Your choice of decking vs paving for the area under a pergola or glass veranda is a decision that impacts the maintenance, longevity, comfort, and coping of the surface area with the structures built above. There is no right choice, with both holding pros and cons depending on your situation.
The Case for Paving
Stone or concrete paving is the traditional choice for patios, and tends to work well under glass structures. The main advantage is durability – quality paving can last a few. Indian sandstone, porcelain or concrete slabs do not rot, do not need to be treated, and do not need to be stained every few years.
Paving does deal better with the increased moisture that accumulates in covered areas with glass roofs. They create condensation and, with good drainage, adds more dampness. Paving just shrugs this off more than timber, which can struggle with constant moisture.
Also, paving makes the area more stable for any heavy equipment or structures which need to be bolted down, such as pergolas with large, heavy posts. If outdoor dining the area for dining or heavy outdoor planter boxes, the area is not going to shift, bounce or have the slight instability as is present with decking.
Porcelain paving is also popular due to how hard wearing it is, how it isn’t slippery if you choose the textured finished, comes in a wide variety of finishes, and is stain resistant. However, it is important to note that there is a wide variety of quality in porcelain, so from DIY stores and such is going to be of a lower quality than architectural grade porcelain.
For that more premium look, you can always have natural stone. However, be more prepared to pay. All of limestone, granite, and sandstone work well, but you have to seal them in order to prevent possible staining. Although, sandstone can be pretty porous. So if drinks get spilled or food is dropped during a meal, it can get marked.
Why decking Works
Timber decking is more gentle and warmer than stone, especially when walking barefoot on them on a summer. It also fits well with more contemporary garden designs and structures better than hard landscaping does.
When it comes to difficult leveling sites, decking can be quicker and less expensive to install versus paving in some cases. While paving requires proper base prep, decking can easily bridge uneven surfaces. If you are working on a sloped site, installing decking is more practical than paving as it can eliminate the need for excavation.
Paved surfaces can present issues when it comes to drainage. Decking, on the other hand, has excellent drainage. Because decking has gaps in between the boards, the water can easily flow through. This is useful for areas that may have natural drainage issues, especially under glass structures where roof runoff occurs.
In the past, the maintenance issues tied to timber put a lot of people off, but composite decking has resolved these issues. Early boards of composite timber decking did leave something to be desired, but with modern boards that is no longer an issue. Great composite timber decking is more expensive, but it’s worth every cent. In comparison to timber decking, the new composite boards do not need annual treatments, they do not splinter, and they do not fade as much.
Factors to Think About When Choosing Timber
The type of timber to use is of great importance, as there is a big difference between softwoods and hardwoods. Hardwood timber such as ipe, teak, and cumaru costs more but will last longer. In contrast, treated pine and other softwoods are cheaper but only last about ten to fifteen years and require regular maintenance.
One of the main advantages of timber decking is the aesthetics. However, timber decking has the disadvantage of being quite slick, especially when wet. This can be dangerous in areas where the timber decking is covered, as the timber will not dry as quickly. Anti-slip decking strips can be helpful, but are not a complete solution, as they can be quite visually unappealing. Some people use timber decking boards that have a grooved/ridged surface pattern in order to provide more of a grip, but these boards can trap dirt and are more difficult to clean.
Of all the materials to use, timber will require the most maintenance. This includes not only cleaning, but also retreating and staining, which should be done on a yearly basis. Otherwise, the timber will split, warp, and deteriorate quickly, leading to rot. Timber may also develop algae and moss when it is placed under glass areas containing more moisture.
Railway Sleepers
For a while, reclaimed railway sleepers have been trendy in garden design and used for things like border, construction of raised beds, and even pavements. They have a rustic, thick appearance that matches well in certain garden designs. However, as actual paving, they have some issues.
Old railway sleepers contain creosote, which is banned for residential use due to being a nasty chemical that seeps into soil. Newer treated sleepers use less harmful preservatives, but should still be avoided for places where people walk barefoot or where children play.
Sleepers are heavy and cumbersome to work with- a single full-length sleeper is about 70kg. They also shift and warp over time, creating uneven surfaces. If you like the look, new oak or hardwood sleepers are a better option than railway sleepers, though they are pricey.
Sleepers work well for edging beds or creating steps. There are better main surface options for under a pergola or veranda than sleep. They are uncomfortably rough, retain moisture, are hard to clean, and aren\’t easy to keep clean.
Hybrid Approaches
The good news is that you don’t have to choose one or the other. A mixture of both decking and paving can work beautifully. For instance, paving the main seated and dining area for practicality, and timber decking for the lounge zone or as a pathway to connect the areas is a good alternative.
Another alternative that isn’t often considered is gravel. It looks good in the right setting, drains well, and is inexpensive. It can be a pain, though, as it sinks, and furniture can be a nightmare. It also gets kicked around a lot, and is tricky for buggies or wheelchair users. For dry areas, self-binding gravel that compacts works better than loose stone.
Ultimately, it comes to budget, the look you want, and the amount of upkeep you want to do. If you want a low maintenance look that appreciates in value and looks good 20 years down the line, paving is the clear winner. If you want the look of timber and don’t mind a maintenance, decking can be wonderful, but know it will require upkeep. Make sure it is installed right, as bad installation can undermine the best materials.
