Read to Know More about Decking Materials and How to Choose The Right One

There never was a better moment to build any new deck or give an old one a new lease of life. Every season, a composites decking product, concealed fastener system, or outside dining and entertaining choice appears to enable homeowners to transform their ordinary deck into a customised outdoor haven.

Aside from all of the new technologies and alternatives for creating a new deck, choosing the best flooring materials remains the most crucial decision.

The following are a few options for decking materials and know more about them to make a better choice for your outdoor decking.

Finding the best material for decking

Your first step will be to choose the right kind of decking material and therefore, you must consider the following few questions:

Treated pine meant for timber decking

In Australia and other areas of the world, treated pine is long been the norm for most timber decking projects. It was always a reliable and reasonably priced decking material. It is believed that treated wood accounts for about 80% of all decking.

Pine, unlike other wood decking materials, is not hardwood. Rather, it is a thick softwood with synthetic chemicals injected into the fibres. All the chemical treatments may differ depending on the brand of processed pine you buy, and the specs do alter across the various types.

The pine has been chemically treated to make it appropriate for usage even outside the ground. Because it is usually the most often used decking material, it really is available in many different varieties to satisfy all regulations and requirements.

Hardwood Timber Decking

The great majority of household decks have traditionally been built with pressure-treated lumber – often pine – because to its low cost, broad availability, and adequate performance. Furthermore, PT timber can be repainted or stained to almost any hue, making it an ideal alternative for homeowners who want to stick to a specific colour scheme.

The disadvantage of PT wood is that it absorbs moisture even when treated, causing it to splinter and decay over time. Significant annual care (sanding, painting, or staining) is necessary to extend the life of such PT lumber.

Wood decking that is not properly maintained can cause a variety of problems, ranging from splinters to decking collapse due to decay.

Steel decking materials

Steel decking materials are occasionally used for a deck’s support framework. This is particularly true for commercial applications, coastal places, and areas prone to adverse weather (such as high winds).

Some structures will be required by municipal regulations to use steel as a support material. Over the years, the procedure has progressed significantly. Steel components are frequently made with joining brackets and precise specifications.

Because cutting steel on-site is not recommended, the components will have to be bought and supplied ready to use. Using the bracket and the proper bolting and securing methods, little or no welders are required for these operations.

Composite timber decking

Waste wood and also various recycled plastic are combined with many different types of chemical binders to create composite decking. These boards are lightweight and simple to use. They are available in several varieties of beautiful colours.

They do not need to be stained. If properly kept, most come with a certain warranty against staining and fading. Composite decking will be cut, drilled, and put in the same way as other types of decking. There is no reason to be concerned about dangerous chemicals.

The expense of composite timber decking actually is a major disadvantage. This is usually a more expensive option as compared to other types of wood decking. However, one thing to bear in mind is how simple it is to work with and maintain composite decking.

Bamboo decking materials

Bamboo decking is a fantastic option for individuals who have considered the environmental consequences of deforestation. Whereas conventional wood decking is made out of trees that should grow for decades before being chopped down, resulting in millions of acres of land being destroyed every day, bamboo is made from trees that will generally be harvested between the ages of 5 and 8.

It is a fast-growing tree that produces much more oxygen as compared to other trees. Overall, it is a better-for-the-environment decking material.

The main difficulty with bamboo decking would be that it has often failed in Australia’s harsh temperatures. It does not simply have the same longevity as other types of wood decking. It is prone to deterioration and decay. It does, however, have higher tensile strength and also the flexibility that will be desired in any outdoor project timbers.