Tread the boards

ENTERTAINING THE IDEA OF A NEW DECK? HERE’S OUR GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIALS

Words KYLIE JACKES

Adeck is a wonderful asset that expands your living space, provides a place to retreat to, encourages outdoor entertaining and can be relatively straightforward to build. The first step is to check if the project requires council approval, then you need to decide which decking material to use. We take you through the options – from popular hardwood to sleek composites – and key considerations when buying boards.

Material decisions

When contemplating the pros and cons of different decking materials, consider the location and purpose of the deck. Will it be exposed to the elements, get a lot of foot traffic, sit alongside a pool or form the foundation for a covered outdoor room? The more weather exposure and traffic, the more crucial it is to invest in durable, long-lasting materials. Budget, aesthetics, ease of installation and how much upkeep you’re prepared to do are important considerations, too.

Pine decking

Working to a budget? Treated pine is the most economical decking per linear metre. It’s less durable than other options, so best to rule it out for high-traffic areas, poolside pathways or bushfire-prone areas – but it’s easy to work with, says Bunnings timber specialist Dinesh Arachchige: “Being lightweight, plantation pine decking is easy to lift, move around and cut and drill, making it perfect for DIY installation.” Keep in mind that while

Taking Care

To maintain your deck’s appearance, sweep or blow away debris and scrub off built-up grime with a deck cleaning solution. Pressure washing can make the job easy, but be sure to use the correct pressure setting and method for your timber type. It’s recommended timber is re-oiled annually. Composite decking doesn’t need resealing – simply scrub with soapy water as required.

H3 treated pine is suitable for exterior use and resistant to decay, termites and borers, it should be cleaned and treated with a finishing product once a year to maintain its appearance and help protect it from the elements.

Hardwood decking

For timeless, natural appeal, hardwood is the leading contender. Merbau is a popular choice due to its highly stable and durable nature, says Steve Cooper from timber manufacturer SWPI. “SpecRite pre-oiled merbau is available in 90mm x 19mm and 140mm x 19mm profiles, is rated to BAL 29 for bushfire-prone areas and is naturally resistant to termites and fungi,” he adds. While heavier to handle than softwoods, its consistent straight grain makes cutting easy, says Steve. It can leach tannins; to help avoid staining, he recommends hosing off the deck and surrounds two or three times in the first few days after installation. Merbau will cost more than pine, but not as much as composite decking and other hardwoods like spotted gum.

Composite decking

Requiring less upkeep than traditional hardwoods, composite boards are made from a blend of timber fibres and recycled plastic, and come in a wide range of finishes and colours – but they cost more, says Ekodeck’s Elton King. “Expect to pay about a 15-20 per cent premium,” he says. “Yet the initial outlay is often quickly paid back in the maintenance savings after the first year or two.” Composite decking is suitable for high-traffic areas, poolside and full sun, however dark colours can get warm underfoot on hot days. Most composite boards such as the Ekodeck range are straightforward to install, with a concealed fastening clip system to automatically space boards.

Fibre cement decking

A low-maintenance alternative to timber, fibre cement decking – such as the HardieDeck system – requires little maintenance other than cleaning and can be left in its natural state or painted to suit your colour scheme. It is resistant to fire, weather, water and termites, making it a great option around pools and in bushfire zones.

Boost your home’s aesthetic appeal and maximise living space with a deck that blends seamlessly with the interior 3

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Modular products

For an instant deck, a modular system is the way to go. Prefabricated flatpack systems are quick and simple to install, explains Becc McDonald of Good Times Decking. “The system is engineered to sit on adjustable steel supports above ground, so digging holes or concreting isn’t required,” she says. The setup comprises H3 treated pine frames, with a range of pine, merbau or Ekodeck panel sizes. Modular products work best in a square or rectangular space, so you might need to size your deck accordingly. Although more expensive than buying individual boards, the big benefit with a modular system is the speed and ease of installation. 4 5 2 6

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