Are you thinking about building a timber deck in your backyard? Do you want it to be durable and look stylish, or do you simply want it to be a pleasant addition to your existing patio space? When it comes to deck building, there are many different types of materials available, so it can often be hard to make a choice. However, with a little planning, you can find that perfect deck for your house, patio, or garden. Let’s discuss some tips on how to build a timber decking system, discuss the various timber species available, and some other useful tips and advice.
Types
Let’s begin by talking about timber decking. There are three main types of timber decking systems; composite decking (e.g. plastic decking), timber decking systems, and timber decking systems made from timbers. The type of timber that you use will depend largely on how you’d like to deck your house, where you live, and what sort of effect you’re after. Popular timber decking materials include cedar, redwood, hemlock, and white oak.
So how do you build a timber decking system? Most people prefer cedar, as it is very durable and attractive, however, it can be a bit expensive, particularly if you choose exotic timbers. Fortunately, there are plenty of sources online where you can buy cheap timber species from around the world. Also, most timber decking species are easy to maintain, so if you’re hoping to build a low-maintenance deck, then timber decking might be a good choice for you.
Materials
Cedar is a popular timber decking material and comes in a wide range of colours and grain patterns. It’s relatively strong and durable, and although it does need to be treated occasionally to repel insects, it is an ideal building material if you want to deck your home. Cedar decking boards are particularly suited to coastal areas, as its natural enemies, the marine sponge and bark louse, don’t like the scent of cedar. However, there are some species of cedar which do equally well in drier climates, and these should be inspected carefully when buying high-quality timber decking boards. Be sure to buy cedar decking boards that have been pressure-treated with a special weather-resistant sealant, as this will ensure that the wood doesn’t rot, warp, or rotate.
Decking is an integral part of any suburban house. They provide additional living space, save money on heating and cooling costs, and add a pleasing aesthetic to your home. Timber decking provides the perfect opportunity to create a stylish deck in your backyard while providing a practical means of utilising your garden. There are different types of deck, depending on how much space you have available and what style you are trying to achieve. For instance, a small deck integrated into a garden can be combined with a patio suite, while a larger deck integrated into a traditional Georgian house can be enjoyed by family and friends without competing with them.
Making a Choice
Before choosing your timber decking species, do a little research to find out which ones are suited to your climate and environment. Some species require a lot of maintenance, especially as they are used in coastal areas. Cedar, redwood and spruce tend to require a lot of care, with the redwood, in particular, having to be sealed and treated with a resin every few years to stop it rotting and splintering. Spruce tends not to require any maintenance, but it does need to be pruned regularly to prevent it from growing too far up the tree. Hedges does not require any maintenance but are somewhat more sensitive to extreme temperature changes, so care should be taken not to over-plant them into large puddles near the base.
The timber decking species that you choose for your tropical hardwood decking will also depend on your budget, as well as the look that you want to achieve. All three species mentioned above come in a range of prices, with some of the more expensive options being made from solid hardwood. Cedar is considered one of the most affordable, while the iron is a little more costly but considered one of the most durable. If you want something more permanent or have a large garden area that tends to get wet and damp, then balau, an evergreen tree, is an ideal choice, as it is resistant to rot, decay, insects and water.
All three varieties of timber decking are relatively easy to work with, although iron often requires glue for installation and removal, whereas cedar is very strong and able to withstand the pressure of heavy machinery. Whichever one you choose, make sure that the balau or brown colour that you want is available in the particular shade you would like. With iroko, the choices are even more numerous since this species is available in many different colours, from red to yellow to black – although it is the darker colours that are more highly prized by local carpenters! As well as a range of colours, iroko timber decking also comes in different pieces, such as posts, beams and rafters. This makes it extremely easy to create individual patterns or if you prefer, simply buy a readymade blue or brown colour and have it assembled for you!