Timber Decking Can Drive Property Values
Are you thinking about installing a timber deck? Outdoor living is essential for your body, mind and soul. Get install qualtiy timber deck from FM Landscaping Service.
Timber decks are a practical and attractive addition to any outdoor landscape.
Decking can be built either straight over the alfresco, or on top of an existing patio or ver the top of grass
Decorative timber decking and mulches are not only an excellent way to beautify and accent garden beds, ponds, driveways and walkways, they also provide natural benefits to the soil and plants. These benefits include controlling and reducing erosion, retaining moisture, controlling weeds and insulating the soil.
Timber decking is available in both seasoned and unseasoned wood, in a wide range of species, sizes and grades. The natural appeal and strength of timber makes it a practical choice for outdoor decking. Natural timber decks blend seamlessly with their surrounding environment and will serve as popular entertaining areas all year long.
Timber hardwood Decking Facts
Each different timber hardwood species used for decking are available in different sizes and they also vary in durability and hardness. As an example Cedar wood generally gives good look to the deck furniture. This gives an added attraction to Chairs and Tables and provides a natural feel. Deck Furniture made up of Cedar Wood looks elegant and soph
Durability and Hardness about Timber hardwood Decking
The hardness of a timber species is measured using the ‘Janka’ rating and it is a measure of the material’s resistance to wear and tear for decking purposes; the higher the number, the harder the timber.
The Natural Durability rating for decking denotes timber’s natural resistance to attack by fungi and insects. It ranges from Class 1 through to Class 4, with Class 1 providing the highest natural resistance. Decking timbers need to rate highly on exterior durability and are usually made from Class 1 or Class 2.
An exception is a H3 Treated Pine decking timber known as ‘Radiata Pine’. It is treated for protection from insect infestation and decay, which makes treated pine decking the equivalence of Class 2 rating for durability.
Regardless of durability, all external decking will require the application of a protective coating after installation to impart a high level of water repellence and to help prevent ‘greying’. If no protective coating is applied, the timber will not only be subject to greying, it will also absorb moisture easily and expand and contract which will cause surface cracking and checking. A well-laid deck that has been properly constructed and regularly well maintained will last for decades and look beautiful throughout.
Hardness and Durability Chart
| Species | Natural Durability | Janka Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Pine (treated) | Equivalent to Class 2 | 3.3 |
| Victorian Ash | Class 3 – 4 | 4.5 |
| Tasmanian Oak | Class 3 – 4 | 5.5 |
| Australian Chestnut | Class 3 | 8.1 |
| Jarrah | Class 3 | 8.5 |
| Tallowwood | Class 3 | 8.6 |
| Merbau | Class 1 | 8.6 |
| Sydney Blue Gum | Class 2 | 9.0 |
| Blackbutt | Class 1 | 9.1 |
| Brush Box | Class 3 | 9.5 |
| Spotted Gum | Class 1 | 11.0 |
| Ironbark – Red | Class 1 | 14.0 |
| Ironbark – Grey | Class 1 | 14.0 |