Timber Decking: Choosing The Right Timber

Unfortunately it’s not just a case of getting a few extra square metres of what you used inside and putting it outside – if only life were that simple!

Instead, you’ll need to look for timber that’s suitable for outdoor applications. But what does this mean? The timber must be durable enough to resist the natural elements – the heat and UV rays from the sun, rainwater, bird droppings and damage from insects and other organisms.

Given these desired properties you’d be forgiven for thinking softwoods aren’t an appropriate timber decking choice, but you shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss this material. If treated correctly, so to resist the decay through sunlight and water rot, many softwoods, such as pine, can form the basis of an excellent deck.

Light-weight and cost-effective, treated soft wood is actually the favoured timber decking choice in Australia. However, due to the chemicals involved, carpenters must be extremely vigilant when working with treated soft woods, this means wearing a mask when cutting the timber so as not to inhale any poisonous saw dust.

There are some carpenters who would prefer to only utilise softwoods for the structure (so it’s not exposed) and use hardwood for the exterior. Popular hardwoods include jarrah, mahogany, iron bark, blue gum and spotted gum. Although more expensive than softwoods, hardwoods give your timber decking a lustrous yet natural look and feel.

To increase durability most hardwoods are fired in a kiln and can also be treated with stains and oils after installation, enhancing the life span of your timber deck.