25 Aug Garapa Poolside Decking: Waterproofing Tips
Garapa Wood is the perfect material for poolside decking due to its unique characteristics compared to other hardwoods. Are you seeking a wood that possesses an outstanding combination of strength and rich golden colour? Our Garapa can improve your outdoor pool space with its grand aesthetics and create a luxurious, welcoming setting. Consider these pros and cons of a wooden deck around your pool.
This wood stands out for its ability to endure high foot traffic and resistance to moisture, shrinking, and warping, so you don’t have to worry about the constant repair of your poolside deck. However, although Garapa wood is sturdy enough to handle exposure to water, it needs waterproofing and proper maintenance. Go through the waterproofing tips to discover useful ways that can help maintain your poolside deck and enjoy a functional pool area for decades.
Challenges Around Pool Decking
- High Moisture Stress: The wood around the pool is constantly exposed to splashes and dries out, which can cause swelling and shrinking when not managed properly.
- Poor Airflow Under Deck: If there’s not enough ventilation, the dampness causes damage to the poolside decking and can affect the wood’s strength by rotting.
- Water Pooling: Ineffective drainage can lead to water from the pool getting trapped under the deck, which may cause the wood to decay and develop mould over time.
Best Practices & Solutions for Garapa Poolside Decking:
Closer Substructure Spacing
If you are planning to give the poolside decking a stronger support, then it’s essential to ensure that you space the joints around 380 to 400mm apart. The closer spacing of the joints limits bending and improves the poolside deck stability, and helps Garapa to manage constant splashes without getting damaged and function well for years to come.
Effective drainage
It’s essential to design a poolside deck with a slight slope to drain away water rather than pooling. This will prevent moisture accumulation and harm to Garapa. Also, make sure that there is enough airflow, which will help any water buildup to dry quickly under the deck. As experts, we know what to look for in decking wood and can help you make the right choices for your home or business!
Proper Deck Board Spacing
You must check the spacing between the deck boards for efficient water drainage of the deck. Since the spaces allow pool splashes and rainwater to pass through without staying on top of the poolside deck. To prevent damage to Garapa wood, use spacers of 5mm for 19×90 boards and between 8 to 10mm for 19×140 boards during the installation process for proper drainage.
Applying Waterproof Membranes
Want to protect your poolside deck structure from humid damage? Then install a waterproofing membrane under the deck to stop water from passing through and causing problems, such as wood decay and mould growth in the substructure. It’s ideal to use rolled or sheet membranes that are made from high-quality materials like bitumen or synthetic rubber, since their durability can extend the lifespan of Garapa poolside decking.
Sealing and Maintenance
Sealing and maintenance play an important role in waterproofing poolside decking because it extends longevity. Cleaning the deck’s surface with Loba Deck Degrayer can remove dirt and restore the natural colour of the wood. Even though Garapa can last for years, it needs simple and efficient maintenance. Then seal your deck with high-quality waterproof sealant and coating to protect the wood from moisture, UV rays, general wear, and tear. Wood sealers need to be applied every one to two years for Garapa poolside decking, since the poolside is constantly exposed to high humidity. There are many deck protection methods to be aware of, to keep your deck at its best all year around.
Garapa’s sun and rain resilience makes it ideal for outdoor spaces. To keep your Garapa poolside decking elegant, sturdy, and long-lasting, you must install it with proper focus on drainage and ventilation. Check out our water-resistant Garapa wood and products that will prevent any dampness damage to the deck surface.
Browse our website for information on waterproofing decking materials, such as deck oils, varnish, and cleaners. CONTACT US for any help with online orders or questions.