We supplied uncoated Thermo-Frake decking in a smooth-faced profile for a natural swimming pool project in North Yorkshire.
Natural Swimming Pools Ltd have designed and built natural pools across the UK since 2001.
An official Biotop partner, the company specialises in chemical-free pools filtered biologically.
We have now worked with them on more than 10 projects, including the European oak decking on their RHS Chelsea Flower Show stand and now this – a private pool in North Yorkshire, framed in Thermo-Frake decking.
Frake (Terminalia superba), or limba, is a hardwood native to West and Central Africa.
Thermo-Frake is created by modifying the wood with heat and steam alone. This process permanently alters the timber's cell structure, raising it to Durability Class 1–2 (very durable to durable) under EN 350, improving dimensional stability and deepening the colour to even brown tones.
This process is ideal for poolside decking – it creates boards that are less susceptible to changes in moisture compared to unmodified timber.
Thermal modification also complements the pool itself, which is filtered biologically. Both are chemical-free processes.
The boards were machined to our DTD1 decking profile (smooth 2 faces) at 38mm x 190mm, and supplied uncoated.
A smooth face is a deliberate choice at the water's edge. With no grooves to trap standing water, algae or debris, the deck boards are easier to keep clean.
Left uncoated, the decking will weather gradually from rich brown towards a soft silver-grey (as pictured), which suits a pool designed to sit within its landscape.
Because the water is filtered biologically rather than chemically, there is no chlorine splash-out to bleach the boards.
The boards form a curving decking walkway which runs from the poolside to a seating area.
There is marginal planting on one side and a perennial border on the other, with low path lights set along its edge mark the route.
We're always delighted to work on such beautiful and architecturally-led projects, and we look forward to the next one.
Planning one of your own? Explore our timber decking range, and get in touch with our team if you have any questions.
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