SCULLY CUSTOM DECKS & DESIGN

Why we recommend Millboard Decking

1/3/2023

If you're considering building a new deck, choosing the right decking material is crucial for ensuring a durable, low-maintenance outdoor living space.

One material that is becoming increasingly popular is Millboard decking. As a Millboard Approved Installer and following a recent visit to the factory, here are some reasons why Scully Decks recommend Millboard decking for your new deck:

Resilience: Millboard decking is designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, such as rain, wind, and sun exposure. It is resistant to fading, staining, and scratching, making it a durable and long-lasting option for your deck.
Low maintenance: Unlike traditional wood decking, Millboard decking requires very little maintenance. It doesn't need to be sanded, stained, or painted, and it is resistant to mold and mildew. Millboard decking can be cleaned with soap and water, making it an easy-to-maintain option for busy homeowners.
Aesthetics: Millboard decking is available in a wide range of colors and styles, allowing homeowners to choose a deck design that complements their home's exterior. The deck boards feature a textured finish that mimics the look and feel of real wood, creating a natural and inviting outdoor space.
Sustainability: Millboard decking is an eco-friendly option because it is made from recycled materials, including reclaimed wood and plastic. Choosing Millboard decking for your new deck can help reduce waste and support sustainable building practices.
Safety: Millboard decking is slip-resistant, making it a safe option for families with children or pets. It features a textured surface that provides excellent grip, even when the deck is wet.
Warranty: Millboard decking comes with a 25-year warranty, providing homeowners with peace of mind and ensuring that their deck will last for many years to come.

In conclusion, Millboard decking is a durable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing option for your new deck. Its resistance to harsh outdoor conditions, low maintenance requirements, and eco-friendly features make it an attractive choice for homeowners looking to create a beautiful and functional outdoor living space. The safety features and warranty further solidify Millboard decking as a smart investment for your home.

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Pergolas, Gazebo, Awning - what's the difference?

1/2/2023

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When it comes to creating an outdoor living space, there are a variety of structures to choose from, including pergolas, gazebos, and awnings. Each structure has its unique advantages and disadvantages, and it's essential to understand the differences between them to make an informed decision for your Irish outdoor living space.

A pergola is a garden structure that features vertical pillars supporting a roof of beams and rafters. Pergolas are typically made of wood or vinyl and provide partial shade while allowing airflow through the structure. Pergolas can be freestanding or attached to a house or other building. They can be used to define an outdoor space, add visual interest to a garden, or create a shaded seating area. Pergolas can also support climbing plants such as vines or ivy, adding a natural element to the structure.

A gazebo is a freestanding, octagonal or circular structure with a roof and open sides. Gazebos are typically made of wood or vinyl and are designed to provide shade and shelter from the elements. Gazebos can be used for outdoor dining, entertaining, or as a relaxation space. They can also be used as a focal point in a garden, providing a visual anchor for surrounding landscaping features.

An awning is a roof-like structure that extends from the side of a building, typically over a door, window, or patio. Awnings are typically made of fabric, metal, or a combination of both and are designed to provide shade and protection from the elements. Awnings can be fixed or retractable, allowing you to control the amount of shade and sun exposure in your outdoor living space. Awnings are ideal for creating a shaded seating area or protecting outdoor furniture from weather damage.

In conclusion, pergolas, gazebos, and awnings each offer unique benefits and are suitable for different outdoor living spaces. Pergolas are ideal for creating a defined space with partial shade and a natural element, while gazebos provide complete shelter from the elements and a focal point in a garden. Awnings are perfect for creating a shaded seating area or protecting outdoor furniture from weather damage. When selecting a structure for your Irish outdoor living space, consider the function, style, and maintenance requirements to determine which option is best for your needs.

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Composite decking or Patio paver?!?!

1/12/2022

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When it comes to creating an outdoor living space, there are a variety of materials to choose from, including composite decking and patio pavers. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, but in this blog, we will focus on the benefits of composite decking and why it might be the right choice for your project.

Durability: One of the primary advantages of composite decking is its durability. Unlike traditional wood decking, composite decking is made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic materials, which makes it resistant to rot, insects, and other outdoor elements. Additionally, composite decking won't splinter or crack over time, which makes it a safer and more comfortable option for bare feet.
Low Maintenance: Composite decking requires minimal maintenance compared to other decking materials, like wood or stone. Composite decking is resistant to staining and fading, which means you won't have to worry about sanding, sealing, or staining your deck every year. Additionally, composite decking can be cleaned easily with soap and water, which makes it a low-maintenance option for busy homeowners.
Aesthetics: Composite decking comes in a variety of colors and finishes, which means you can find a style that matches your aesthetic preferences. Additionally, composite decking can be designed to mimic the look and texture of traditional wood decking without the maintenance requirements. This makes it a popular option for homeowners who want the look of wood decking without the upkeep.
Eco-Friendly: Composite decking is made from recycled materials, which makes it a more eco-friendly option than traditional wood decking. Additionally, because composite decking lasts longer than wood decking, it reduces the need for replacement materials and contributes to a more sustainable building practice.
Safety: Composite decking is slip-resistant, which makes it a safer option for outdoor living spaces. Unlike traditional wood decking, composite decking won't become slick when wet, which reduces the risk of slips and falls.

