Why Choose Timber Decking?

A timber deck can enhance your home’s outdoor living space and create an attractive area for relaxation and entertaining. However, it can also be expensive.

Whether you want to build with pure timber or eco-friendly composite, it’s important to budget for all the costs of materials and installation. This includes the cost of construction framework, joists and support posts.

Versatility

Timber decks offer a natural look that adds warmth and character to outdoor spaces. They can be used to create a variety of different garden features and provide a comfortable surface for walking or relaxing on. They also create a transition between indoors and out, linking rooms with the outdoors and creating an area that is ideal for al fresco dining.

They can be used to clad water features like pools, fountains and ponds, as well as create pathways that allow for easy access around the garden. They can also be used to even out sloped or uneven ground and are perfect for sheltered structures, such as pergolas and arbours.

The cost of timber decking can vary based on the species, size and installation. Pressure-treated Pine is an affordable option, while exotic hardwoods such as Ash and Iroko may come with a higher price tag. Regardless of the species, there are various profiles available to suit your taste, from smooth and gripping to fluted and flat, or you can ask your timber machinist for a bespoke design.

Durability

Timber decks are incredibly durable, with natural strength and flexibility. Dense softwoods like treated pine are popular for posts and frames, while hardwoods such as Merbau are commonly used for deck planks due to their longevity, premium feel, and beauty. Timbers also absorb coloured stains well, giving them a range of attractive finishes.

The longevity of a timber deck depends on the type and quality of wood, as well as its location and maintenance regime. Hardwoods such as ipe and mahogany have long lifespans because of their exceptional durability, while class 2 timbers such as cedar naturally resist weathering and insect damage.

On the other hand, class 3 timbers such as jarrah and stringybark last up to 15 years above ground, while their underground longevity is less than 10 years. Alternatively, you can use a fibre cement decking which is resistant to warping and rotting, but requires a high initial investment. It’s important to regularly inspect your deck for any signs of damage, including wet spots, stains, and loose boards.

Aesthetics

Timber decking can enhance the visual appeal of your garden, adding structure and character and harmonising beautifully with your home. In addition, they can also increase accessibility by creating level surfaces and pathways that overcome sloping or uneven ground.

Unlike some plastic alternatives, natural wood has a rustic aesthetic that blends in perfectly with outdoor surroundings. A timber deck feels gentle underfoot, doesn’t become too hot in the sun and – when properly maintained – looks great all year round.

Timber is sustainable and, when sourced responsibly, can be a low-carbon option. In addition, the treatment process minimises the use of harmful chemicals. However, if you care about nature, you might not want to choose timber if it comes from an area with high deforestation rates. In this case, composite timber might be a better choice.

Maintenance

Timber decking can be very low maintenance as compared to other types of outdoor flooring. It is resistant to termites, mildew and pool chlorine so requires little or no cleaning. It also stands up well to weather conditions and is able to cope with the heat and cold.

However, like all wood it needs to be protected against the rain and sunshine. This can be achieved by oiling your timber deck. Decking oils soak deep into the grain of the timber and help keep it nourished and protected for longer.

The frequency of re-coating your deck will depend on its exposure to the sun and rainfall. It is recommended that you inspect your deck every six months and re-coat when required.

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