Dolphin deck helps create garden haven

Their previous decking had been laid almost 10 years earlier using an iroko hardwood that would have required regular oiling. It hadn’t been maintained, and the family knew they needed to replace it but weren’t sure where to turn.

William explained: “I suggested IRO decking was the way to go. The samples I’d seen of it were stunning; it’s a natural timber product that is charred and brushed. It repels water, and the client was keen to avoid the composite route, so we agreed to use IRO decking in dolphin grey.”

Adding value

The client was keen to use a natural product as two pieces will never be identical, unlike composite decking products, which allowed them to add character to their new haven. Due to IRO’s intricate manufacturing process, the product has an enhanced grain appearance, offering a unique profile while adding charm to the outdoor space.

From the initial call with the client through to completion, the project took just three weeks, with the installation taking just one week. Created in a tight 22m2 space, it complements the wider garden.

The garden’s poor drainage meant that the decking had to be constructed on a substructure that would sit above the ground. William Sutton added: “The garden was not a huge area, but the drainage issues in the garden mean that it retains water. We implemented the joist work on concrete blocks to ensure no timber was in direct contact with the ground.

“These conditions meant that IRO was the ideal option – it needs to be treated well, but it comes with a specially formulated cream which enables it to repel, rather than absorb water.”

IRO – the low-maintenance winner

“Keeping decking fresh through the years doesn’t have to be a chore. We all lead busy lives, but the bonus of IRO is that it doesn’t need too much work. You can use the touch-up cream by simply wiping it onto the surface of the decking and then removing any excess with a clean cloth. The cream brings out the silver tones that the dolphin decking captures and keeps the timber well-managed,” said William.

IRO architectural decking is created by combining the ancient Japanese process of Yakisugi with the latest timber technology. In addition to being a low-maintenance yet long-lasting alternative to traditional decking, IRO timber is UV stable and 100% HVOC-free, meaning it is both child-friendly and pet-friendly.

Find out more about William Sutton Landscaping here