FAQS
FAQs for Artificial Grass
Where can I install artificial grass?
It can be laid on hard or soft surfaces. Common hard surfaces include roof terraces, play areas, outside offices, pathways, driveways, balconies and commercial areas if the existing drainage is good. It can be used to replace your existing lawn but the ground must be suitably prepared.
Is it suitable for children?
We can recommend specially designed varieties with soft polyethylene, non-abrasive fibres perfect for your garden, play area or nursery and all suitable for children to use.
Will weeds grow through it?
Weeds will not grow through the grass but seeds may settle in the pile if the surface is not maintained/brushed.
Will it fade in the sun?
Our artificial grasses are fully UV stabilized and carry a minimum guarantee of 5 years against fading from sun exposure, meaning your grass will stay green all year round!
How much does it cost?
OSI is one of the leading suppliers of artificial grass in Newcastle and we offer a wide range of different grasses for a variety of different applications. Prices are based on per sq.m – for landscaping products and we have something to suit every budget and requirement. Installation cost is additional – give us a call and we can provide a free quote.
Is it suitable for pets?
It is hard wearing and durable. Any dog or cat mess will be washed away by rain or during dryer periods, hose it down to prevent any odour build up.
How do I maintain my artificial grass?
- Brush – remove leaves and debris regularly with a stiff brush, plastic rake or leaf blower
- Spray – although weeds won’t grow from underneath the lawn if correctly installed, airborne seeds may take hold therefore we recommend spraying the lawn twice a year with a weed killer.
- Clean – ensure that any pet or wild animal mess is removed from the surface to prevent the build up of odour. Stubborn marks can be removed with hot water and diluted household detergent (washing up liquid)
What about drainage?
The majority of our ranges have porous backing and will drain sufficiently provided the area beneath has good drainage. Products have perforation holes that conform to the minimum requirements for sports pitches.
Can it be fitted over decking?
It can be fitted over a wide range of surfaces. When fitting over decking, we recommend a soft foam underlay is installed prior to fitting.
FAQs for Resin Bound Paving
What is the difference between resin bound and resin bonded surfaces?
They may sound similar but they are very different. We only do resin bound surfaces.
- Resin bonded is an impermeable paving surface. This system involves the application of a film of resin to a surface, on top of which clean, dry aggregate is scattered to completely cover the resin. This creates a thin, single stone layer surface which is non-porous and has a more textured finish. There is a tendency for the stone to become loose as the stone only adheres to the resin on one side.
- Resin bound is a porous paving surface. It is a system where a clear resin and a natural aggregate or recycled materials are thoroughly mixed together so each particle is fully coated in the resin. It is laid on a base and delivers a smooth, permeable, durable surface with no loose stone.
How is a resin bound surface porous?
Resin bound paving is the sustainable choice for your surfacing.
It is cold mixed on site using a process that ensures every particle of stone is completely covered or ‘bound’ in resin. During the laying process, minute gaps are created that mimic natural drainage – allowing water to filter through making it permeable and porous. This not only reduces standing water but also provides a natural filtration process. As rain water or surface water filters through the surface sub-base pollutants and impurities are reduced or removed. The system is SuDs (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) compliant.
Do I need to do any maintenance to the surface?
Resin bound paving delivers a surface that is smooth, durable and needs very little maintenance. We recommend regular sweeping and occasional power washing to avoid the build up of debris and prevent the growth of moss, algae or airborne seeds.
Will weeds grow through my resin bound paving?
Weeds will not grow through the surface but airborne seeds may settle on the surface if it is not maintained/brushed. We recommend regular brushing to remove surface debris.
Where can I install a resin bound surface?
It can be installed almost anywhere – inside or outside provided a suitable sub-base has been installed.
What groundworks and base preparation is required?
The groundwork and preparation laid before you have resin bound paving installed is very important. There are various base options to lay resin bound paving on including asphalt (permeable) and concrete (non-permeable). It can be laid onto an existing sub-base however, this depends on the type and condition of the sub-base. Even when applied to a non-permeable base, the permeability of resin bound paving allows water to be harvested or discharged into drains or soak-aways.
Do I need planning permission?
