Timber and WPC deck installation

A credible service life cannot be derived from the board name alone. It depends on the durability of both boards and substructure, rapid drying, adequate ventilation, working drainage, correct fastening and ongoing maintenance. Lignum recommends a substructure at least as durable as the decking. A specific number of years is meaningful only when product, build-up, use and warranty terms are all known.

Sources: lignum.ch

No outdoor surface is slip-free in every condition. Profile, surface condition, moisture, slope, algae, leaves and dirt all affect grip; the Swiss BFU therefore recommends selecting the surface for its intended use and using tested values where the risk is higher. Regular cleaning and level installation without raised edges matter as much as the material. For pool surrounds, exposed stairs or demanding barefoot areas, the specific surface must be assessed rather than relying on a generic product label.

Sources: bfu.ch · lignum.ch

Direct sun heats every surface; darker colours generally absorb more radiation and can become noticeably hotter than lighter ones. Timber is often perceived as warm and comfortable underfoot, but it can still heat up considerably. For an unshaded south-facing terrace, colour, texture and a physical sample should be assessed in sunlight. Barefoot comfort also depends on clean edges, low-splinter grading, safe fastening and regular surface inspection.

Sources: lignum.ch · bfu.ch

Untreated timber develops a grey patina; for suitable decking timbers, this does not automatically reduce durability. Keeping the brown colour requires regular renewal of a suitable coating. Remove leaves and dirt from both timber and WPC and follow the product care guide. Test cleaners discreetly first; a concentrated pressure-washer jet can damage the surface.

Sources: lignum.ch · kebony.com · megawood.com · de.silvadec.com

It may be possible, but a visual inspection from above is not enough. Once opened, the material and durability, moisture or decay damage, level, fixings, supports, centres, ventilation and drainage path must be checked. The geometry must also suit the new board and fastening system. Only demonstrably sound and compatible sections should be retained; damaged or incorrectly spaced parts need replacement or reinforcement.

Sources: lignum.ch

In principle yes, provided load capacity, waterproofing, available height, junctions and drainage have been checked. On hard or waterproofed surfaces, loads are distributed and the membrane is protected with compatible pads or pedestals; drains and inspection points must remain accessible. Existing slabs do not prove that the waterproofing is intact or the slope adequate. Planning therefore starts by establishing the water path, available build-up height and any special details at thresholds, railings and edges.

Sources: lignum.ch · megawood.com

Timber naturally varies in colour and grain, greys outdoors, and swells and shrinks within limits; depending on the species, fine surface checks or slight distortion may occur. WPC can undergo product-specific colour maturation after installation and moves with temperature. Loose fixings, raised edges, persistent standing water, soft or decaying components and excessive deformation should not simply be dismissed as normal ageing. These changes should be documented early and assessed professionally.

Sources: lignum.ch · megawood.com