In conclusion, composite decking is a durable, low-maintenance, aesthetically pleasing, eco-friendly, and safe option for outdoor living spaces. While patio pavers have their own set of advantages, composite decking offers a variety of benefits that make it an excellent choice for homeowners looking to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space.

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Benefits of using Ground Screw foundations

1/8/2022

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Ground screw foundations, also known as screw piles or helical piles, are a type of foundation system that offers a variety of benefits compared to traditional concrete foundations. Here are some of the advantages of using ground screw foundations:

Quick Installation: Ground screw foundations can be installed quickly and easily, typically within hours, as opposed to the days or weeks required for traditional concrete foundations. This reduces the amount of time and labor required for construction projects, resulting in cost savings.
Cost-effective: Ground screw foundations can be a cost-effective solution for construction projects since they require fewer materials and less labor than traditional concrete foundations. Additionally, the installation process is more efficient, which can save money on construction costs.
Environmental Friendly: Ground screw foundations are an environmentally friendly option because they don't require the use of concrete or other materials that can have a negative impact on the environment. Additionally, ground screw foundations can be easily removed and reused, reducing waste and contributing to a more sustainable building practice.
Versatile: Ground screw foundations can be used in a variety of soil types and conditions, including areas with high water tables or unstable soil. This makes them a versatile solution for a wide range of construction projects.
Stability: Ground screw foundations are designed to provide stable support for structures, even in areas with soft or unstable soil. The helical design of the screws provides strong resistance against lateral and vertical forces, making them ideal for supporting heavy structures or in areas prone to earthquakes.
Long-lasting: Ground screw foundations are made from durable materials, such as galvanized steel, which makes them resistant to corrosion and weather damage. This means they can last for decades without the need for maintenance or repair, which reduces the overall cost of construction projects.

In conclusion, ground screw foundations offer a variety of benefits that make them an excellent alternative to traditional concrete foundations. Their quick installation, cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, versatility, stability, and long-lasting durability make them an attractive option for a wide range of construction projects

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New Years Resolutions 2022

22/4/2022

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Become a more environmentally conscious contractor

In 2022, we are going to further reduce our impact on the environment and preserves natural resources.
Some of the ways we plan to achieve this are:

1. Using products that are made from recycled material, e.g.

Instead of timber we are going to build our deck frames from Solid Recycled Plastic (where possible) - this helps turn waste plastic into something functional, durable and eventually beautiful.
Installing deck boards that are made from recycled material like Millboard Flooring (independently and UKAS accredited to the ISO 10464-1 Verified Carbon Footprint Assurance Mark) and TREX (made from 95% recycled and reclaimed material)

Plastic Framing

Millboard Decking

2. Implementing low-carbon processes, e.g.

Using ground screw foundations is a low carbon alternative to to concrete based foundations as there is no digging or excavation required. They have a low impact on the environment, do not disrupt the landscape, and are easily removable and reusable.

3. Reducing the carbon footprint of our orders and deliveries, by:

Ordering material and supplies from stores that are local to the job site.
Streamlining deliveries by ordering as much as possible from the same store.
Requesting that packages and material are all delivered on the same load.
Asking for receipts to be emailed instead of paper copies.

4. Suggesting and providing energy efficient upgrades in conjunction with the construction of outdoor living space for our clients, e.g.

LED and sensor lights on decks and pergolas
Installing rainwater harvesting systems in conjunction with the construction of their outdoor living space.

Rainwater system

LED lights

Granite inlay

5. Continue to REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE.
Instead of disposing of the left over granite pieces from an interior project, we incorporated them into the decking, creating a gorgeous flow from the inside out and reducing waste.

On each decking project, we strategically lay deck boards in the direction that will reduce the amount of waste, saving costs and reducing waste.

Please feel free to send us an EMAIL with any suggestions or tips on how we can improve our carbon footprint in 2022.

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Recycled Plastic Deck Framing

1/3/2022

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Recycled Plastic Wood - An Intro:

At the start of the year, we made a commitment to become a more sustainable and environmentally conscience contractor. Check out our resolution here.

One of the strategies we promised to implement, to reduce our carbon footprint, was to use products made from recycled material including Recycled Plastic deck framing material.

We've received a lot of enquiries and interest about the nuances and value of the product.
I have answered the most frequently asked questions in relation to the plastic below but, free to skip to the synopsis at the end for a brief summary.

