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If you are thinking about building a new deck or improving upon your old one, you have probably realised that there are a number of timber options out there to choose from. Don’t worry, though – we are here to help you sort the wheat from the chaff and find the perfect timber for your deck.
Choosing the right decking material isn’t just about what looks good (though that’s important too). It also has to be enduring, affordable, and not have you spending every weekend with a paintbrush in hand.
If you are living in Melbourne, it means dealing with weather that changes faster than a politician’s promises. One day you are sweltering in 35-degree heat, the next day you are rugged up against a bitter southerly. Your deck timber needs to handle all of these – the scorching sun, sudden downpours, and those bone-dry spells that seem to go on forever. In Melbourne, timber chosen for the deck should be tough enough to withstand such erratic fluctuations in weather.
Hardwood vs Softwood
When it comes to decking timber, you have got two main camps to choose from, and both have their devoted followers.
Hardwood Options
Take Merbau decking, for instance – this stuff is the real deal. It is dense, naturally durable, and has those gorgeous, rich tones that can make your neighbours green with envy. Merbau and other hardwoods like Spotted Gum are naturally resistant to rot and insects, which means they will keep looking good for decades with minimal fuss.
The downside? Your wallet might feel a bit lighter if you go for the Merbau decking option, and if you are planning a DIY weekend, hardwoods can be a real workout to cut and install. They are heavy, they are tough, and they don’t suffer fools gladly.
Softwood Champions
On the flip side, treated pine decking is like the reliable mate who is always there when you need him. It is light, easier to work with, and won’t have you remortgaging the house. Plus, you can stain or paint it in whatever colour takes your fancy.
The trade-off is that softwoods need that pressure treatment to handle outdoor life, and they are not quite as sturdy when it comes to dents and scratches. But honestly, for most Aussie families, treated pine decking hits the sweet spot between quality and affordability.
Timber Grades: Not All Boards Are Born Equal
Just like people, timber comes in different grades, and knowing the difference can save you some serious cash.
Select Grade – It is the cream of the crop with minimal knots, smooth finish, and it looks like it stepped out of a home magazine. Perfect, if you are going for that high-end resort vibe.
Standard and Better – It gives you a mix of clean boards with some natural character. It’s like getting the best of both worlds – quality timber without paying premium prices.
Utility Grade – This is a budget-friendly option. Sure, it has got more knots and character marks, but that can actually add to the charm if you’re after that rustic, lived-in look.
The Maintenance Reality Check
Let us be honest – any deck is going to need some TLC over the years. The question is how much. Merbau decking and other hardwoods need regular oiling to keep their colour and prevent cracking. Think of it as giving your deck a spa treatment every year or two. Skip this, and your beautiful timber can turn grey and weathered with years.
Treated pine decking, on the other hand, needs sealing or painting to protect the surface. The good news is that this maintenance is pretty straightforward and you will only need to do it every few years.
Regardless of what timber you choose, all decks need regular cleaning, the odd board replacement, and some general TLC. It’s just part of deck ownership, like mowing the lawn or arguing about whose turn it is to take the bins out.
Sustainability Options
These days, most of us want to do the right thing for the environment, and your deck choice can be part of that. Look for timber with FSC or PEFC certification – these labels mean the wood comes from responsibly managed forests.
Treated pine often comes from plantation timber, making it one of the more sustainable options. Merbau decking can also be sustainably sourced, but you should check with your supplier to be sure of that.
Budget Talk
Money talks, and for most of us, it urges us not to go overboard. Here is the honest truth about deck timber costs.
If you are on a tight budget, treated pine is your best timber deck option. It delivers solid performance without the premium price tag, and for many Australian homes, it is sufficient. Got a bit more to spend? Pre-treated hardwoods or Merbau decking might be worth considering, especially if you are planning to stay put for the long haul.
If money is no consideration, native species like Spotted Gum or Blackbutt can be chosen for the decking option. They are expected to give you decades of performance. Remember, for a small courtyard deck, the difference in material costs might not induce you to break the bank. But if you are decking a large entertainment area, those extra dollars per square metre can add up faster than parking fines in the CBD.
The Supporting Cast: Framing and Fixings
Your beautiful deck timber is only as good as what is holding it up. Don’t cheap out on the subframe – use quality treated pine for your joists and bearers, and make sure your fixings are galvanised or of stainless steel. Rust stains on your lovely new deck can be irritating.
The Bottom Line
Choosing deck timber doesn’t have to be rocket science. Think about your budget, how much maintenance you are willing to do, and what kind of look you are after. Whether you go with the natural beauty of Merbau decking or the versatility of treated pine decking, the most important thing is choosing quality timber from a supplier who knows what he is talking about.
At the end of the day, a well-built deck with the right timber choice will give you years of barbecues, Sunday morning coffees, and summer evening drinks. And you would realise that it was an investment worth making.
