Installing a deck may feel like a ton of work, especially if you already have your hands full with caring for your family. But it’s actually a very inexpensive project, and its long-term perks significantly outweigh the upfront cost.
Now, there are many choices of materials that you can use to make your deck. But one that we recommend highly is timber. This material adds a rustic charm, which you can never get from metal or plastic decking options. If you’re looking to make a timber decking, here are a few things you should keep in mind.
What to Look for When Choosing Timber for your Deck
It goes without saying that when you’re choosing timber for your deck then it needs to look the part. It should also possess qualities, which make it suitable for use in an outdoor setting. It means that it should be able to withstand the harsh rays of the sun, not to mention, be impervious to water and rotting issues.
If it’s your first time constructing a timber deck, you may feel overwhelmed by the array of wood options available. To make your selection easier, consider these points:
- What’s the main purpose that your decking will serve?
- What’s the best location for your decking?
- What would you like your decking to look like?
- How much are you willing to spend on the decking project?
Timber species vary considerably in terms of their aesthetics, water resistance, extent of durability, color and the cost per square meter. For instance, let’s say that your decking will be built around a swimming pool or outdoor hot tub. It means that you should opt for timber, which is highly resistant to water damage.
Similarly, if you intend to use your decking primarily for entertainment purposes, especially with kids and pets, then look for a hard-wearing timber, preferably a hardwood. Other homeowners may want their decking to have a sophisticated or lux vibe. If this is your preference, then tropical hardwood is an excellent choice of material.
Best Types of Timber for Decking
Whether you’re on a shoestring budget, or are willing to shell out a chunk of money for this project, these wood options each live up to their promise of being a suitable decking material.
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Siberian Larch
Native to western Russia, Siberian larch is a light-colored softwood. Its color tones can range from pale reddish-brown to golden brown.
A key advantage of this wood species is that it’s highly durable. Since it’s a slow-grower, the wood ends up being dense and more straight-grained than its cousin, the European larch. This is what makes the wood so durable than even some tropical hardwoods.
In addition to its durability, this material shows excellent resistance to rot and fungal diseases. Factor in its hard-wearing attribute, and you have a material that’s damn near perfect for your deck.
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Finger-jointed European Oak
This simply refers to European oak, which is installed using the finger-joint technique.
What this means is that small pieces of the wood are machined, and then glued jointly, to create units of greater length. This process results in timber, which has a really stylish and modern look with a pattern that’s sure to turn heads.
Aesthetics aside, another benefit of using this timber decking is that it saves you a ton of money. It’s one of the more affordable wood materials, and yet it’s so hard-wearing. Oak is known for its durability and this material is no exception.
That said, it’s worth pointing out that European oak tends to move more than tropical hardwoods. To minimize this, consider leaving bigger gaps between the boards.
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Thermowood
If you’re not a fan of the light-colored Siberian larch, Thermowood is the perfect substitute as it’s dark-colored. As implied in the name, this particular wood is thermo-treated, resulting in a more durable and weather-resistant material.
Moreover, Thermowood doesn’t move as much as finger-jointed European oak or Siberian Larch does. If you have a tight budget, you will also love the affordability of this material. It’s also durable, and can be treated with a deck oil to preserve its original dark color.
Where Do I Go From Here?
Timber is an excellent choice of material if you’re thinking of adding a deck to your home. Timber is an excellent choice for decking as it adds a rustic vibe, making the exterior of your home stand out, and it’s pretty durable too. The best types of wood to use for timber decking are Siberian larch, Thermowood and Finger-jointed European Oak. Contact Paveezi Flooring to find out more!