Choosing a Deck Timber: How to Decide

Australian homeowners know that adding a deck is a great way to add to their overall living area. That is why reviewing the deck timbers featured online is well worth anyone’s time. To choose a timber, you first need to decide where the deck will be located. The material you select should be able to withstand the surrounding climate. How much sun or shade does the area receive? You need to answer this question, as some timbers can quickly fade.

What Do You Need to Do to Maintain the Deck?

When selecting decking in Brisbane, you also need to review the maintenance requirements. Most timbers today require annual maintenance to keep their appearance. Some timbers are easier to maintain than others. Therefore, if maintenance is important to you, you need to keep this factor in mind.

While you may be impressed with a timber, such as ironwood, you may not be able to afford it. Therefore, you may have to shortlist your selection based on your budget alone. Decking materials range from pricey hardwoods to treated pines that carry a lower price tag. Therefore, you can find a quality material that will meet your cost requirements.

Most of the decking timber used is made of hardwood, which is indigenous to Australia. Some of the popular varieties include spotted gum, merbau, and jarrah. All these hardwoods are commonly used. That is because they present a nice appearance – one that striking, if not impressive. The timbers range in tone from reddish brown to a deep dark brown. You simply will not tire of your choice if you select one of these warm and inviting hardwoods.

Apply Oil to the Surface Annually

Maintenance is important, as hardwood decks can easily weather or even begin to rot when continually exposed to climate extremes. To ensure your deck’s finish and looks, you need to apply oil to the surface each year. Doing so will lengthen the life of your deck and keep it looking good for several decades. With respect to cost, hardwood decking materials cost more than treated pine but less than composite timber decks.

If you want to choose a low-cost option, you should go with treated pine. This material is one of the more common decking selections. Normally, the pine is a pine that has been pressure-treated to resist termite infestations, decay, or fungal growth.

Because this type of timber is lightweight and adaptable, it is easier to work with and install. If you want to install your own deck, you should choose this material. Once you have it installed, make sure that you apply oil to the pine annually to keep it in tip-top condition. If you have a bigger deck area, you may want to select this pine, as you can cover a large area at a relatively low cost.