Adding a deck onto your house is a wonderful thing. It’s a nice, quiet space to enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer during those warm summer months of the year. It also creates the perfect location for picnics, backyard parties and other events that your friends and family members won’t be able to get enough of. If you’ve decided to build a deck (or are in the process of refurbishing an existing one), the next question then becomes, “What type of timber is right for me?” You’ll soon find out that timber decking brings many different benefits to the conversation that you won’t want to ignore.
Timber Decking Considerations
One of the major benefits of working with a material like timber for your deck is that it is naturally quite durable. Especially if you decide to work with traditional hardwood timber, you’re looking at a deck that will serve you well for years to come. This does NOT mean, however, that there won’t be some maintenance involved.
Once a year or so, you’ll need to both properly clean and pressure wash your timber deck to help keep it looking its best and keep its longevity up. You’ll also want to pay attention to the moisture level on and around the deck, as the boards themselves can expand and contract over time – leading to splintering and splitting. A good way to avoid this would be to invest in a protective coating or sealant to add to the natural moisture resistance that timber brings to the table.
Types of Timber
There many species of timber that you will have to choose from depending on your preferences. Traditional hardwood timbers, like Merbau, Blackbutt, and Spotted Gum, are great because they are incredibly strong and durable, lasting for many years, but can be more expensive than other types. Hardwoods do offer natural advantages such as high density, fire retardancy and termite resistance. Softwood timber, like treated pine, is less expensive and also happens to be both lighter in weight and ultimately easier to work with – making it the perfect material for the “do-it-yourselfers” out there.
Synthetic timber was designed to be an even more affordable alternative to both hardwood and softwood timber and can also be sealed to provide additional protection against the elements.
Fowles Timber and Building Materials Auction
Now that you’re aware of exactly what timber decking brings to the table, are you confident that it is in fact the right material for your next project? If you are, Fowles is proud to be your primary source for all of the timber decking and other building materials that you need to make sure your project is completed properly.
Summer is just around the corner, so if you’re thinking of installing a new deck or renovating an existing one for those backyard barbecues and other gatherings you’re looking forward to, be sure to stop by our weekly Timber and Building Materials Auction to score incredible savings over retail prices! Our weekly auctions offer a wide selection to the general public of treated pine, hardwood flooring and assorted hardware all at discount prices, ensuring you select the correct building materials for your project. Check out our weekly catalogue or contact us for further information.
