The 1x1 of decking
The choice of materials, colors and different surface textures is sometimes overwhelming and can make decision-making difficult. That’s why you’ll find a guide here that provides you with the most important key data on material science, suitability for areas of use, durability and degree of care. This makes it easier for you to decide which decking actually meets your expectations so that your dream terrace remains exactly that for as long as possible. What don’t you need to worry about? A substructure that provides optimum support for the chosen decking during its service life and allows your ideas to be realized professionally. Because it can be used no matter what you ultimately decide on.
WPC
When it comes to combining a wood-like appearance with minimal maintenance and a durability of up to 30 years, WPC (wood-plastic composite) is right at the front of the race. WPC is manufactured using recycled wood, plastics – usually polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) – and environmentally friendly additives that determine the color, among other things. Profile extrusion is most frequently used for production. Different material compositions, thicknesses and profiles of the wood-polymer compound lead to different properties that affect stability, surface structure, color fastness, sensitivity to dirt and water. It is precisely these features that should therefore be carefully examined and weighed up for your own patio and the desired application. It is also important to check in advance whether the selected WPC planks are also approved for the intended area (e.g. private and commercial) and what distances are specified by the plank manufacturer for the underlay.
Depending on the composition and manufacturing process, a greater or lesser change in color can also be expected after installation, which is of course also related to exposure to the sun. If the terrace is covered, less fading can be expected than with an outdoor pool surround. So if you don’t want to do without the classic wood look completely, but are looking for a more robust material, you are in good hands with WPC and benefit from a particularly barefoot-friendly and splinter-free decking. In addition, more extravagant color accents can be set, from red to numerous shades of brown to almost white or anthracite.
The classic
Wood is and remains the classic decking material, as a wooden deck immediately radiates rustic warmth and integrates natural materials into the garden design. However, there are a few aspects to consider when it comes to choosing the type of wood. In terms of durability, untreated larch, pine or ash can hardly compete with the durability class of tropical woods such as bankirai, garapa or ipé. A more sustainable alternative, which also demonstrates considerable durability, is the thermally finished version of domestic woods, such as our Thermo Pine or Thermo Ash planks. The process makes them highly durable and they also benefit from very low swelling and shrinkage behavior. This means that no compromises have to be made in terms of sustainability. Depending on the desired look, regular maintenance work is required for all types of wood, such as cleaning, sanding and varnishing or oiling. The grayed version of the wood flooring is particularly modern and low-maintenance, with the wood forming a silver-gray patina over time.
Kebony®
Ceramic tiles
Ceramic slabs offer particularly innovative and almost endless design possibilities for patio areas. At just 20 mm thick and extremely resistant to frost, salt (water) and dirt of all kinds, ceramic tiles are enjoying increasing popularity for good reason. In the firing process, which takes place at around 1,200 to 1,300 degrees, bodies are fired in roller kilns and then digitally printed and/or embossed. Up to 40 different print images are produced for each design in our range, for a particularly individual look. The designs range from various stone looks with a subtle or stronger surface structure, to wood-like embossing and unusual models that are reminiscent of metal. The formats of the panels, such as 60×60, 45×90, 80×80 or 40×120, are chosen to complement the respective design. This enables the universal use of ceramic tiles with all their advantages for rustic, Mediterranean, simple, modern or even accentuated looks.
Ceramic tiles are produced in series batches, which is why there are slight variations in the light or dark of each production line, as we know from wallpaper, for example. It is therefore advantageous to take a little buffer into account when planning so that the entire patio has a harmonious overall appearance. It is also important to note the industry-standard differences between nominal dimensions (e.g. 60×60 cm) and production dimensions (e.g. 59.5×59.5 cm). The applicable manufacturing dimensions, according to which the substructure must also be planned, can be found in our current price list or can be requested by telephone.
