Posted
2019-09-16 14:00:00 by: bossgate
If you have decided to build a deck one of the first decisions you are going to have to make is what timber to use.
There are a bunch to choose from, all with their respective pros and cons. These range from relatively soft, though cost effective treated pine, to the most durable hardwoods like ironwood which are of course also more expensive.
Planning your timber deck
You need to do some planning before any work on your timber deck begins - because there is more to think about than meets the eye, including:
Budget and how much you have to spend which will determine what timber you can afford for your project
Which timber you want, with colour, durability and suitability for where you live major considerations
What your project looks like, specifically the size and height of your deck and if it is going to be freestanding
Red tape and approvals you need, including if your deck needs to conform to Australian Standards for bushfire zones
Who is going to build your deck, preferably someone with the necessary experience and licence and insurances
With over 20 different timbers to choose from, there’s no one best timber for decking, but there are a few stand outs. Each of these have different pros and cons, including price, durability, and sustainability.
These are the 8 best timbers for decking, according to the experts.
1. Treated Pine Timber
Using treated pine for decking make sense as it is the cheapest timber you can buy, but this fact does mean it is not up to the job. However you do need to make sure it has been treated, and choose a decent quality timber with a “H” rating, which tells you if it is suitable for outdoor use. Treated pine decking does have a shorter lifespan than other decking materials, however. While pine is a relatively soft wood, treating or painting is keeps it sealed and resistant to rot and infestation.
Pros for treated pine decks:
Widely available, sustainable, and ...
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