Garden decking question

[ladybird49]

Why is it in metre Lengths of say 5.1 and not just 5 ? whats the 1 ?

[AlBags]

Builders merchant lengths ...
3.1, 3.2, 4.0, 4.4 .. I think maybe to do with the most efficient lengths from the sawmills and machine shops.
Best to use longest lengths where you can. Keep cut lengths out of sight and use end grain sealer where it is cut or butt jointed.

[oscarina]

Don't know much about the measurements but I have just had my garden decked! Briliant job, kept some garden area easy maintenance!

[The Builder]

AlBaggo is obviously far to young to remember .............. it's the equivalent of the old Imperial sizes .................. so that the changeover to metric didn't frighten the building trade too much lol

5.1m = (approx) 17'
4.8m = 16'
4.5m = 15' etc ............... etc