Alternativel to deck boards

[Martin T]

Hi all.

I have built a frame at the end of my garden. It will be in part for a shed but there is a lot 0f space around it.

It's about 30 sqm and I can't really afford decking boards and not sure it needs that.

What are the alternatives? I was thinking either scaffold boards, that I know I will need to treat. Or what about treated sawn timber which I can then sand smooth.

Anyone used these or have any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[AnotherTopJob]

It might be better to concrete a base for the shed, and then extend the decking around it.

Even if treated, I think the scaffold boards would have a limited life expectancy.

Smooth timber is seen by many as preferable to the traditional grooved boards, although I'm not sure if there would be much saving.

 

[MRY]

Grass.

 

[Truckcab79]

Scaffold boards if you can find reclaimed ones. Have you seen the price of new!

Reclaimed ones normally about £10-£12 each. Still won’t be ‘cheap’.

Seen pallet wood done very effectively. In theory it’s free if you can be bothered to go round collecting. Limited lifespan of course and a lot of work to dismantle.

Best bet might be eBay or freecycle or similar and see what people are offering for cheap or free. I’ve dismantled decks and patios in the past and put the timber or stone on Facebook for free collection. Someone gets lucky. I save on skip space. And it’s ecologically more sound than binning it. Just need to keep looking as see if you can make something work rather than look for something specific.

 

[Martin T]

Thanks for the opinions - what about gravel boards?

 

[AnotherTopJob]

Thanks for the opinions - what about gravel boards?

You probably could, although they might look a bit 'rustic'. 'The thickness of 18mm might result in excessive flex unless your joists are quite close.

 

[Truckcab79]

You probably could, although they might look a bit 'rustic'. 'The thickness of 18mm might result in excessive flex unless your joists are quite close.

Most of the ones I use are 22mm but the same applies as AnotherTopJob has said. Flex will mean more joists which would massively offset any price gain. Decent decking isn’t that expensive either in comparison. Think I recently paid about £15 per 4.8m length at Lawsons (on offer) and they were 32mm x 150mm.