Help & Advice
Here you will find all the latest frequently asked questions and useful guides on our decking, cladding, fencing and decking balustrade products. Whether you need help with placing your order, or have a question regarding installation or aftercare, this section will have the answers.
The frequently asked questions below have information on ordering process, delivery information or queries, decking maintenance, decking aftercare and information about decking and cladding accessories. We have useful installation guides which can be found on our website for each type of decking, cladding or balustrade as well as ways to finish your decking area.
If you still cannot find the answer for your queries please do contact a member of our team on 01837 659901 or email us at [email protected].
Search the Knowledge Base below:
Planning permission may be required for some decking installations, however, some may not need planning permission. It all depends on where you live, and the size and height of the area being covered. See all the restrictions and what permissions you may need for your decking installation here.
In most cases, adding cladding to your home does not require planning permission, providing that the materials are of a similar appearance to the rest of your home. In some cases, you may need to apply for planning permission if your home is a listed building in an area of exceptional beauty or a national park.
Please note that we are not licensed planning or building surveyors. We recommend speaking to a licensed professional.
This can be dependent on the type of cladding used as well as the final exterior result. If you wanted to find out the value of a property, this would be determined by a residential property valuer.
If you wish to find out ways that cladding can enhance your exterior, read our blog post that details the five main benefits of using composite wall cladding.
Yes, decking can be used as a great design tool to help flatten out your garden space. If you are installing a deck on a sloped garden, be sure to measure and install the structural joists correctly, the base and joists may need to be cut to different lengths to ensure the deck is level. See our decking installation guides for more information.
Unless decking is being added to a listed building or a property based within a conservation area, the project should only require planning permission if the height of the deck exceeds 30cm, or if the deck, along with other extensions, takes up more than 50% of the Garden. Find out more about planning permission here.
We have sites in Okehampton and Andover. If you wish to get in contact with us, please ring 01837 659901.
Cladco Profiles is the UK's leading supplier of roofing and decking. Purchase via our website or our sales team on 01837 659901. You can also order a sample pack here.
Composite decking is a range of decking with a longer lifespan than traditional timber. As well as a variety of other benefits, due to its interior being 60% wood fibres and 40% plastic, the boards are less prone to rot, splintering and warping. Our Signature composite decking also comes in a range of eight colours.
Depending on what type of decking board you are wanting, and from what range, determines the price point for each board. Use our decking calculator to generate a quote for your project.
Cladco products are simple to install for any competent DIY-er. Please see our installation guides for detailed step-by-step tutorials on how to construct your project.
Cladco Profiles delivers to Mainland UK Mondays - Fridays.
Click here to find out more here about our delivery service.
Yes, please see our collection information for more details.
The majority of items are delivered on our own vehicles. Some smaller parcels and samples are sent via a courier. Please see our delivery page for more information.
All items are for Mainland UK delivery only, we do not offer delivery outside of this, please see our delivery page for further information.
For larger items such as decking, cladding or fencing boards, we do not offer express delivery. Smaller items such as sample packs or accessories are sent via a courier service. For more information, please see our delivery page.
For items that are 2.2m or smaller, a postage fee is required and these may take 3-5 working days to arrive.
Flashings and trims are used to seal the edges and corners of a building, ensuring no water can penetrate the cladding and potentially cause issues between the walls of the home and the boards.
Cladco flashings and trims include starter strips that can be installed at the base of your project. They are attached to the base batten for the boards to be slotted into place and support the following boards.
Corner trims can be added to create the finishing touch and complete the cladding exterior. Skirting trims are used in a similar way to this, and create beautiful borders around windows and doorways.
Yes, Cladco fibre cement wall cladding boards can be cut. When cutting, fine dust is released into the air - this mineral itself is harmless, however dangerous if inhaled and will constitute a health hazard. A Level P3 respiratory protective mask should be worn when cutting the boards. The boards must be cut outside and it is recommended to use a wet saw to reduce dust particles. Further information and other applicable legislative requirements can be found by visiting the health and safety executive page of the gov.uk website.
All of our composite decking boards are made with a combination of materials, including wood, making it a natural product that will exhibit colour variations. As a result, the colour of our Signature and ProDeck composite boards will differ between batches.. You may also notice slight colour differences within a single batch, especially with our Signature composite boards. Orders purchased at different times will display noticeable shade differences.
Products purchased together but then split into two separate projects will stabilise at different rates. For example, if an area is installed and extended sometime later, variations may occur within the boards.
Our composite decking is designed and manufactured to mimic the natural grain and colour variations found in real timber decking. To ensure a balanced and visually pleasing result, we recommend laying out all the boards before installation to evenly distribute the natural variations across your decking area.
