The hospitality and leisure market, comprising pubs, restaurants and bars, is one that will be hardest hit by the ban on indoor smoking in public places which comes into effect in England on July 1. The need to offer visitors a safe, comfortable space in which to continue socialising outside, away from other non-smoking patrons, has presented a challenge to estates and facilities managers of these types of premises.

One of the main considerations when specifying an outdoor smoking unit is the look of a structure, which must dovetail aesthetically with the existing building, gardens and surroundings. With the UK’s hospitality and leisure sector organisations opting for either a traditional, or fresh contemporary image, the brand values they foster are reflected in the estate of property and land owned by the major groups. A timber landscaping or decking structure that complements the look and feel of a pub garden or bar terrace, for example, is an ideal solution.

Finnforest and construction materials distributor Wolseley are working with public house chain Charles Wells towards providing fit for purpose, adequate and comfortable outdoor smoking areas. A number of designs for timber landscaping products include gazebo style buildings and a unique deck and pergola system using a mix of timber and composite materials.

A popular choice so far has been the gazebo. Ideal as an outdoor structure in which people can relax and socialise, some models include their own table and fold-away surrounding seating. An attractive shingle tile roof complements the traditional look of the structure, while one open side offers the correct level of ventilation to make a gazebo a legal form of provision for smoking patrons.

Composite decking

Meanwhile, other timber materials are already being championed, and well-received by facilities managers, owners and end users. Composite timber decking offers an extremely low maintenance, durable solution to the growing demand. CorrectDeck is one such product. The CorrectDeck deck boards, with a grained surface that strongly resembles real softwood timber, provide a virtually non-slip surface, perfect for upholding the duty of care for patrons using such a structure in possibly damp outdoor conditions.

With some 20% of decks in the US already made from composite materials, the growth of demand in similar installations for restaurants, bars, leisure centres, golf courses and public spaces is driving the market for composite decking in the UK. In the case of public sector projects, demand is driven by the environmental credentials of the materials on offer and relatively low maintenance over the long term.

Composite decking is composed of 80% recycled materials. The recycled organic components within the product mean that it is highly durable – being resistant to insect and moisture damage. As it requires no painting, staining or waterproofing, composite’s low maintenance makes it the ideal solution for large-scale installations and non-residential applications of heavy use.

Pergola units

By specifying a softwood timber pergola over the decked area, the space can be sheltered from the elements, again with adequate ventilation for smokers. Responding to the market, Finnforest is working with distribution and contractor partners to develop a bespoke deck and pergola unit complete with

optional roof covering, with weatherboard-clad walls on three sides to enhance the shelter provided by the deck and pergola and to comply with the requirements of the provision of smoking units.

The ability to offer a range of materials and designs in order to complement different aesthetics and tastes will no doubt see more decision makers within facilities management and estate management turning to timber as an ideal solution.