(Almost) Everything You Need to Know about Timber Decking
Timber decking projects are among the most popular in the Brisbane and Sydney areas. At Narangba Timbers, we have been supplying timber decking products to our neighbours since 1972. Since we moved to our current building, in 1996, we have had a display deck where you can take a look at different species of timber when choosing what materials to use for your deck.
For those who are ready to get started, we have access to the how guides available from TAMBA. If you want a bit more information, we would like to give you a basic overview. We will start with the process and tell you about materials.
The Process
We have an easy system for you. First, come to our location and visit our display deck. We have timber decking experts on hand to give you a better idea of what you need to build a deck. Once we have helped you decide on what you need, it is time to order all of the items, from timber to hardware such as fasteners.
As we do with any timber sales, we will deliver them to your door. Then, you can use the building guides and work through building your new timber deck, step by step. Then finally, you get to enjoy your new timber deck with your family and friends for years to come.
Bearers and Joists
There are a lot of differently sized bearers and joists. Under most circumstances, bearers and joists should be at least 50mm wide. Joists that are less than 50mm wide are in danger of splitting then the decking boards are screwed or nailed into the joists. We also recommend a layer of 110mm malthoid dampcourse or any proprietary system that protects the tops of the joists.
We recommend using a basic design and consulting with one of our lovely Customer Care Team to make sure that you are using the right sizes. This ensures ultimate safety, great performance and maximum durability for your deck.
Structural Connections and Joints
Any transition from pole, bearer or joist must be able to efficiently and sufficiently transfer the loads generated by usage and gravity. Australian Standard AS1684 covers these elements quite well. All of these connections must be durable. You don’t want your deck to start falling apart after a year or two.
It is crucial to ensure that your fasteners and joints have the same approximate 50-year lifespan that your timber is going to have. Consequently, all of your hardware is going to be made of hot dipped galvanised, plastic coated or stainless steel. Any fixing within the splash zone of a swimming pool must be made of stainless steel.
These regulations will keep your fasteners from rusting. If they rust, they will weaken and then fail. When you have treated your decking boards with a preservative, such as deck oil, varnish or polyurethane, your fasteners must be made of hot dipped, galvanised stainless steel. In some cases, you may use fasteners with a coating that has been approved for treated timber.
A timber sealer should be used between any timber interface elements. This will help prevent moisture from being trapped between elements and contributing to degradation of the timber.
Decking Boards
We have decking boards in sizes from 86mm x 19mm to 190mm x 19mm. Our most popular timber is Merbau, also called Kwila. It has a red-brown colour and is a Class 1 on the hardness scale. Those who like a blonde or light brown colour may like Blackbutt or Brazilian Teak. These are all hardwoods. We also carry one softwood, a treated pine, which runs from tan to green.
Each decking board should be supported by at least three joists. In addition, the butt joints should be staggered.
Are You Ready Yet?
If you have read all the way down to here, you should be excited and ready to get started. Call Narangba Timbers today. Go through the steps we outlined above. Find a few friends and neighbours to help and you may even finish in one weekend. Call 1300 477 024 today.