Browse Forums Landscape & Garden Design 1 Feb 22, 2016 8:27 am Hi All, We have an undercover alfresco on the side of our house and are looking at extending that entertaining area to our left side fence. This would effectively double our entertaining space given its about the same length as the alfresco area and we would keep it the same width but the extended are would NOT be undercover whilst the alfresco is. We have a couple of options and i'm keen to get people's thoughts as there are quite a few pro's and con's with each. Option 1 - we deck the alfresco area and extend that decking to the fence. This would create a single entertaining area but i would imagine the non covered section would age quicker than the covered section. We are also worried about creepy crawlies making their hope underneath the uncovered section of the deck as this part would not be on a concrete base like the alfresco part. Option 2 - we concrete the uncovered area and then lay timber look tiles over both areas. From what i understand, we will not be able to tile over the space between the 2 slabs as this will cause cracking in the tiling as the concrete expands and contracts. This would then somewhat defeat the purpose of creating a single entertaining area but could a tiler negate that in the way he lays the tiles? We would use outdoor timber look tiles so they will be a lot hardier than timber decking and require less in the way of maintenance but i would imagine this option will also be the cheaper of the two. I would be keen to hear anyone's thoughts and also if there are other options we should consider. Thanks Greg Re: Decking or Timber Look Tiles 3Feb 22, 2016 3:22 pm You've covered most of the pros/cons in your points. Decking needs upkeep, yearly (or so) staining/oiling. Tiles will present a problem between the two slabs. Its really a personal choice at this stage. Other options: - Paving. Might not be an option if your existing alfresco already has a slab. - Plain concrete - Colored/painted concrete. - Hardwood sleeper deck. Not for everyone, probably cost more than a traditional deck. Could use railway sleepers, or just hardwood sleepers - lay them then lightly polish to remove burs and prevent splinters. Not as much upkeep as traditional decking. Don't use treated pine sleepers though. My Noosa 23 Build - viewtopic.php?f=31&t=72782 Hi, as per the subject. Does anyone have any recommendations for the best value decking oil (Bunning is close to where I live) for a treated pine deck? Thanks 0 10973 Interested in getting either the Polytec Boston Oak or Palace Peak for kitchen cabinets. Looking at the Boston Oak ones, it appears that the colour varies significantly… 0 9173 Engineering timber is certainly a less fuss option, times cheaper to supply and install and better withstands humidity. 1 15923 |