Grassedecks at the ready for World Cup, as sales rise 700 per cent
As the country starts to think about sunnier days, B&Q sales figures show that the deck still rules supreme in British gardens. When planning their ideal garden Brits are still choosing to turn part or all of their gardens from grassy lawn to wooden deck board. But now a new introduction means that British homes can have both; those that think that caring for the perfect lawn is just a pain in the grass will be snapping up the new hybrid LawnBored.
This new hybrid grassy deck is perfect for those who still want to look out over a green space, but not worry about the time taken for lawn maintenance. The boards comprise a wooden decking frame with artificial grass imbedded within the slats to give the best of both worlds. With the world cup just around the corner, the Grassedeck is expected to feature at many football themed parties this summer, with sales up a massive 700 per cent since the beginning of this year and more than a fifth up compared to last year.
B&Q research shows that 13 per cent of British gardens have a deck and this year B&Q expects to sell more decking than ever before. The retailer has ordered over 3.5 million deck boards, its biggest investment ever, which is enough 2.4 metre boards to stretch London to Rustenburg, South Africa, where is where the England team is due to play its first World Cup match in June.
Fans will also be able to lay their deck for less, as B&Q’s best value deck board is only ยฃ1.98. DIY experts advise that a deck can be installed in the average garden in a weekend. Over Easter weekend 2009, the retailer sold over 140 boards a minute as the nation’s DIYers took advantage of the long weekend to transform their gardens and get ready for summer entertaining and this year over half a million boards were sold.
David Hanratty, B&Q’s buyer of timber and joinery said; “Decks have become a summer staple for British gardens, and their popularity looks set to continue. With a greater variety of materials available, decks can go way beyond simple wooden platforms to incorporate multiple levels, built-in seating, even a pool if you have the space.
“Grass effect decking provides a softer surface to traditional decking, and can complement other areas of your garden. It is ideal for children’s play areas and small gardens and we’re expecting football fans will jump at the chance to create their own all-weather playing surface to practice bending it like Beckham this summer.”