| Decking has become a popular solution to | | | | 'compressed fibro sheeting' which then gets |
| maximizing outdoor living space. With | | | | tiled over. The compressed fibro sheeting |
| constant exposure to the environment, decking | | | | with tiles is one of my favorites because the |
| needs to be able to withstand all external | | | | finished product looks like a concrete slab |
| conditions including fire hazards, insect | | | | but without the high costs. This method |
| damage, the sun, rain and windy conditions. | | | | works best with steel frames and posts as |
| When designing a deck you must factor in all | | | | they allow much less movement than timber. A |
| of the local conditions in your area and | | | | compressed fibro deck if built correctly will |
| select decking materials that will provide | | | | last for over 30 years. |
| superior strength, longevity and dimensional | | | | |
| stability. | | | | Handrails |
| | | | |
| There are a number of different materials | | | | There are many styles of handrails to |
| that can be used for a deck's frame and | | | | complement your deck including tubular (pool |
| covering. | | | | fence type), stainless steel wires, glass or |
| | | | timber. The most popular style tends to be |
| Lets start with the Frame... | | | | tubular because it is cost effective, looks |
| | | | great and is maintenance free. |
| Primarily there are two choices for decking | | | | |
| frames - steel of timber. Most steel frames | | | | Stairs |
| comprise of colorbond steel bearers, joints | | | | |
| and reinforced steel posts. Steel frame | | | | If your deck is elevated or requires stair |
| decking is quick to install and ideal for | | | | access then just like deck construction, |
| using in fire hazard areas. Timber frames | | | | there are a number of different materials |
| can include timber for bearers, joists and | | | | available for stairs. Including a steel |
| posts or a combination of timber frame with | | | | welded stringer with timber treads, or a full |
| steel posts. If selecting a timber frame for | | | | set of hardwood or treated pine stairs. |
| your deck then there is a choice of either | | | | |
| hardwood or softwood such as treated pine. | | | | Timber decking is ideal for sloping blocks, |
| | | | to cover old concrete patios or as an |
| Decking Materials | | | | alternative to paving. Timber decking can be |
| | | | built at the same level as your existing |
| With the deck covering you can use a number | | | | floors to facilitate a smooth transition from |
| of different hardwoods such as Merbau, Tallow | | | | indoors to outdoors. When designing a timber |
| wood, Ironbark and more. Hardwood is | | | | or steel frame deck remember that north |
| naturally more durable and resistant to | | | | facing decks are the best positioned to |
| insect damage and is the strongest choice in | | | | recieve the winter sun and summer shade. |
| timber decking. Treated pine can also be | | | | |
| used as decking material. The most common | | | | Tip |
| sizes of timber boards used for decking | | | | |
| construction are 70mm, 90mm and 140mm. | | | | Don't forget to protect timber decks with a |
| | | | quality timber finish such as decking oil or |
| An alternative to timber decking is | | | | timber stain. |