In most cases, you don’t need planning permission to install resin bound paving or a driveway as it is a permeable surface. If you have an existing concrete or tarmac drive then planning permission will not be required. For any driveway extensions or newly installed driveways planning permission is required for surfaces such as traditional block paving, flags and tarmac but not for resin bound paving. Although we would recommend you contact your local council to seek their advice.
What will happen during extreme temperatures – really hot days or freezing days?
As resin bound paving is porous with voids within the mixture, water will run through the surface and back into the ground. This stops puddles forming on the surface, which helps prevent any sheet ice forming during winter. Resin bound paving is made with a polyurethane based resin. This not only offers incredible strength but also offers flexibility which means that the surface will expand to allow for any frost that forms between the aggregate.
During times of extreme heat the resin bound surface will remain cooler than asphalt or concrete, due to the voids allowing air to circulate through it.
What is the Life expectancy of resin bound paving?
Resin technology suggests it should last in excess of 25 years.
Can’t find the answer you are looking for?
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FAQs for Hardwood Decking
What wood do we use?
Here is a list of hardwoods we can supply for your hardwood decking;
Ipe Hardwood: the Rolls Royce of hardwood decking, extremely durable and hardwearing with a flawless appearance. Appealing due to its interesting olive colouration. Exceptionally resistant to insect infestation and fungi, it’s recognised as a really tough option. A hardwood that darkens as it matures, it’s particularly suited to sun exposure.
Yellow Balau Hardwood: a hard, heavy and strong timber well suited to deck construction. It has an interlocking grain and a fine, even texture. If left untreated it is naturally resistant to weathering and decay. The colour of the timber is golden brown which when exposed to the elements will fade to a silvery grey colour. In order to maintain the initial colour Balau can be treated with a deck oil which will keep the timber supple and enhance the natural beauty of the grain.
Iroko Hardwood: Very durable and affordable. Looking very much like teak, Iroko boasts an irregular grain with an oily feel and a course texture which mellows with age. It’s particularly suited to anyone who likes the idea of a deck that changes colour over time.
Grooved or plain deckboards?
We can show you samples of both at the design consultation stage. The choice is up to you.
How long will a timber deck last?
The life of a deck depends on the quality of the original timbers, the preservation treatment used and the design of the structure. Our decks are guaranteed to last for up to 15 years, and are expected to last much longer with regular maintenance.
Do I need to do any maintenance to my deck?
We suggest that all decks are regularly brushed with a stiff broom to remove any loose debris and grime. There are times when more abrasive action is required. You may want to consider using a pressure washer however, we advise you do so carefully using a low pressure. The surface can be damaged or bruised if the pressure is too high. There are also a number of proprietary cleaners available if it gets badly stained.
Hardwoods need to be oiled more frequently if you want to maintain their colour. Depending on the wood, we suggest oiling every 6 to 12 months. If no treatment is applied, the hardwood will fade to a silvery grey colour.
Is the use of timber environmentally friendly?
It is as the wood we use comes from a renewable, sustainable sources.
What is the difference between hardwoods and softwoods?
Hardwoods come from deciduous, broadleaved trees grown in temperate or tropical climates. The wood of these trees is slower in its growth and this tends to offer a “harder” and more durable timber. While softwoods come from coniferous, evergreen trees. Hardwoods suitable for use are generally classified as naturally durable without treatment while softwoods have to be treated. However, not all hardwoods are suitable for decking.
Which is best for decks?
Either can be used for decking. Softwoods are the cheaper option but must be properly pressure treated with a wood preservative to protect them from fungal and inspect decay. They offer a great short-term solution. Hardwoods are more expensive but offer plenty of durability and stability, essential qualities for timber to remain looking good long term. They are very resistant to the elements, incredibly resistant to fungus and insect attacks and they rot much more slowly than softwoods. Apart from taking a longer time to be produced, by nature, hardwood is more difficult to process than softwood, which is one of the reasons why softwood is lower in price than hardwood decking. Hardwood decking is a great choice for those looking for a long-term structure that won’t begin to show signs of decay after just a few years.
When does a deck need a handrail?
Decks which are 600mm or more above ground level need to have a handrail 1.1 metres high to comply with Building Regulations. On lower decks, handrails can be provided for decorative purposes. Alternatively, fence panels, planters, benches etc. can be used.
Can’t find the answer you are looking for?
If you have a question that we haven’t answered here please get in touch.