Within our Signature composite range, we have the option between hollow or solid boards. The hollow composite boards are ideal for garden areas and areas with lower footfall, whereas the solid boards benefit from being stronger, and having better sound absorption. This makes them more suited for commercial projects.
We have both hollow and solid boards within our Signature composite decking range, whereas our ProDeck composite boards come with the hollow honeycomb structure.
Cladco Signature composite decking boards have resistant qualities, however, our composite boards contain natural wood elements, which means they will fade from weathering or UV exposure over time. This process is most noticeable within the first six months after installation. Like any composite product, our decking boards undergo a stabilisation process where they fade slightly to reach their final colour. Our ProDeck composite boards however are more resistant to this process because these boards have an extra protective capping.
Composite decking options can be more expensive than traditional timber due to the higher cost of materials sourcing and manufacturing costs. As well as the additional additives, which gives the boards their range of colours and resistant properties. Find out more about the difference between timber and composite decking boards here.
Joists may bow over time but can be straightened. To correct this, place the bowed section on the ground and apply weight on top to level it out before installation.
No, none of our composite decking boards require any additional painting, staining or sanding. Over time, composite boards will need to be cleaned to maintain their appearance. This can be done using decking cleaner to remove any stubborn stains or marks that appear. It is important to note that of our composite range, Signature decking boards will require more maintenance than ProDeck.
Cladco Nordeck decking boards are made from man-made materials. The absence of natural wood within the boards means they should not absorb moisture, which is what could make the boards slippery. Nordeck decking boards have a textured woodgrain surface which has a rough feel and gritted surface to provide the boards with low-slip properties. Find out more about our Nordeck boards by ordering a sample pack.
Yes, Cladco fibre cement wall cladding boards can be cut. When cutting, fine dust is released into the air - this mineral itself is harmless, however dangerous if inhaled and will constitute a health hazard. A Level P3 respiratory protective mask should be worn when cutting the boards. The boards must be cut outside and it is recommended to use a wet saw to reduce dust particles. Further information and other applicable legislative requirements can be found by visiting the health and safety executive page of the gov.uk website.
Placing a firepit on your composite decking boards is not recommended. Cladco composite decking boards are made with a mixture of natural fibres which are not fire-resistant and plastics which would melt under intense heat. Find out more about composite decking here.
Our composite boards have low-slip properties when installed with the narrow grooves facing up. However, like anything, extra care must be taken when the boards are wet as there may be an increased slip risk in adverse weather such as frost or rain.
Yes, composite decking boards can easily be cut using traditional wood cutting saws and tools. If cutting boards to size, be sure to install the boards directly after cutting. Please refer to HSE for further health and safety guidelines.
The narrow grooved side of our Signature boards and ProDeck boards is low-slip, due to increased water run-off. The woodgrain side of these boards do not have low-slip properties. We recommend installing our decking boards at a slight angle for water run-off to prevent standing water from freezing and becoming slippery.
As our composite fencing boards contain wood, they are not fire rated.
As with most outdoor garden products, composite decking can become warm if exposed to direct sunlight, especially in the darker colour ranges.
Unfortunately, we are unable to cut boards to length for customers and boards cannot be cut on our premises. They can be easily cut with a traditional saw, and care must be taken when doing so.
Customers are unable to cut any product on our premises. This is against our health and safety practices and will not be allowed.
As our composite cladding boards contain wood, they are not fire rated.
You can find out about our stock levels by signing up to our stock level alert on a product page, simply enter your email address on the page and you will be sent an alert the minute stock comes back in.
You can find a list of our stockists and traders here.
All of our composite wall cladding boards are available in a variety of colours, with no need to for sanding, sealing, painting or varnishing. Simply select your chosen colour, install and enjoy.
We supply our Composite Decking Boards in eight colour variations and do not recommend painting our Boards.
Cladco Signature composite decking boards have resistant qualities, however, our composite boards contain natural wood elements, which means they will fade from weathering or UV exposure over time. This process is most noticeable within the first six months after installation. Like any composite product, our decking boards undergo a stabilisation process where they fade slightly to reach their final colour. Our ProDeck composite boards however are more resistant to this process because these boards have an extra protective capping.
Composite cladding boards need much less upkeep compared to traditional timber materials, however, it is not completely maintenance free. Routine cleaning is essential to get rid of debris and stop potential staining. If your cladding is located beneath overhanging trees, it is important to promptly clear leaves, petals, and sap to avoid surface marks. Additionally, water runoff from gutters and downpipes may stain the boards, making regular maintenance vital to preserve their appearance.
