There are many different hardwood and softwood timber decking species available within the Australian construction industry however we have found the following three are the most stable for Timber Decking.
We have three main species of timber we recommend, these are:
Merbau
Queensland Spotted Gum
Queensland Blackbutt
Different species are better for different applications and / or locations; these are dependent on the following factors:
Durability Rating
Fire Resistance Spotted Gum
Termite Resistance
Workability
Availability
Durability is one of the key performance factors used to assess the suitability of a timber species for a specific application. The durability rating of a species is based on the natural ability of the heartwood of that species to resist decay and insect pests (including termites).
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR DURABILITY
Durability considerations are important in ensuring the service life of all timber products. Designers need to choose timber and details that suit the service environment. The main factors include weathering, fungal decay, and termite or borer attack.
These service conditions can be accommodated by one or more of the following:
Select naturally durable timbers
Use timber that has been preservative treated
Detail construction to provide protection
Use protective coatings,
Uphold an appropriate maintenance strategy.
Below is a basic chart overview of the differences:
Merbau
Queensland Spotted Gum
Blackbutt
Shrinkage
Very Low [.4% - .8%]
Medium [.3%]
High
Strength
Reasonably High
High
High
Grain
Light consistent
Variable from piece to piece
Light consistent
Colour
Red / Brown – some honey
Pinks / Reds / Browns – varies from length to length
Light Cream / pale brown
Hardness (Janka Rating)
9
11.0
8.8
Durability
High
High
High
Durability above ground (class)
Class 1
Class 1
Class 1
Choice of Deck Max Timbers for Timber Decking:
Colour of timber – Deck-Max Timbers normally selected by colour of choice to suit the colour designs of the rest of the house e.g. internal flooring colours.
Profiled timber – Deck-Max Timbers are all profiled for the Deck-Max "Pro" biscuit and End Matched both ends for the use of the World First E/M biscuit joiner.
Timber selected for Deck-Max™ - is cut, air dried then kiln dried, stabilized, skip dressed then finish milling. The extra time taken in this process deliveries the highest quality timber for the end user however it comes at a cost to take this care.
Timber sizes available - Deck-Max™ timbers have being specifically milled to certain sizes to meet the high specification data – width x thickness, in the following sizes (approx.):
Merbau 110mm x 19mm
All Australian Hardwoods 110mm x 21mm
Merbau – available in two pack sizes –
2100 m Set Length - 4 pieces per pack (approx. 1 sqm per pack)
Random Packs - 4 pieces per pack, lengths will vary from 1200mm long up to 3600mm long.
Spotted Gum (Qld.) - Random packs – lengths will vary from 900mm long up to 4200mm long.
BlackButt (Qld.) – Random packs – lengths will vary from 900mm long up to 4200mm long.
Common Questions:
What timber should I choose?
Timber that has being kiln dried to certain ambient moisture content. {that is to suit your local environment – acclimatised to suit}
Your timber choice should be of specific moisture content to suit your local environment. Local authorities can inform you of this information.
What is Kiln Drying?
Kiln Drying – Provides consistency, Stabilises the timber and Reduces twisting, when a supplier goes to the trouble of kiln drying your timber it is more expensive but the end result is well worth the cost. Deck-Max™ believes so….
We Only use timbers that are Durability class 1 and 2 above ground. All Deck-Max decking meets these criteria.
Can I Build Close To the Ground?
Decking should not be installed too close to ground, meaning that if the natural ground is very moist this can affect the moisture content of the underside of the board. If you are building very close to the ground please contact us as we have specific datasheets for this.
Key Points – Ventilation – air flow under the deck, Space settings of boards, natural ground drainage – or create drainage.
Why do I need to have drainage?
When fixing over concrete be sure to run the hose over the surface to be sure the water runs away and does not pond anywhere on the slab.
Excavate the ground to be sure that any water will run away from under the deck and does not retain moisture.
Dig into ground some sock covered agi pipe to get water away from the underside of the deck.
Refer to Technical Data Sheet 13 by timber Queensland.
Refer to Data Sheet – Deck-Max.
