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Decking in pursuit of excellence
March 2005
Setting standards of good practice
A timber deck is much more than an alternative to a patio or terrace. It is versatile, practical and natural and can be used to create grand or subtle designs to complement any outdoor area or property. In addition to their good looks, decks offer a number of practical benefits. For example they often need only minimal foundation work and are quick to build. They are ideal structures for sloping sites, wet areas and difficult ground an infinite variety of designs, shapes and features can be created.
The Timber Decking Association (TDA) was formed in 1998 as a technical and advisory body to promote the quality of design, materials and construction required to create long lasting, high performance timber decks.
Setting standards of good practice
The TDA/TRADA Manual, published in 1999, is a guide for professionals involved in the design and installation of decking and remains one of the TDA's most purchased publications. In recent years a number of Technical Bulletins have been published to provide more detailed guidance on subjects such as deck parapet design, planning permission, timber selection and maintenance.
Building confidence
The TDA launched the DeckMark® quality assurance scheme in 2000. DeckMark® is based on recognised quality standards like ISO 9000. It relates to both materials (timber, fixings, finishes etc) and installation practices. Accreditation to the DeckMark® QA scheme is now a pre condition for membership of the TDA. Installers in particular are required to give a written commitment to conform to the standards of performance set out in the TDA Charter. They are audited every twelve months to ensure compliance
Independent reassurance
Periods of rapid growth in any market can lead to situations where consumers are exploited. The decking market has been particularly vulnerable to rogue traders. Faced with an increasing number of calls for help from consumers who have fallen victim to sub standard materials and workmanship the TDA introduced an independent insurance backed warranty scheme in 2002.
Many trades people operating in the construction sector will claim to offer their customers a guarantee on work they have done. Unless this is backed by an independent bond or insurance policy then it has very little credibility and is of no value at all if the tradesman disappears or goes out of business.
The TDA scheme is underwritten by a leading UK insurance company and underwrites deck structures for a period of 10 years. New homebuilders are finding this increasingly beneficial where they offer decks as part of their designs.
Continuing concern about the safety of structures built by inexperienced tradesmen has resulted in the TDA offering a deck assessment and expert witness service to consumers or professionals who are in dispute over the quality of a deck installation.
Future prospects
With demand for decking showing no sign of slowing down the TDA is committed to continuing its campaign to promote quality materials and good practice. Membership of the TDA is made up of organisations spanning the entire supply chain and includes forestry associations, timber technologists, decking component manufacturers, timber protection, decoration and maintenance specialists and professional design and installation companies. All share a love of wood and a commitment to product and service excellence. "Any organisation that has an interest in the long term future of the UK deck market should join the TDA," says the Association's Director, Steve Young, who sees strong similarities between deckings popularity in the USA and the UK. "In the USA, the market for decks and associated landscape structures has grown from nothing in 1974 to billion per year. With increasing interest in gardens and outdoor living in the UK, the potential for the continued development of timber decking is enormous The challenge is making sure that we succeed in getting the message across that quality materials, good design and construction techniques are the keys to success".
The Timber Decking Association (TDA) was formed in 1998 as a technical and advisory body to promote the quality of design, materials and construction required to create long lasting, high performance timber decks.
Setting standards of good practice
The TDA/TRADA Manual, published in 1999, is a guide for professionals involved in the design and installation of decking and remains one of the TDA's most purchased publications. In recent years a number of Technical Bulletins have been published to provide more detailed guidance on subjects such as deck parapet design, planning permission, timber selection and maintenance.
Building confidence
The TDA launched the DeckMark® quality assurance scheme in 2000. DeckMark® is based on recognised quality standards like ISO 9000. It relates to both materials (timber, fixings, finishes etc) and installation practices. Accreditation to the DeckMark® QA scheme is now a pre condition for membership of the TDA. Installers in particular are required to give a written commitment to conform to the standards of performance set out in the TDA Charter. They are audited every twelve months to ensure compliance
Independent reassurance
Periods of rapid growth in any market can lead to situations where consumers are exploited. The decking market has been particularly vulnerable to rogue traders. Faced with an increasing number of calls for help from consumers who have fallen victim to sub standard materials and workmanship the TDA introduced an independent insurance backed warranty scheme in 2002.
Many trades people operating in the construction sector will claim to offer their customers a guarantee on work they have done. Unless this is backed by an independent bond or insurance policy then it has very little credibility and is of no value at all if the tradesman disappears or goes out of business.
The TDA scheme is underwritten by a leading UK insurance company and underwrites deck structures for a period of 10 years. New homebuilders are finding this increasingly beneficial where they offer decks as part of their designs.
Continuing concern about the safety of structures built by inexperienced tradesmen has resulted in the TDA offering a deck assessment and expert witness service to consumers or professionals who are in dispute over the quality of a deck installation.
Future prospects
With demand for decking showing no sign of slowing down the TDA is committed to continuing its campaign to promote quality materials and good practice. Membership of the TDA is made up of organisations spanning the entire supply chain and includes forestry associations, timber technologists, decking component manufacturers, timber protection, decoration and maintenance specialists and professional design and installation companies. All share a love of wood and a commitment to product and service excellence. "Any organisation that has an interest in the long term future of the UK deck market should join the TDA," says the Association's Director, Steve Young, who sees strong similarities between deckings popularity in the USA and the UK. "In the USA, the market for decks and associated landscape structures has grown from nothing in 1974 to billion per year. With increasing interest in gardens and outdoor living in the UK, the potential for the continued development of timber decking is enormous The challenge is making sure that we succeed in getting the message across that quality materials, good design and construction techniques are the keys to success".
