My new toy.

[Yorkie]

I'm pretty sure I would have bought the cheaper as all you can do is the top and the rot is going to happen from the underside so not to worry too much. For me, I was as much interested in keeping it from quickly getting dirty again and grip.

As you say Gary, the main issue with decking, apart from its appearance, is ensuring that it stays safe to walk on.

As to rot, decking is very rot and insect resistant.

These days, like most outdoor timber from fencing to children's playground climbing frames etc, decking is 'tanalised'. The process involves placing the timber in the treatment cylinder and creating an initial vacuum within the timber cells. The cylinder is then flooded under vacuum with the preservative treatment, and hydraulic pressure is then applied, forcing the preservative deep into the timber cells. After a pre-determined period of pressure depending on the species of timber being treated and its eventual use, the treatment solution is pumped back into storage and a final vacuum extracts any excess treatment solution from the timber.

The preservative used – ‘Tanalith E’ – is widely used the world over, and conforms to new European Standards and individual countries' national requirements. You can tell tanalised timber from untreated timber in that it tends to have a light green tinge.

I doubt that many who lay decking appreciate that in some situations it’s subject to building regulations and planning conditions (from 2008).

Situations Requiring Planning Permission:

• Where the deck is situated within 20 metres of a highway.
• Where the deck platform is more than 300mm (1 ft) from the ground (effective 1 October 2008).
• If the structure would affect the amenity value or privacy of neighbouring properties.
• If the deck is attached to a listed building or situated in a conservation area or National Park.

Other restrictions may apply, including limitations to the overall deck area in relation to the existing property or garden area and the constraints of established building lines. For example, in England (after 1 October 2008), surfaces, including decking, are not permitted to cover more than 50% of a property's garden, though apart from that limitation, I don't think planning permission is required for ground level decking up to 300mm (1 ft) above ground.

Neighbour objections are the most usual reason for planning refusal or restrictions.

http://www.tda.org.uk/NetBuildPro/proces...tions.html

Power washing the slabs on our front drive and rear patio is on my 'to do list' and I'm pleased to say that there's to be no hosepipe ban in the neck of the woods, so it will have to wait till it comes to the top of the list, much as I enjoy doing it and don't find it a chore!