Things to Consider When Choosing Timber Decking

There are many things to consider when choosing timber decking. This article aims to help you make an informed decision that will serve your needs well.

Redwood and cedar offer a classic natural look. They also age to a beautiful silvery shade. They are sourced from sustainable forests, unlike tropical hardwoods which are often sourced illegally.

Choice of Species

The choice of timber species for decking depends on several factors including desired appearance, where the deck will be located and ongoing maintenance requirements. A wide range of options are available, including natural durable hardwoods like jarrah and ironbark which outperform cheaper treated pine, as well as thermally modified softwoods that offer the look of hardwoods at a more affordable price.

Alternatively, a dense and strong softwood such as Siberian larch is often the preferred option for deck planks due to its affordability, durability and ability to accept coloured stains. The contrasting grain of larch also adds to its visual appeal.

Timber species like spotted gum and blackbutt have the added bonus of being naturally fire resistant, reducing your risk of costly insurance claims in bushfire-prone areas. Other native options include jarrah which resists rot and termite attack, as well as pacific teak which performs exceptionally in coastal environments.

Weather Resistance

Although no wood is totally immune to rot or insect damage, some species are more resistant than others. Tropical hardwoods like ipe, cumaru and jatoba are some of the most durable and weather-resistant options available in the United States. They’re dense with natural preservative oils that make them undesirable to insects and fungi, allowing them to resist decay for many years.

Another common choice is pressure-treated wood, such as pine or cedar. It is treated with chemicals to fend off rot and wood-boring bugs, making it a more affordable option than some other more exotic timbers.

Cambara (scientific name: Hymenaea courbaril) is a beautiful South American species that offers exceptional durability and is surprisingly resistant to rot, fungus, and wood-boring insects. It is also highly resistant to moisture and sun exposure, making it a great choice for outdoor decks. It has a light orangish to golden-brown color and can complement almost any style of design.

Durability

The choice of timber will have an impact on the lifespan of your deck. Hardwoods and ThermoWood hardwoods are more durable than softwoods due to their resin content, allowing them to hold up well against UV rays and temperature fluctuations.

Hardwoods also come in a range of colours including deep reds, salmon pinks and soft blondes. If left unsealed, jarrah fades to a beautiful grey over time and is naturally termite-resistant.

Softwoods such as pine and cedar, on the other hand, are prone to abrasion and need regular maintenance including power washing and application of preservative chemicals. For a lower cost option, consider using hem-fir timber which is affordable, rot resistant and can be treated on site with a wood preservative to increase its longevity. Ipe, Cunard and Massaranduba are dense tropical hardwoods with rich grain patterns. These species are natural pest and rot-resistant and can last up to 75 years with minimal maintenance. However, it is important to note that these hardwoods are harvested from endangered tropical forests and may not be the best choice for environmental conscious buyers.

Maintenance

Timber decks require regular cleaning and re-staining to prevent rot, mould growth and discolouration. Regular cleaning will also dislodge any dirt accumulated between floorboards, which can otherwise cause them to twist and warp.

Stains are available in a range of colours to suit your aesthetic. They provide protection against weathering but don’t penetrate into the wood as oils do. It’s best to check with your timber supplier about how often the stain needs to be re-applied, as it will depend on humidity, rainfall and sun exposure.

When applying a stain, make sure the deck is dry and sanded, and use a hose to spray down and soak the surface. Test the water absorbency of your treated timber with a drop of stain and then brush it on in even strokes. Be mindful that the colour of a new stain will change as it dries.



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