Choosing The Best Wood For Your Decking Project

You need to give careful consideration if you want to buy the best materials for your decking project. There are lots of companies that are offering the products that you need however, their lifespan can be reduced significantly if you do not follow some important procedures. There are several factors that you have to consider in order for you to make the right choice. One of the most important factor is the type of material that is suitable for the deck you plan on building.

Composite Decking

Compared to natural wood decking like balau timber decking, composite decks or also known as wood plastic composite are fairly easy to maintain. There’s no need for you to re-varnish it annually. However, since there are countless producers of composite decking these days, there are several wood plastic composite or WPC brands that are available in the market today and they have significant differences in their quality.

Because it is made of recycled materials like plastic composite and natural wood, composite wood is referred to as a green option. If you opt for this type of decking material, you need to accept that composite wood usually have a limited color selection and patterns, unlike natural wood which has various natural grains and lining. It is also important to choose an appropriate composite wood that is fire resistant and possesses heat insulating characteristics, especially if you plan to install your deck in areas like your swimming pool.

These days, an increasing number of composite timber decking materials are entering the market and because of this, you may find it difficult to choose the best quality brand. Given that, it is highly recommended for you to choose and work with a reputable flooring contractor who can assist you with your project and ensure that you get the best quality materials for your deck.

Natural Wood Decking

Pressure Treated Wood – It is coated with chemicals before the boards are placed in a chamber for compression, which is a process that involves compressing the chemicals to the wood to prevent termite attack. But even after undergoing this process, the chemical will only reach the sapwood surface and not the heartwood. This simply means that there is no improvement in the properties and the inner layer of the wood is still susceptible to termite attack.

Balau Wood – Balau timber decking is hard and dense decking timber species that work well in resisting rot and insect infestation. It comes with a lighter color and is a good material for a decking project. It usually comes in a rich red color, which is fairly consistent from one piece to another.

Merbau and Kapur – Merbau timber decking and kapur belongs to the hardwood category and are known for their durability. Merbau has excellent aesthetics and is also resistant to termites. However, it cannot withstand too much moisture, which leads to tannins on wood. Kapur is also known for having a high resistance to varying weather conditions, making it an ideal option for decking projects. It can withstand constant exposure to rain and shine and it doesn’t need any finishing.

With hardwood decking, how a certain type performs will be based on the grade of wood that is used, moisture content upon installation, the way it is fastened and finished, and its exposure to direct sunlight. If you go for hardwood timber decking, be sure to choose one with a good grade that is dry. Boards that have higher grades and drier are less susceptible to warping, cupping, and checking. If you do not want to worry about any of these and if you are willing to pay a bit higher upfront for a worthwhile investment then consider getting composite timber decking. Contact Futurewood, if you are interested in composite wood and co-extrusion timber.