Hybrid Composite Decking Article in Fore and Aft Mag

A DECK TO IMPRESS…
28 FORE & AFT S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 MAY 2 0 1 1 FORE & AFT 25

Duraflex have recently installed their new Hybrid decking at two locations in the UK, Glasson Basin Marina in Lancaster and the Parkstone Yacht Club in Poole, Dorset, the latter using local company Vinyl Solutions to
complete the installation.

The Hybrid decking range of products combines the very best in industry leading components, using virgin polymer and wood from sustainable sources make a revolutionary new decking
product.

Tests against the Health & Safety Executive’s grading system show excellent slip resistant properties, as well as resistance to organic growth matter making Hybrid an extremely resilient and low maintenance alternative to traditional timber decking. Glasson Basin has a berthing capacity of 220 boats, making it important for the marina to choose a decking product which could stand the test of time and which needed very little effort to maintain.

Barnaby Hayward, manager of Glasson Basin, comments “The Duraflex hybrid decking met all of our requirements in terms of colour choice and aesthetic appearance. The low slip resistance was of particular interest to us from a health and safety point of view, and the resistance to mould and mildew completed the list of compelling reasons to choose this product”

Whilst the aesthetic appeal of the product was an important point to consider, the real test of the Hybrid decking was how quickly and easily it could be installed. The system has been designed for deckboards to be mounted on top of a bearer grid work system, and specially designed stainless steel clips eliminate visible fixings and create accurate deck spacings. The fixing system also allows individual deck boards to be removed for complete versatility.

Alistair Cunliffe, yard foreman at the marina, adds “Installing the Hybrid decking was much easier than we anticipated, especially using the quick clip fixing, and we were given a copy of both the technical guide and the installation guide which helped a lot.

I would have no hesitation working with this product in the future ”In the South of the UK, at Parkstone Marina in Poole, the Hybrid decking was used in a significant extension to the veranda area and was completed in conjunction with new stainless steel balustrades and a new level lawn with block paved edging. Dick Linford, Vice Commodore at Parkstone Yacht Club, remarks “the view from our new Hybrid deck balcony is fantastic, allowing members to enjoy a ‘sundowner’ or a quiet chat as they gaze over Poole harbour.

We found the Duraflex Hybrid decking to be very resilient, presenting an attractive, uniform and low slip surface in trials on our marina pontoons. There is potential to roll the product out across our entire Marina over time”