The difference between smooth and grooved hardwood decking boards

When it comes to the aesthetics of timber decking, you are not short on choices. From the species of timber you choose to the type of finish on the wood, there are plenty of ways you can align your decking boards with your outdoor aesthetic. This even extends to the texture of the deck board, or its profile, with both smooth, reeded and grooved hardwood decking boards available.

But what are the differences, and is this decision purely aesthetic? Let’s find out.

Smooth vs Grooved Hardwood Decking Boards

Smooth timber decking boards have a consistent surface without any obvious texture. In other words, they are completely flat with no ridges or dips in sight. Grooved decking, on the other hand, contains evenly spaced ridges running along the length of the board. These grooves create a textured surface that clearly differs from smooth decking boards.

Is This All About Aesthetics?

Design is certainly a consideration when choosing between smooth and grooved decking boards.

Typically, smoother boards bring a cleaner look to outdoor spaces, following a minimal aesthetic which is popular amongst contemporary landscapers. This untextured surface lets the natural timber grain shine through, which is a perk if you have chosen a timber species specifically for its appearance. Cumaru or Ipe  for example, are known for their gorgeous colour variations, which run through the wood, and smooth decking is the best way to show it off.

Grooved boards, on the other hand, bring an undeniable charm to outdoor decking. The ridges add obvious visual interest and can be viewed as leaning towards the rustic, heritage style of decking design, depending on the species and finish used. The clear grooves are an excellent way to break up large decked areas,  creating more distinction between steps, edges and split-levels.

Does Grooved Decking Provide Better Grip?

It is easy to assume that grooved decking will be less slippery because of its texture, but that is not actually the case. As TDCA notes, there is no evidence that grooved decking boards offer any more grip than smooth timber decking, and they are certainly not ‘anti-slip’. You can add anti-slip strips to the ridges of grooved boards, but you can also add these to smooth decking. So, when it comes to grip, both options are going to suit your space well.

Does Grooved Decking Aid Water Run Off?

Yes, grooved decking can help water run off your decking – “can” being the crucial word here. The little troughs in the timber are ideal for collecting water and carrying it away from your decking, helping reduce algae growth and rot. However, it is essential that your boards are installed correctly with a slope of around 1-2% along the direction of the grooves to ensure proper drainage.

It is also relevant to note that smooth decking can also be excellent at water run-off. While it does not have grooves, correct installation will stop standing water from becoming an issue.

Smooth or Grooved Decking: Which is Better?

Whether you choose smooth or grooved decking is largely down to aesthetics. While grooved decking can be slightly better for water runoff, smooth decking does not present a big enough issue to warrant switching to grooves if you are not keen on their appearance. At the end of the day, go with what looks best to your eye, and you will be making the right choice, unless you’re building a narrow decked walkway, such as a timber footbridge, where grooved boards are likely to improve grip if installed perpendicular to the foot traffic.

Find Grooved and Smooth Hardwood Decking Boards

Once you have chosen between smooth and grooved decking boards, it is time to kickstart your project. At EcoChoice, we supply FSC® and PEFC-certified hardwood decking from responsibly managed forests such as Ipe, Balau, Cumaru, Ekki, Oak and Opepe. With a wide range of species and our expert advice, we can ensure you find the exact decking boards to suit your vision.

To find out more or start an order, contact our timber team today.