Decks and Patios - Timber Decking
About Timber Decking
Extend Outdoor Living Areas on Your Property with Timber Decking
The most beneficial aspect of a decking application on your property is they provide an additional outdoor living space for the whole family to enjoy, to take time out and relax as well as entertaining family and friends. The other benefit is a decking application creates an attractive outdoor living space that will tie in beautifully with landscaped gardens and other ornamental features.
Timber is one of the most popular natural materials that is used as a flooring structure for external applications on residential properties because of its natural beauty and also all the benefits it provides. A timber decking is suitable for patios, courtyards, pergolas, sunrooms, verandas, barbecue area, gazebos and pool areas. Just think how wonderful it is and how convenient it would be when you have an additional outdoor living area.
Types of Timber Used For Decking Applications
The two most common types of timbers that are used for decking applications are Hardwood and Softwood. The following information will enable you to identify the difference between the two as to what are the benefits and advantages in comparison from one timber type to another.
Hardwood
Hardwood is highly recognized as the ultimate timber to use for decking applications. The main reason for this is that hardwood is the strongest timber that will last many years as it also comprises of a richer timber when compared to softwood. It is more expensive then softwood which many home owners prefer softwood because of that reason. Hardwood has natural resilience for insect or pest damage but can be further treated. Softwood
Softwood is also a preferred choice for timber decking applications. The benefits of softwood are: it is less expensive then hardwood, it is lighter in weight which makes it easier to work with. Softwood is not naturally treated like hardwood is; therefore you must ensure it is treated to prevent termite, rotting and other common timber problems. Treated softwood is a cost effective option for timber decking on residential properties. Synthetic Timber
Compressed synthetic timber is an alternative to timber decking. It has the appearance of timber but at a much lower cost. Synthetic timbers are durable, waterproof and they can be sealed for further protection. Synthetic timber is sheeting and hardwood or softwood that can be laid directly on top of the sheeting for a durable and long lasting deck.
Timber Decking Maintenance
Maintaining and cleaning timber decking will enhance the long lasting attributes along with the appearance of the decking. Every 6 months the timber decking should be cleaned using a pressurized hose gently to ensure that all dirt, debris and grime are lifted of the surface of the decking. A garden broom can be used to remove any tough stains or dirt from between the grooves of the timber. If this is regularly maintained algae and fungus will not grow in between the grooves of the deck.
Surface timber decking preservative coating will reduce moisture build up, swelling and shrinkage of the timber decking. This can be applied once a year for the greatest protection. The proper maintenance of timber decking will ensure your deck will last for years and will look as good as it first did when installed. Timber which is not sealed or not coated will fade to a gray tone over time.
