If you're lucky enough to have a back garden or patio with wooden decking you're most likely familiar with he sight of those distinctive ridges (also known as grooves or reeds).
They're aesthetically pleasing and they also help to improve grip when it's wet outside (or when someone inevitably spills they drink).... right?
Well, prepare to have your mind blown because one Instagram user has unleashed havoc after revealing that the ridges should not be visible; meaning, in effect, that households across the country have their decking upside-down.
In fact, decking should be installed ridge-side down. "YOUR DECKING IS UPSIDE DOWN! Yep, ridged side up? That's upside down," @my_london_home wrote alongside a video showing the installation process.
Advert
"The ridges are to encourage circulation and stop the rot. They do not add extra grip. They are not meant to be seen," they added.
The claim is backed up by several DIY specialists; Gripclad.co.uk explain that having your decking "reeded side up" is a common error.
Another misconception is that the ridged side provides extra traction; in reality, having exposed ridges could lead to a build-up of moisture between the grooves which could lead to rotted decking.
They add: "Contrary to popular belief, the ridges are not there to keep you from slipping and sliding around your deck. Nor are they intended to make your deck look nice. They are actually there as a structural feature to improve its longevity."
Needless to say, the comments section under @my_london_home's Instagram post was filled with shocked responses.
Advert
"Whaaaaaaat? Stop. I'm dead," wrote one woman.
"OMG I did not know this," a second person added.
"I've just had decking laid I'm almost too scared to go out to the garden and check," wrote a third commenter.
Advert
One added: "This has blown my mind... I'm currently having decking done too and I'm about to check which way."
And one homeowner lamented: "Our old decking was ridge side up and impossible to clean the slimy slippery stuff from the ridges, it was lethal! Loads better flat side up... and looks way better in my opinion."
Is your decking upside-down?
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock