installation guide.
Our bamboo decking features a rich, natural colour with a subtle woodgrain effect running throughout the board. The reversible design offers one smooth side and one grooved side, giving you a choice of finishes. For added slip resistance, we recommend installing with the grooved side facing up.
Cladco bamboo decking boards are available in two lengths. The 2.4m board weighs approximately 7.66kg, while the 3m board weighs around 9.58kg.
