Duratrac is a new wood polymer composite decking board that eliminates many of the drawbacks of traditional timber
The Client
Steve Kelly and his wife Nicola bought their first home in 2011. A three-bed/ three-bath detached property in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
The property already had a timber decking space in the garden but the couple found that this needed annual maintenance – stripping and re-varnishing – to maintain the appearance.
The existing traditional decking had a very slippery surface and, after Steve’s father-in-law suffered a fall on it, the homeowners began to look into alternatives. Their spec included:
- A good level of grip
- Low maintenance and long-lasting
- Aesthetically pleasing and in keeping with the rest of their outdoor space – Nicola is an interior designer.
- Eco and sustainable properties
- Safe for children – no nasty chemicals on the wood and no splinters
The EnviroBuild Solution
- 4 x 3m2 area of decking in a garden on 5m x 8m
- Duratrac – walnut – smooth finish
The decking space is completed by a number of built-in LEDs and complements other garden features such as a large flower bed of forest bulbs formed of reclaimed jarrah hardwood sleepers and Indian sandstone paving.
Steve and family use the space for al fresco dining and BBQs with friends and it’s a great outdoor play space for their four month old son, Edison.
Why EnviroBuild?
“I found EnviroBuild through a recommendation from a tradesman who had installed WPC (wood/polythene composite) windows and doors on our property,” explains Steve Kelly.
“My brother-in-law is a carpenter and, whilst he loves real wood, he sees the benefits of this product and believes our use of it makes complete sense.”
What are the benefits?
“The Duratrac product is reversible and can be fitted with a smooth or grooved finish to suit the design of the outdoor space and both surfaces are ‘non-slip’.
“I can clean my decking using only warm water and soap, and it looks good as new. The appearance doesn’t change throughout the seasons and leaves can be easily brushed off when they build up.”
“My wife Nicola and I are happy to let our 4-month old son, Edison, play on the decking surface without any cause for concern.
“There are no nasty maintenance chemicals or splinters, and the surface is easily cleaned. It’s the perfect play space. The 15-year limited residential warranty against splinters, rot and fungal decay gives us added peace of mind.”
Traditional vs. Composite
Traditional wooden decking typically lasts around 10 years and needs treating every 12 months. In addition, it can present a slip hazard when wet and will splinter.
Made of 60 per cent recycled wood and 40 per cent recycled High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), with the addition of an environmentally gentle bonding agent, additives and tint, Duratrac is a wood-polymer composite (WPC) decking board that is recycled, sustainably sourced and over three times more durable than timber.
The material has a lifespan of 30 years, without the need for maintenance or treatment, is non slip and non-splintering, and is suitable for use in both domestic and commercial gardens, roof terraces, balconies and outdoor spaces.
There are also two ranges and ten different colours to choose from – ‘Pioneer’ in oak, rosewood, walnut, granite, stone and white ash; and ‘Frontier’ in slate, iroko, teak and marble.
It can be laid in with a smooth or ridged finish, whilst the decking substructure uses recycled plastic joists which are manufactured in the UK from plastic sourced in Great Britain.
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