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