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ByÂ
There’s something so comforting about stepping out onto a beautiful deck.
It brings the outdoors in, gives you an alfresco ‘room’ to entertain in – and a deck can add value to your home, too.
But what type of decking material should you choose?
Natural timber decking is still top of the pops for many homeowners – simply because it’s hard to go past the warm, natural feel of real timber under your feet.
Opt for a durable hardwood such as merbau. You can even find pre-oiled boards that will last longer and are more resistant to movement, mould, moisture and weathering.
You will need to factor in time to maintain your timber deck though – otherwise it may degrade, warp and buckle. Maintaining means a coat or two of oil at least once a year. The oil itself isn’t a huge cost but you do need to wait for good weather and take the time to do the job properly, so your deck stays in tip-top shape.
If you’re after seamless look and feel complete with hidden screws, fibre cement decking could be a good choice. It’s also ideal if you’re time-poor, because it doesn’t require much maintenance (unlike timber).
Fibre cement decking comes in a contemporary grey colour – but you can also paint it in a colour that goes along with your outdoor décor. As a material, it’s less prone to fading, rotting or warping than natural timber, and you’re less likely to get splinters.
It’s also installed in such a way that the gaps between the boards are small, so it’s easy to sweep or mop clean. Fibre cement decking can also be installed at a low level, so it can blend more seamlessly into the garden and reduce the amount of stairs you might need. The cons, however, is that it can be more costly to install.
If you love the idea of timber but you can’t get a suitable hardwood option for your decking, composite decking could be a good choice, say experts.
This is a wood plastic composite, which comes pre-finished and doesn’t need any sealing, oiling or painting – and the material doesn’t splinter or get rough, so it’s ideal for a family with little kids who are likely to be running around on it barefoot.
Composite decking also comes in set lengths, so there’s less wastage, and it can be installed fast with a clip system and hidden fixtures. Cheaper varieties tend to be a solid, uniform colour – but premium ranges like Ekodeck Designer Series look far more like real timber, and also have ranges that are suitable if you live in a bushfire prone region.
Downsides? Composite decking can’t be refinished if a board gets damaged – you’ll need to replace it, and the new board will be a different colour to the old deck, which will fade over time. Also be aware that if you live in a hot climate or your deck will be in full sun, especially in summer, composite decking might not be the best choice. It retains more heat and can be uncomfortable to walk on when it’s hot.
We’ve all heard about aluminium windows – but decking? You better believe it.
Aluminium timber-look decking is a lightweight material growing in popularity – because it looks like wood but has the strength of aluminium.
That means it doesn’t need painting, staining or oiling, and it lasts pretty much forever. Plus, because it has a clip system to install it, your deck can go up fast.
Some varieties – like DecoDeck – have a texted woodgrain finish that actually looks and feels like timber. You can also opt for different timber tones like snow gum, French oak and kwila, or a concrete finish if you want a modern, minimalist look for your deck. It’s also suitable for coastal areas and bushfire prone areas.
Cons include cost: it can be more expensive than timber and composite alternatives.
Enjoy your new deck!
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.