Which timber should I choose?
The downside of decking's growing popularity is that a number of different timbers are becoming available, ranging in quality, looks and price. Quite often customers are receiving poor advice, resulting in the wrong choice of decking material. Do not use timber that has large knots or is heavily knotted. This timber comes from the lower part of the tree which has dead knots and which will frequently fall out. The timber will also be substantially weaker.
Redwood Pine is the most durable of the european species and takes pressure treatment well. Spruce (whitewood) is less durable and does not absorb as much treatment and is cheaper.
All the framework timbers and posts that are on or in the ground should be chemically treated to Hazard Class 4 to provide maximum protection from decay and rot.
Only specialist decking timber should be used for a deck that will give many years of good service. Where required, our timber is pressure treated and water repellent. This will ensure the deck boards resist decay and insect attack.
Will resin leak from the timber like other wooden structures?
Some timbers used in decking contain resin that may exude from the surface of the timber in hot weather. This will take the form of rings of crusty white powder around knots in the timber.
This resin is not at all harmful and can be removed from the surface of the timber with a stiff brush. After the first hot summer, it is unlikely that resin will continue to exude.
What about railway sleepers and other forms of decking?
Railway sleepers are generally an unsuitable substitute as they are often impregnated with substances such as Tar, which can rub off on to skin, cause marking of clothing and smells very unpleasant in hot weather.
If the deck is to last, there is considerable work required in laying the correct foundations. DIY decking squares and poorly treated timbers are simple to lay but being close to the ground, will soon rot and may even become dangerous.
What's the difference between Hardwood and Softwood?
Hardwood and softwood are broad biological terms used to describe species of wood. The terms have nothing to do with the physical hardness of the wood. Hardwoods come from broadleaved trees and softwood species from coniferous, evergreen trees.
There is a wide range of species of wood within each category that are highly suitable for decking. The important factor for wood used out of doors is that it is durable enough to resist fungal decay. This means using a hardwood classified as naturally durable (some are not) or a softwood given extended durability through pressure treatment. Over 90% of all decks are made from suitable pressure treated softwoods because of their availability, ease of working and cost effectiveness. Hardwoods come in a range of attractive colours. They tend to be more expensive and require more care to work with than softwoods. Always use timber from sustainable forest sources.
Other Decking Woods
Can I have a deck built using alternative timbers/woods?
Decks can be constructed from a range of common or exotic softwoods and hardwoods, including:
- Teak (Tectona grandis)
- African Iroko (Milicia excelsa)
- Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata)
- Brazilian Ipe Peroba / de Campos (Paratecoma peroba)
- African Opepe (Nauclea diderrichii)
- Cypress (Cyressus arizonica)
Contact us today for price and availability of these and more unique decking woods.
