Which timber is best for decking?
Hardwood Species
- Ironbark is the most durable hardwood for decking and offers longevity. It is extremely fire, termite and rot resistant.
- Spotted Gum is widely used for decking on account of its durability and strength.
- Yellow and red stringybark are durable enough for outdoor use.
What thickness decking boards are best?
16” on center = Standard for residential decking applications. 12” on center is recommended for a sturdier underfoot feel, when using standard deck board thickness of 1”. 24” on center = Sometimes used for commercial applications such as docks and boardwalks; wider joist spacing requires greater deck board thickness.
What size wood is best for decking frame?
Commonly used joist sizes are 2-by-6, 2-by-8 and 2-by-10. For example, when you space joists 16″ apart — which is standard for residential decks — a deck spanning 9 1/2′ would require 2-by-6 joists, a 13′ deck would need 2-by-8 joists and a 16′ deck calls for 2-by-10 joists.
Is it cheaper to build your own deck?
According to Remodeling magazine’s 2021 Cost vs. Value report, on average, a homeowner can recoup around 63% of the cost of a composite deck or almost 66% of the cost of a wood deck. Why? Because home buyers are willing to pay top dollar to own a deck.
Is Merbau better than pine?
Some woods are better than others for that purpose. For instance, Merbau is classified as a hardwood and if taken care of properly, Merbau will last longer as well as stand up to dents and scratches far better than treated pine.
How much gap do you leave between decking boards?
¼” to 3/8” inch
The amount of space between deck boards should be anywhere from ¼” to 3/8” inch. You want plenty of space for water to flow between the boards and to allow small debris to fall to the ground. Deck board spacing greater than 3/8” of an inch can become problematic.
Is 4×2 strong enough for decking?
4 x 2 Timber Rail / Joist. Pressure treated timber joists. These decking joists are the most common sized framing timber for decking. They provide a solid structure for fixing your decking boards too.
What’s the least expensive way to build a deck?
Choose wood, but carefully: Untreated wood decks are generally the cheapest to install, but don’t forget long-term costs. Wood decks require yearly maintenance and deteriorate quickly if they don’t get it.
What is a reasonable size deck?
160 square feet or about 12 feet by 14 feet would be a good size to consider. The rule allots a 5 foot by 8 foot area for each person: plenty for a chair and some breathing room. Keep in mind the deck won’t be “full” all the time.
How much lumber do I need for a 12×12 deck?
You will need 18 boards of 2-by-6-inch lumber or nine 2-by-10 inch boards to build the joists, also known as the beams. You should purchase an additional 25 percent wood to allow for framing pieces and waste.
What wood is similar to merbau?
Cumaru is a very hard, dense South American hardwood known for exterior decking and interior hardwood flooring. Teak is a close-grained hardwood with high natural oil and rubber content.
Where can I buy decking boards for my Deck?
Start with Lowe’s. We have deck kits and other decking materials, including decking boards, to build a traditional deck, above-ground pool deck, ground-level deck or even a porch or lattice so you can create your perfect outdoor oasis.
Can you use pressure-treated lumber for decking?
For decking materials, always use pressure-treated lumber, pressure-treated decking or treated deck components for any outdoor project. Then protect your wood decking with stains and sealers. For a low-maintenance decking option, choose composite decking. It resists mold and mildew and easily cleans up with soap and water.
What is the difference between composite decking and wood decking?
When comparing composite and wood decking, the most important differences involve how ordinary lumber has a tendency to split, warp, or crack. Pressure-treated wood also requires regular maintenance. But with care, including power washing, sanding and regular re-staining, you can extend the lifespan of your pressure-treated deck.
What is the best angle to install deck flooring?
45° to the joist (giving a diagonal, slanted look to your floor boards) Note: This style will add another 10% to 15% waste on top of normal waste. Chevron, herringbone, inlays, or other more intricate patterns for deck flooring will require more materials and may cost more in terms of labor and materials.