Get Decked Out

Get Decked Out

Thinking about what flooring or paving to choose for your patio, outdoor room, poolside surrounds, entertaining area or pathways? Well the choices in timber are many and vary greatly to suit all types and styles of homes, landscapes and budgets, creating a natural and elegant way to bring together the inside with the outside and timber won’t get too hot or too slippery when the weather changes.

Some of the timbers used in Australian decking are home grown and vary in colour, durability, strength and price. Because they are grown in our climate they are naturally suited to Australian conditions and many have naturally occurring insect and termite resistance. Australian grown timbers include Jarrah, Cypress Pine, Turpentine, Blackbutt, Spotted Gum, Iron Bark, Tallow Wood, Stringybark and Treated Pine. Blackbutt and Spotted Gum are ideal for bush fire prone areas. Decking timbers are also imported from Malaysia, Indonesia and the Phillipines, timbers such as Palawan, Balau/Batu , Bangkarie and Merbau are common choices for decking. Colour tones in timbers vary from the paler or cream tones, to reds, yellows and browns.

Recycled timber from old buildings such as warehouses, wool stores, factories, wharves, schools, houses and railway sleepers are a great way to a create rustic charm or an industrial chic look. Recycled timbers are not only sustainable but they have a uniqueness and a history that tells a story and having been seasoned over many years are more stable.
Get Decked Out

Timber decking tiles are ideal for roof tops and existing balconies, courtyards, paths or anywhere you have an existing solid surface you want to give a facelift to, as they can be laid straight over the top. They will instantly smarten up the look of old concrete, pebblecrete or pavers. The tiles are available in a range of timbers, including recycled. They can be connected together and laid in patterns to create an interesting look, are perfect for small areas and if you are renting you can take them with you when you move on.

Bamboo is an alternative decking material to timber and is likened to hardwood flooring. It has a similar appearance, is a hard product with a consistent grain and is easily sealed and stained. Like timber decking, it requires annual maintenance to ensure a long life. The colour and durability of bamboo will vary depending on its age when harvested but be sure it is sustainably grown and from a reputable dealer who can guarantee the quality of their product.

Composite decking made up of recycled plastics, wood fibers and resin, has the look of real hardwood timber decking without the annual maintenance of staining, oiling or painting required, however it should be cleaned to maintain its appearance. A good quality composite decking is not only sustainable but won’t warp, split or splinter.

Decking is a fantastic way to enhance your home and landscape. It will add value to your property while providing additional outdoor living and entertaining space. Seek the help of professionals. An architect, landscaper or timber decking specialist will be able to advise you on design, construction and the most suitable product for your environment and budget. They will advise you on whether you should oil, stain or paint your deck and perhaps give you some clever ideas such as the addition of lighting, seating and storage to further enhance the appeal of your project.

Use the Homeimprovement2day directory to find companies that install stunning decks and other home improvement specialists near you.

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