Most common questions:

1. What is it?
Plastic wood is made from 100% recycled plastic, constructed from mixed waste plastic that is unusable in other conventional recycling methods. It can be used to build benches, shelters, decks, patios, fencing, outdoor furniture, planters, etc.
The recycled plastic joists in picture are a load-bearing, wood replacement product that we use to build the frame to support our decking.

Plastic framing for wrap around deck

2. Why do we recommend it?
Using a plastic wood alternative to construct a frame for a deck is an innovative, environmentally sound and quality solution to using traditional wood.
It can withstand all weather conditions, requires no treating or painting and will out last any wooden structures ensuring we have zero call backs and giving our clients peace of mind that their investment is built to last!

Plastic planters built into deck

3. Is it more expensive than pressure treated timber framing?
Yes. The initial investment to purchase the plastic framing is higher than to purchase timber. It is also more time consuming to install so labour costs are higher, too. But, when you consider the time and money spent on treating and maintaining the wooden alternative, it is a sound long-term investment and will save money in the long-run.

Synopsis

Recycled Plastic Bundle

100% recycled material
100% maintenance free
100% weatherproof
Made from a combination of mixed waste plastics
Doesn’t biodegrade
40+ year lifespan
20 year warranty
Rot proof, even if FLOODED
Solid core and coloured throughout
Load bearing
Flame resistant
Compatible with construction tools and standard wood fixings
More expensive than traditional wood framing, initially

We purchase all of our Recycled Plastic from Irish Recycled Products. Feel free to check out their website for a more information.

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Composite Decking V's Timber Decking

31/12/2021

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When planning your new deck, one of the key decisions you will make is what deck boards to use.
The most popular options are WOOD or COMPOSITE.
The choice you make will impact your budget, aftercare requirements and the style, size and longevity of your deck, so it is important to weigh up the pros and cons of each.

INTRO TO WOODEN DECK BOARDS:

Red Batu Hardwood

All wooden decking material is a product of nature so naturally there will be a HUGE variation in the strength and performance, colour and texture of each.

There are countless varieties of wooden deck boards to chose from, including:

Pressure treated timber e.g. Spruce, Pine
Premium softwood e.g. Cedar, Siberian Larch
Hardwood e.g. Finger-jointed European Oak, Machiche or Mayan mahogany
Tropical hardwood e.g. Ipe, Batu

There is a massive difference in the cost and availability of each, E.G. Ipe Tropical Hardwood is much more expensive, has to be imported from Southern or Central America but lasts 50 years as where pressure treated boards will cost €15 per board, are readily available but have much shorter life span.

INTRO TO COMPOSITE DECK BOARDS:

Composite (Fiberon) Deck

Similarly, composite decking comes in several forms; ranging from solid PVC plastic, to solid composites using 100% recycled plastic, to products that blend plastics and natural wood or bamboo fibres.
There are approximately 500 different brands of composite to chose from, including: Millboard Flooring, Teranna Ever-Deck, TREX, Fiberon and TimberTech.
All 500 brands are not created equally and come with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Prices can range from €35.00 to €180.00 per board.
When deciding on which composite to construct your deck from will need to consider; budget, style, texture, colour, the environmental impact, availability and your personal preference.

Pressure treated timber deck

Composite (TREX) deck

Pressure Treated Timber - PRO's

Looks natural - because it is natural!
Most budget friendly option available
Can be painted any colour
It is flexible and can be easy to cut up and rearranged in to new styles and layouts

TREX Composite - PRO's

Superior durability and performance
Lower maintenance - requires an occasional wash with soap and water.
Never needs staining or painting or oiling
Resists termites
Won’t rot, warp or splinter
25 year residential warranty
Environmentally friendly - made from 95% recycled material
Slip resistant
Lots of colours to chose from
Can be curved to add eye catching aesthetics and functionality to your deck.

Pressure Treated Timber - CON's

High maintenance - apply stain and sealer annually
Slippy when wet (and, we're in Ireland)
Wood will splinter and rot
Discolouration: it will be affected the elements, e.g. stained from sun
Much shorter life expectancy
Not environmentally sustainable
Limited colour choices
No warranty on material

TREX - CON's

Initial investment is usually higher
Stock not as readily available in Ireland, may be longer lead-times

What's Martin's Opinion?
Q. "If you were building a new deck for your own house, what product would you choose?"

A. "A good quality composite, like TREX or Millboard, everyday of the week!
Especially considering the Irish climate. The risk of a slippery surface or splinters in a wooden deck is far higher than a slip, split, splinter and rot resistant composite alternative.
I completely understand that it's larger initial investment so depending on finances I would be prepared to wait and save a bit longer because a high-performing, low-maintenance composite will cost me farless in the long run. We've installed over $800,000.00 worth of TREX decks and have not had one single call back."