An Overview Of The Main Types Of Timber Decking

If you are looking for a way to upgrade your outdoor area, one option you should consider is deck installation. It is a quick and affordable way to make a beautiful but long lasting area that you can use for relaxing, lounging, and entertaining. Installing a deck offers you a lot of benefits. It adds value to your property and provides you with more usable space in your yard. Having a deck adds warmth to your outdoor. It looks amazing and lasts for a long time.

Types Of Timber Decking

–    Merbau or Kwila timber decking

–    Spotted Gum timber decking

–    Blackbutt Timber Decking

–    Treated Pine

–    Composite Timber

Merbau or Kwila timber decking, spotted gum timber decking, and blackbutt timber decking are hardwood species known for their durability. Kwila is an imported hardwood product while the others are native to Australia. Meanwhile, composite timber is made of recycled materials, durable, and eco-friendly.

Criteria For Choosing The Best Material

The first thing you need to consider is the color of the material. Treated pine has light coloured timbers while Kwila timber decking is dark red in color. Meanwhile, spotted gum have a wide range of color variations, which is from cream to red. Blackbutt, on the other hand, are pale colored hardwoods. You should also consider if you want to use softwood or hardwood. Softwood variations like treated pine may not be ideal for decks that are expected to receive heavy traffic. If you think your deck will eventually cater a lot of people at the same time, hardwood is a better option.

Knowing how long a particular type of material like kwila timber decking is essential. Treated pine, for instance, has an expected service life of more than two decades. Keep in mind that for natural wood, the service life of a certain material will depend on the level of regular maintenance. The type of coating and fixings used will also be a factor in maintaining the longevity of the wood

You should also check the timber Hazard Grade. Treated pine is by far, the only hazard treated material for decking purposes that are available in the market today. There are people who are asking if timber with higher hazard grade is more durable and have a longer lifespan. Let’s take treat pine timber as an example. If it will be used above ground, its hazard grade is H3 but if it will be used in ground then it should be treated to Hazard Level H5.

Alternatives To Natural Wood

There are several composite wood products available in the market today and these items are made of wood fibre and recycled materials. There are variations that are made in Australia and there are others that have been imported from the USA and Europe. Composite wood looks a lot like natural wood. It does not warp, stain, rot, or splinter. It also requires minimal maintenances which means more savings.

DIY or Hire A Pro

If you are building a basic deck and you are handy with tools, then you may give DIY deck installation a try. If you need a guide on how to build one, you can always search online for manuals. However, if you don’t have any idea what you are doing, it is best to hire a professional. This will guarantee that your new deck is sturdy, well made, great looking.

A few points to consider during installation:

–    Install an efficient ventilation on the deck’s flooring and water drainage system.

–    Maintain a gap of at least 4mm for boards that with a width of up to 90mm and a minimum of 6mm for decking boards that have a width of up to 140mm.

–    Make sure that the boards are coated on both sides using an oil based coating product.

If you do not want to concern yourself with all these and prefer materials that are easy to install and hassle-free to maintain, choose composite wood. Not only will you enjoy a long-lasting deck but you’ll also get one that is environmentally friendly. Contact Futurewood now and know about the range of composite wood and co-extrusion timber products they offer.