The Timber Decking Association (TDA) is warning people to beware of “cowboy” deck installers who are cashing in on the product’s continuing popularity.
The TDA is promoting its warning message across the consumer media as a result of its helpline receiving a growing number of horror stories from homeowners duped by people purporting to be professional decking installers.
TDA secretary Steve Young said cases included a woman nearly falling from a 3.5m-high deck as a result of insecure fixings; untreated softwood being used; and homeowners being misled about the need for council planning permission. Also, cash payment was often demanded and no receipt issued.
Mr Young said: “There are some real cowboys out there. It’s very worrying and that’s why the board of the TDA has decided enough is enough.”
The TDA is encouraging homeowners to follow its seven-point checklist, which includes the need to contact the council to ask about planning permission; insisting on seeing samples of quality assured materials; and making sure every quote given is for the same structural and material specification.
Recent research conducted by the association shows the decking market is expected to grow by about 10% in 2003 to £110m.
