The Benchmark Building Blog
Handy information for building or renovation projects.
8 October 2019
Timbers for outdoor decking – which to choose?
Outdoor decks are a popular renovation requested by our clients and with good reason! An outdoor space can be totally transformed by a good deck and they are a wonderful choice for being low maintenance, for entertaining, to modernise a space. We could go on – decks are one of our favourite things to do!
In Australia, we are spoilt with an abundant (and sometimes overwhelming!) choice of beautiful timbers appropriate for decking and outdoor use. Each option has its own individual pros and cons and it is your builder’s responsibility to be aware of, to discuss and present these options to you to assist you in making your decision. We have collated a few points to be aware of when considering different timbers for your decking;
1. Must be appropriate for outdoor use.This one goes without saying! The harsh Australian sun, climate and conditions can wreak havoc on a deck which is not constructed from timbers strong enough to withstand these conditions. If this is not considered, your deck will deteriorate quickly and could become unsafe. An example of this is white stringybark (unlike its close cousin ‘yellow stringybark’, which is suitable for decking).
2. CostThere are a number of quality, lower cost timbers which look great and are popular choices for decking. Some examples of these are treated pine and merbau. These timbers are affordable, have great durability ratings and look fantastic once painted or stained. It is important to consult a professional here though, as some pines are not durable enough for outdoor use. Some higher end options are some of the various beautiful Australian hardwoods available, including jarrah, blackbutt or spotted gum. These options are more expensive but are also popular choices due to the beautiful finished look and have many additional features, depending on the individual product.There are a myriad of timber choices – we are certain to find one which suits your needs and budget and can ensure it is finished beautifully.
3. Ongoing maintenanceEach individual timber comes with its own unique maintenance requirements. Some require regular staining, some do not, some are insect resistant, some are fire resistant and others require regular sanding and resealing. We can discuss these options with you dependent on the options you are considering.
4. Finished appearance and characteristicsLike the maintenance requirements, each timber species finishes differently and has its own unique characteristics. Timbers which require staining or painting, such as treated pine, allow you to have full control over the look of the finished product. Some Australian hardwoods range in colours, change colour over time and/or have variations in the timbers appearance which cannot be planned for. All are a lovely product and finish in their own right but as always, the timber you choose should be tailored to your individual needs, wants and budget.As mentioned earlier, we absolutely love decking and all things timber. So please give the Benchmark team a call to discuss your timber deck today. We will happily advise you of your options for timber and we also conduct decking maintenance, if you already have a deck and would just like a bit of a spruce up!