Decking Timbers

Hardwood timber decking provides the perfect solution to withstanding the harsh external environment. It can harmonise indoors with outdoors and is a simple and effective way to expand your living areas. Blackbutt 85x19mm All decks serve different purposes and as a leading decking timber supplier, Northern Rivers Timber can help guide you through choosing the right hardwood for your particular deck. A hardwood deck can have a lifespan of well in excess of 50 years and is perfect for both a stunning new addition and a quick-fix-it job, however timber is a natural product and here in Australia we have particularly harsh conditions, so to ensure the optimum longevity of your deck, it is worth keeping a few truths in mind: No matter how durable a decking timber may be, all timber decks will turn grey in a short time if not protected with suitable oils or stains to protect against UV and moisture, so if colour is your primary concern, you must be prepared to keep your deck well maintained. The more exposure a timber deck has to the weather, the faster it will need to be recoated to protect it. If regularly maintained (every 6 – 18 months depending on the elements) the easier the maintenance is. If allowed to weather too much, sanding may be required between coats. Most decking timbers to varying degrees are prone to “leaching” or “bleeding” which can be problematic if your deck flows over a porous surface such as sandstone or rendered walls. There are several ways to keep this problem in check – ask our decking consultants how. The more narrow decking boards, say at 65mm, are more stable than those at 135mm, so if choosing the wider boards, make sure the boards are very well secured to prevent any potential warping or cupping. The majority of decking timber is supplied in standard grade, standard and better grade, or select grade. This means there will be a minimal amount of natural features such as gum veins, knots and insect marks. Character grade decking will always display these natural features and can provide very affordable decking prices for certain situations, but it is not recommended around swimming pools or where little bare feet may be running around. Decking timbers are rated on a durability scale of 1-4; 1 being the most durable and 4 being the least. The durability scale denotes the timbers’ natural resistance to moisture and attack by decay producing organisms. The scale is based on an “in ground” application and does not take into consideration protecting oils or differing climatic elements, so although relevant in some scenarios, a hardwood deck when well cared for is always a viable long term option. The majority of Australian hardwood decking timbers are non-reeded, where-as imported decking boards can be either reeded (with grooves on one side) or non-reeded.   Decking timber is almost always supplied in random lengths, so you will need to allow for wastage in your measurements to enable joins on joists. 10% is usual at 450mm centres. When determining the amount of decking you require, don’t forget to allow for the gap between boards! Timber Decking Usually Available Australian - 65 x19, 85 x 19, 135 x 19, 135 x 25mm   Blackbutt BlueGum Ironbark (red, grey, mix) Tallowwood Stringy Bark Spotted Gum White Mahogany Cypress Pine Northern Rivers Reds Northern Rivers Creams   Product Overview Solid Flooring Decking Deck Tiles Floating Engineered Bamboo Laminate