Your deck allows you to make the most of your home’s outdoor area. It can form the ideal entertainment space or act as your family’s go-to relaxation area. Therefore, as you construct the deck, you must ensure that you do it the right way from the start. This admonition means that if you are to have a functional and durable deck, you must use the right tools and materials in its installation.
The primary material used in deck construction is timber. Timber’s popularity stems from the natural blending quality that allows it to mesh seamlessly with a garden area. Additionally, timber wood is best suited to complement Australia’s warm climate as it easily adapts to different environmental conditions throughout the year.
So, before you purchase the materials you need for building, here are some elements you must consider in order to choose the right timber decking for your home.
DURABILITY
Different timbers have different shelf lives. Therefore the type you select determines how long it will last. For example, hardwoods like Oak and Ipe are generally longer-lasting and more hard-wearing. Moreover, their hardiness and resistance to the elements mean that they require lower maintenance.
On the other hand, softwoods (like Pine) require more involved maintenance to maintain any form of longevity.
COST
Your budget will dictate the type of timber you can get for your deck. As a result, it is crucial to establish a proper budget to help you choose the right material.
Typically, using softwoods has lower initial costs, although this advantage gets eroded with the presentation of higher maintenance costs throughout the deck’s useful life. The opposite is true with hardwoods. Lower maintenance requirements offset their higher purchase costs.
SIZE
The wood panel size you select impacts your deck’s design and final appearance. As such, using big boards creates a natural, rustic aesthetic while smaller boards have a more contemporary feel.
COLOUR
Timber is available in numerous colours. Therefore, you can dictate the ambience of your deck by selecting the appropriate colour. As a general guide, lighter coloured timber looks like natural wood; thus, it creates a natural, earthy feel. Conversely, for a more elegant aesthetic, it is better to opt for cream-coloured timber or those that come in darker shades.
GRADE
Higher grade timber lasts longer than other types. Therefore, if you want to enhance your deck’s durability, spending a little more for high-grade timber is better. The long-run benefits will be worth the added expense.
THE DESIGN
Your vision for the overall deck design will determine the best type of timber to purchase. For example, suppose you want a deck that blends with the surrounding natural environment or landscaping for a more natural overall feel. In that case, you must select a timber whose colour and style allow it to blend with indigenous materials. Conversely, suppose you prefer to have a deck with a more contemporary feel. In that case, you have to opt for timber whose colour and size accommodates the style and allow for use with other materials, like aluminium railings.
TREATED TIMBER
Timber is a natural material. Therefore, it is vulnerable to rot and termite attacks while remaining non-resistant to the elements. As a result, you must ensure that you use only treated wood in your deck construction. Additionally, consider the hazard class rating of your choice. A higher hazard class indicates that the wood is ideal for outdoor decking.
STRENGTH
A strong deck allows you and your family to move freely and enjoy fun activities on it without worrying that it will collapse at some point. Consequently, checking your selected timber’s strength rating is crucial before purchasing. The strength rating of timber typically appears as an F, followed by a number. More robust woods have higher number rankings. So, a plank with an F10 rating is stronger than one rated F5.
An excellent outdoor deck can make the difference between a good home and a spectacular one. Therefore, you must select the right timber in order to have a strong, durable deck that withstands a long period of use and exposure to the elements. So do not underestimate the value of taking ample time to make the proper selection before purchasing timber for your outdoor deck.