So you’ve chosen to build your deck out of wood. Now comes the tricky part. It’s time to figure out which wood is ideal for your project.
Appearance, durability, ongoing maintenance, budget, and availability are factors to consider when selecting a wood species.
Appearance
Timber is often selected for its natural beauty and aesthetic appeal. The impact of exposing the grain may be striking and pleasant to the eye.
Consider the color you want for your deck when selecting a wood species. The knots and grains will show if you choose a color matching the wood’s original color. Enhancing the natural wood color will make it more appealing. Speak to the team at https://www.jvkandsons.com/services/deck-builders-brisbane/ to find the right timber to suit your backyard vision.
Durability
It’s crucial to choose a wood that can endure the weather conditions. A hardy species will be required because of the high degree of exposure to rain, sunlight, and even wind.
Ongoing maintenance
Regardless of the material you select, you’ll need to maintain your deck regularly to keep it looking excellent. Keep in mind that certain decking timbers are more convenient to work with and maintain than others.
Budgetary constraints and availability
The cost of decking timbers varies in Brisbane, ranging from more costly hardwoods to less expensive treated pine.
If you’re on a budget, be sure to plan ahead for the area that has to be covered, as well as the characteristics you’ll need for the decking’s intended use. More commonly accessible woods are less costly and easier to find, mainly if you’re working on a tight deadline.
Hardwoods
There are many hardwoods species suitable for decking projects in Brisbane. But first, let’s learn about its pros and cons:
Advantages of Hardwood
- Can create eye-catching installations
- High-quality, long-lasting wood
- They are less expensive than composite decking.
Hardwood’s drawbacks
- Extractive bleeds out, or iron stain is a problem in certain species.
- Probably more expensive than treated wood decks.
- Drilling and nailing may be challenging.
Hardwood Species
There are many hardwood species available in Brisbane. Merbau’s warm red-brown tones provide a stunning deck that may be used all year. It’s a challenging species that are also less costly than other hardwoods.
Ironbark is the most robust and long-lasting timber for decking. It’s resistant to fire, termites, and decay. On the other hand, due to its significant density, it may be challenging to deal with. Ironbark is an excellent choice for projects that will be heavily frequented, such as poolside decks, due to its robustness.
Jarrah is a popular option because of its deep brown color. Jarrah is a costly wood that is also fire resistant. If left untreated, Jarrah will age to a beautiful grey color. Blackbutt is another fire-resistant wood, but it is more susceptible to iron stains.
Outdoor usage is possible with yellow and red stringybark. Yellow stringybark is typically less expensive than red stringybark. Both hardwoods may have borer holes, which is something to keep in mind when selecting one for your deck.
Treated Pine
Treated pine is a less expensive option, but it won’t last as long as hardwood.
Advantages of Treated Pine
- Work with it since it’s light and flexible.
- Pressure-treated to resist rot, fungus, and termites at an affordable price
- To alter its look, it may be painted.
The disadvantage of treated pine
- it is not as attractive as hardwood.
- It should be oiled regularly.
If you’re on a limited budget, treated pine offers certain benefits, but its appearance outweighs them. Check if treated pine is appropriate for outdoor usage before buying it for your decking project.
Final Thoughts
Desired look, location, continuing care, budget, and availability are important considerations when selecting a wood species. Working through each component will help you find the best solution for your deck-building project.