The Ultimate Guide to Static Caravan Decking

Atlas Static Caravan with Decking

Static caravan decking has developed over the years, much like the caravans themselves. This guide will discuss both the advantages of caravan decking and all the disadvantages. We will also look at what static caravan decking is made from.

If you buy a static caravan, it may already come complete with decking and skirting. However, you may want to improve the decking already there (or not). The first port of call is always to look at the park agreement/ site license and chat with the park operator to see the rules for new decking on the park. The operator may ask you to organise the decking through themselves, through an (approved) contractor or subject to permission; you can do some DIY decking. This guide will put you in good stead to make the right choice for your needs.

What are the Benefits of Static Caravan Decking?

There are many obvious benefits of adding decking and skirting to your static caravan. Here are five obvious benefits of static caravan decking;

1. Improves Static Caravan Aesthetics

One of the main reasons people invest in static caravan decking is to help ‘complete’ the look of their static caravan. Decking done correctly will showcase any holiday home, giving it a luxurious contemporary style and space look. It may also provide your static caravan with that feeling of home. Good decking will also enhance the general look of the park, complimenting your neighbour’s caravan. 

2. Increases Outside Storage Space

As a static caravan is often a home from home for the family, leaving things at your holiday home is more straightforward than bringing you each time you visit your static caravan. This will undoubtedly be the case if you regularly visit your holiday home. As the decking will be encased by skirting, skirting gates are usually used to access the underneath of the static caravan.

A caravan with decking gives extra storage for your additional items for the best holiday home experience. Whether this is additional outside furniture, toys for the children, hoses, watering cans, etc., Another benefit of the extra storage is these items are hidden from view!

Note; under the deck, storage may not be permitted due to fire regulations.

3, Increases Deck Storage and is Convenient

Decking on a static caravan effortlessly provides an ‘outside room’ and is an ideal space to entertain, enjoy time with the family and relax as the world goes by. The benefit of additional storage underneath the decking area also applies on top of the decking. A decking area isn’t complete without a BBQ, table, chairs and a parasol. Having these items already assembled makes life more enjoyable.

4, Decking Increases Saleability

Although there is a financial investment in decking and skirting when adding to a static caravan, there is no doubt that caravan decking certainly increases saleability and will possibly add value to the home, depending on home and condition.

There is a wide variety of materials available on the market. Decking can also be used to showcase a specific aesthetic. Decking extends to the size of your home and provides the opportunity for an outside space. The skirting allows for your storage to be hidden from view.

5. Additional Protection (with Skirting)

Static caravan decking, when complemented with skirting, offers additional protection to your caravan. This protection will come in the form of;

• Stop animals coming under the caravan (certainly with fully enclosed skirting)
• Protection from drafts and winds
• Additional warmth, both for the pipes, boiler and inside the caravan
• Security, installing solid decking and skirting will helps create a perimeter

What is Static Caravan Decking made From?

Traditionally static caravan decking was made of treated wood. Nowadays, both uPVC and composite decking have become popular. There are a number of reasons for this which we will explore.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is made by combining wood fibres and plastic together. This decking can be referred to as;

• Wood polymer composite decking (WPC decking)
• Recycled decking
• Plastic composite decking
• Synthetic decking

Composite decking is made by pushing a mixture through a machine called an extruder, then melting the material and pushing it through a ‘die’ to make the board’s shape. This process is called co-extrusion. Then a composite polypropylene shell can be put around the deck board to increase the life span of the board.

uPVC or PVCu Decking

This type of decking is made from 100% plastic. Due to the durability of the plastic, the decking can be repurposed and are less susceptible to the scratches that damage composite boards.

However, there are potential disadvantages of using uPVC, these include

• Installation is more demanding than using composite decking. As the deck doesn’t contain wood fibres, it won’t bend as much as the composite decking.
• uPVC can, after a while, sometimes end up looking artificial
• Changes in the temperature can cause the boards to expand and shrink

Wooden Decking

Wooden decking is very popular for the following reasons;

• It has a timeless, natural look
• Relatively affordable
• Wood can look ideal when that’s close to local woodland or the countryside

However, there are some disadvantages of wood decking

• It could be a possible fire risk
• Additional maintenance
• It May does not last as long as a uPVC, composite or vinyl deck

Some people prefer a steel structure encased with UPVC, composite and vinyl. Arguably, this decking style will outperform its wooden counterparts and is ideal for the changeable British weather. What’s more, steel skirting and decks are very versatile.

