What type of timber is best for my decking?

September 6, 2016

There are many types of timber available to use to build your decking. It can sometimes be overwhelming and confusing about which one to choose. The following are some factors to consider when deciding on a timber type for your decking:

  • What colour do I want my decking to be? Will it match my existing home?
  • Where is my decking located on my property? Is it attached to my home?
  • Will my decking be covered by a roof structure?
  • How much am I willing to spend on my decking?
  • How will I be using my decking? Entertaining, as a walkway, as a border to a spa or pool?

The common types of timber used for decking are:

Treated Pine

Treated Pine Decking

  • is a softwood
  • inexpensive timber
  • comes with knots in timber and is easy to dent
  • can appear green in colour but can be painted or stained in preferred colour
  • available in 70mm and 90mm boards in set lengths

Merbau

  • is a hardwoodmerbau
  • comes with no knots in timber
  • is durable and does not dent as easy as treated pine
  • is reddish in colour but can be stained in preferred colour
  • available in 70mm, 90mm and 140mm boards in random lengths

Spotted Gun

  • is a dense hardwoodAsian_Spotted_Gum_l
  • comes with a pleasing “grain” loo
  • is durable and not easy to dent
  • comes in a variety of colours and shades including orange/ grey
  • available in 85mm and 135mm boards in random lengths

Ironbark

  • is a hardwood and solid timberiron-bark-decking
  • not easy to dent and is durable
  • comes in different colours and grains with a dark tone
  • available in 85mm and 135mm boards in random lengths

Jarrah

  • jarrahis a hardwood and solid timber
  • looks orange in appearance
  • harder to stain a different colour or tone
  • available in 70mm, 90mm and 140mm boards in random lengths

 

All decking boards can be nailed or screwed down depending on how you want your decking to look.

At Top Shelf Carpentry, we can discuss your decking needs and provide you with fresh ideas to build a decking that is both functional and complimentary to your existing home.