While composite decking requires significantly less upkeep than traditional timber decking, it is not maintenance-free. Cleaning is necessary to remove debris and prevent potential staining. If your decking is situated beneath overhanging trees, keep an eye out for leaves, petals, and sap that need to be cleared promptly to avoid marking the surface.
Like any Composite material, our Cladding Boards go through a process of stabilisation where fading may happen until the final colour is reached. Stabilisation usually occurs during the first six months following installation. This is more evident in the woodgrain design, where shading variations can arise due to the process of sanding.
Composite decking boards are susceptible to scratching, particularly if furniture is dragged across the surface. To minimise the risk of damage, we recommend attaching felt pads to the legs of furniture.
Watermarks are a common occurrence when the weathering process in composite fencing is taking place, specifically with our Signature composite boards. Due to the tannins that are released from the timber contents of the fencing panels, the marks from water can become more apparent. This is temporary and will fade naturally over time.
The best way to keep the appearance of your composite deck, cladding or fence, ensure that your deck is cleaned regularly, or when debris and dirt is visible. More detailed aftercare and maintenance information can be found in the relevant installation guide.
Yes, our composite wall cladding is a versatile cladding material, originally designed to transform the exterior of your home. However, the boards can be installed inside if desired. Alternatively, we have a range of internal panels that are specifically designed for interior use.
Cladco composite decking can be installed using timber, composite or recycled plastic joists. The joists must be installed with a maximum of 400mm space between one another, installed either on a concrete base or weed mat.
Cladco Nordeck decking must be installed using treated timber or recycled plastic joists, on either a concrete or weed mat base. If using a ground or solid base, ensure you have installed a weed mat to prevent weed growth through the decking. Nordeck installation should ensure a maximum of 300mm space between each evenly spaced joist.
Please consult the relevant installation guide before building your decking area or subframe.
Unfortunately, we do not offer an installation service for any of our products. However, all products can be installed by any capable DIY-er, with the easy to follow installation guides.
Placing a firepit on your composite decking boards is not recommended. Cladco composite decking boards are made with a mixture of natural fibres which are not fire-resistant and plastics which would melt under intense heat. Find out more about composite decking here.
No, none of our composite decking boards require any additional painting, staining or sanding. Over time, composite boards will need to be cleaned to maintain their appearance. This can be done using decking cleaner to remove any stubborn stains or marks that appear. It is important to note that of our composite range, Signature decking boards will require more maintenance than ProDeck.
Yes. Our Signature and ProDeck composite decking boards have a woodgrain side and narrow groove side - take your pick!
We supply our Composite Decking Boards in eight colour variations and do not recommend painting our Boards.
Calculate how many decking boards, trims and fixings you may need for your garden with the easy to use Cladco decking calculator.
We recommend using our Nordeck woodgrain effect decking boards around swimming pools for their water-resistant and warp-resistant properties.
All of our composite wall cladding boards are available in a variety of colours, with no need to for sanding, sealing, painting or varnishing. Simply select your chosen colour, install and enjoy.
Composite decking options can be more expensive than traditional timber due to the higher cost of materials sourcing and manufacturing costs. As well as the additional additives, which gives the boards their range of colours and resistant properties. Find out more about the difference between timber and composite decking boards here.
Calculate how many decking boards, trims and fixings you may need for your garden with the easy to use Cladco decking calculator.
Calculate how many cladding boards, trims and fixings you may need for your garden with the easy to useCladco cladding calculator.
Nordeck decking boards feature a tough ASA shell encasing a PVC core, making the boards highly resistant to scratches, stains, moisture and mould. Composite decking is resistant against rotting warping and insect damage, however, these types of boards are not recommended for use around water features or pools, due to the risk of water absorption and expansion and contraction. The lack of natural fibres that make Nordeck decking more resistant, make the boards a more expensive decking option.
Aluminium decking is ideal for projects where specific building regulations apply i.e. commercial projects requiring fire rating specifications.
Yes, provided the underlying substructure is level and stable using our aluminium joists and suitable pedestal brackets, our decking boards can be installed upon a flat roof, and make a great solution to a long-lasting outdoor space with striking rooftop views.
Cladco aluminium decking boards feature a positive drainage system that provides excellent water runoff when used on a terrace or balcony project. This is due to the slight sloping angle at which the decking should be installed upon. Please follow our easy installation guide to ensure your aluminium supporting system is correctly fitted to benefit from this.
When these boards are laid perpendicular to their main walking path, combined with the finely-grooved surface, aluminium decking can benefit from additional slip-resistant properties.