What are the Advantages of uPVC and Composite Decking Compared to Wood Decking?

There are a number of advantages of this type of decking, these include;

• Low-maintenance – no sanding, painting or staining required
• Easy to clean
• Available in a wide range of colours
• Fire and water-resistant
• Strong and durable (sometimes with a galvanised steel sub-frame)
• Anti-slip
• Outperform wooden decking
• Can be made from reusable materials

Static Caravan Decking Maintenance

Decking does need maintenance once installed, which includes;

• Regular sweeping removes debris that would lead to unwanted stains.
• Check for loose screws and replace them where needed.
• Regularly clean the decking. You can use a specialist chemical product without damaging its integrity.
• Damage to a composite deck can be improved with a special revitaliser
• Wooden decking will need oil or a protector periodically adding

Read our Ultimate Guide on Maintenance below;

Correct Ventilation for Decking

It is important to note that there should be the correct ventilation for the decking and skirting. Make sure that your park operator has provisions in place for ventilation. Some associations require operators to install ventilation for decking and skirting as a matter of health and safety. Skirting needs to be adequately ventilated to prevent the build-up of gas. All park operators have clear health and safety guidelines and will be well aware that decking and skirting are increasingly popular.

The British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA)

The BH&HPA provides guidance to park operators in a document titled: Guidelines of Good Practice for the Transportation, Movement, Siting, De-siting and Commissioning of Single Unit Caravan Holiday Homes. With regard to skirting around the base of a caravan’. In the document they state;

20 BASE SKIRTING

20.1 Subject to any particular planning, site licence or contractual requirements, should the park or caravan holiday homeowner wish to fit a skirting wall between ground level and the underside of the floor of the caravan holiday home, it is imperative to ensure adequate ventilation at points relative to each room, regardless of the materials used. As a general rule, skirting ventilators should provide at least twice the low-level fixed area ventilation as is provided in the caravan holiday home as low as possible within the skirting wall. Where the caravan is sited on sloping ground, any gases accumulating beneath it will pool at the lowest point; therefore, adequate ventilation must be provided at that point.

20.2 There should be cross-flow ventilation to provide plenty of air movement under the caravan holiday home. The specification for ventilation in caravan holiday homes is detailed in EN721 which is available from the British Standards Institution (BSI).

20.3 Such ventilation is necessary to help provide proper draught for gas appliances as is mandatory by law. It also minimises condensation and allows any gases, fumes, etc., to escape in the event of any leaks inside the caravan holiday home.

How Much Does Static Caravan Decking Cost?

Static Decking costs can vary depending on;

• The size of your decking
• The type of decking board
• Location of your static caravan

As inflation increases in the UK, so will the price of having static caravan decking fitted. Based on speaking to Sell My Group clients, average decking costs will be between £6,000 and £8,000. However, we have found this varies with costs being as low as £3,000 and going up as high as £12,000.

Do all Static Holiday Homes come with decking?

No, some static caravans are without it although most will have it. This is because the price of a holiday property with decking and skirting installed can increase the asking price by a considerable amount. However, the upfront cost is more than worth paying for many people. This, again, is due to the money saved on heating bills and the other benefits of decking mentioned.

What’s more, decking systems are straightforward to maintain. This means you are unlikely to need to make any adjustments after installation. Cleaning is mandatory, but a contractor will let you know how to make the most out of your installation. This is another reason why decking can add value to a property. You invest in long-term visual and practical support with virtually no fees to clear in years to come.

In Conclusion

You can improve the look and comfort of a static caravan. How? By investing in a fabulous decking system and perimeter skirting. However, do make sure that you budget well in advance. For example, the cost of buying skirting or decking systems upfront can vary, and it is worth comparing quotes with several contractors.

Are you ready to explore the decking opportunities available for your static caravan? Click on our decking company suppliers in our supplier’s section.