PART 1: COMMERCIAL DECKING IDEAS TO CONSIDER
Just about any structure can use an increase in usable space – business or homes. It’s easy to overlook unused outdoor areas because they are automatically labeled as garden or yard areas, unsuitable for expanded living or recreational purposes. With the addition of a nice, solid deck, however, you can turn that unused space into a usable area without detracting from the surrounding view and charm. If you area business looking to increase space, here are a few ideas. PUBS AND BARS Beer gardens and outdoor smoking areas are a common feature of pubs and bars. The addition of outdoor decking not only extends space to attract more business but also provides a wear-resistant floor area that’s safe and easy to clean. This helps simplify general upkeep for a pub or bar, offering maintenance-related convenience and savings for the establishment.
HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS Most hotels have a swimming pool and decking makes for great walkways between the hotel’s main buildings and such areas. Commercial decking also works well with restaurants looking to add al fresco dining spots or improve existing outdoor dining areas, as well as those in need of pathways between buildings, through garden spots, and passage to parking areas.
PART 1: COMMERCIAL DECKING IDEAS TO CONSIDER
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS Outdoor attractions get a lot of attendance from children. Installing decking in play areas not only expands the areas that children can use but also provides them with solid, stable surfaces to play on, which helps ensure their safety. Adding decking separate from a play area will also give others space of their own to enjoy the attraction away from rambunctious activity. Adding commercial decking addresses concerns for both form and function, allowing you to further improve what your business has to offer. Commercial decks can come in all shapes and sizes but don’t forget that whatever addition you employ should follow building codes in place in your area. ooooo
Want to ensure you’ve got the right decking ideas? Don’t forget to take note of some decking-related design principles. Head on over to Part 2 to learn more!
PART 2: DESIGN PRINCIPLES FOR COMMERCIAL DECKING
Design principles for decking take care of both a deck’s form and function but highlight safety as well. Keep in mind that deck building codes for properties differ between residential and business so it is a good idea to understand the building codes to ensure everything is in order. EXITS AND EMERGENCIES One of the primary considerations of commercial deck design is providing occupants with a proper means of exit, especially in an emergency. Specifically, a continuous, unobstructed path to the exit must be provided from all parts of a deck as well as the building or structure leading to it.
First and foremost, this means that the installation of commercial decking cannot compromise any pre-existing exits from the establishment itself. When decks and exterior exit stairs are enclosed, they cannot be allowed to hamper occupant ability to reach exterior public areas. Security fences, gates, and areas with excessively uneven or sloping surfaces can all pose a hazard and so must be fixed to reflect proper construction. To facilitate egress, outdoor walking surfaces need to be slip-resistant and securely attached to the establishment. Walkways and stairways will also need to be designed in such a way that water does not accumulate, which can lead to slippery surfaces.
PART 2: DESIGN PRINCIPLES FOR COMMERCIAL DECKING
LIGHTING As part of their safety requirements, outdoor walkways and decking need to be sufficiently illuminated so that occupants can see their path clearly, especially in case of an emergency. Just how much lighting commercial decking will require will vary from business to business but, on top of sufficiently illuminating a deck, hooking up deck lighting to an emergency electrical backup system will be a good idea.
OCCUPANCY, EXPECTED LOAD, AND EXITS The size and function of the spaces in the original building and the new deck will dictate the total occupant load for the new combined building and deck. This will, in turn, dictate the number of exits required from the building itself, as well as from the new deck. Each individual space will need to have its exit requirements considered separately; additionally, any area whose only means of exit is through another area will add its occupant load to that of the area it exits through. ooooo
Aside from incorporating the right design principles into it, decking will give you the most benefits when made of the right material. Head on over to Part 3 to learn more!
PART 3: GETTING TO KNOW COMPOSITE DECKING MATERIAL
When we think of decking, the most common image that comes to mind is that of solidly-constructed boardwalk with sturdy, seasoned wooden planking. Timber is still a popular option for any construction, what with its aesthetic appeal and durability still winning over many people. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best material for use in residential and commercial decking construction. WOOD VS. COMPOSITE DECKING: A COMPARISON As a traditional decking option, wood will always have a place in deck construction. Thanks to technological advancements, however, decking material options have grown, expanding to add composite material, a combination of wood fiber and recycled plastic, to the list. So should you opt for wood or composite? There’s no denying that natural wood is beautiful but it requires a lot of work to maintain its appearance and durability and keep warping and rotting at bay. Composite, on the other hand, is easily as durable as wood, if not more so, and much more resistant to fading, helping simplify upkeep.
PART 3: GETTING TO KNOW COMPOSITE DECKING MATERIAL
OTHER ADVANTAGES OF COMPOSITE DECKING Compared to wood, composite decking material is more moistureresistant, making them ideal even for coastal or beachfront use. It is also able to withstand stains, scratches, mold, and fading better, making a deck made with the material usually last longer than one made of wood even with minimal upkeep. Speaking of, composite decking material requires little to maintain, not needing re-oiling, repainting or restaining. Just keep the deck clean and the material’s color will not have trouble remaining bright and vibrant. Composite decking material also does away with warping and cupping, which are common problems associated with wooden decks.
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Composite decking essentially lets you enjoy the aesthetic appeal of a wooden deck without its weaknesses. If you want to learn more about residential or commercial decking and composite decks, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a local contractor to receive the assistance you need.
Erin Isle Construction 11120 SW Industrial Way, Tualatin, OR 97062
(503) 512-6070 (503) 691-9096 ErinIsleSiding.com