After excavation lay down geo-fabric or similar sheet then cover with course with rock or gravel over geo fabric and around the post supports prior to laying the decking boards.
I have heard about needing good airflow, Why?
Timber is a living thing and will take up and expel moisture during the seasonal changes we have.
Do Not close in around a deck – this blocks air flow and will cause the decking boards to cup and twist.
Do not build up your gardens to same level as the deck – this will block the air flow and cause damage to decking boards.
Gap settings for decking boards – Gap settings have always being decided by the installer / carpenter to suit the environment etc. when under 400mm off ground we recommend the Deck-Max 5mm biscuit.
If you are in a fire rated zone – Deck-Max™ has the 5mm biscuit to use as standard gap set and is also fire rated.
All Deck-Max™ Biscuits have the capacity to be set from 3mm gap out to 6 or 7mm wide.
A wider gap setting should be selected when installing close to ground. Deck-Max™ 5mm is ideal.
End Match Decking
What is End Match Decking?
Deck-Max end match decking is a WORLD first allowing you to join anywhere on the subframe instead of only on the JOIST.
Its 50% Faster To Install as we use Pre-Grooved Decking which is End Matched
Less Waste as our contractors get -4% Waste instead of the standard 10%
We use 110mm wide boards so you get a unique look
400% Stronger than traditional decking protecting your investment
100% Australian owned and operated company
The deck-max pro biscuit system with end matching is perfect for any size job which complements any internal to external flooring look you want to achieve.
We have sold over 3 Million deck max biscuits with NO RETURNS!!! You know when you use deck max biscuits it’s a safe, secure and tested to over 700KG we also have a strong 7 year warranty
Timber Decking Issues & Solutions
There is no doubt that adding a timber deck to your home is one of the best ways to enhance your home’s natural beauty and increase its overall value. Timber decking can also be one of the most complex home renovation projects you might tackle. There are several items to consider when wanting to add timber decking on to your home.
Timber decking is made of wood—surprise!
Wood is a beautiful material to work with. It can be expensive, but is typically affordable, especially when compared to other construction materials. The tools required to cut, shape, and otherwise bring about a creation from wood are also much less expensive than others.
Unfortunately, the wood your timber decking is made from is also one of the most likely building materials to succumb to the effects of the natural environment. Moisture, cold, heat, wind—these all have their own way of tearing at your home’s beautiful timber decking.
There are several things you can do to help maintain your timber decking’s beauty and value, though.
Once your timber decking installation is complete, you had added a beautiful new piece to your home. This new timber deck installation will increase your home’s value. It will serve as a great place to entertain friends and family as well as a great centrepiece to conversations for years to come. Just because your timber decking installation is complete does not mean the job is done, though. You will want to protect your investment for years to come. It is at this point that the proper timber deck finishing must be applied.
When it comes time to re-finish your timber decking, the process will be just like your initial finishing steps. Typically, you’re going to re-finish your deck in an amount of time based on the particular environmental effects your timber decking is subject to throughout the year. In moderate climates, this means about 12 to 18 months for stain finishes. For oil based finishes, you will want to re-finish your timber decking on average every 9 to 12 months—again, this is for moderate climates.
Before you begin re-finishing the boards of your timber decking, you will want to use the brush to apply the new coat of finish to the joists meeting the boards. This will help seal and protect the porous ends of the timber decking boards. When you force these finish into the joint, you are reducing the cracking of the timber decking board ends, something caused by the repeated wetting and drying of the boards leading to cupping, rot, and general deterioration. If you have a surface below the timber decking that you would like to keep looking neat and clean, be sure to put down a drop cloth at this point as well to prevent the finish from coating any that area.
There are a number of people out there that do not completely understand what a contractor is talking about when they start in on their secret lingo. Below you will find a list of names and definition of specific deck components.
Adding timber decking to your home can be a huge undertaking. Timber decking is a highly visible addition to your home, and it is typically costly. As a matter of appearance and pride as well as safety, most will not attempt to construct their own timber decking. Instead, they will turn to a timber decking contractor.
Unless you are in the construction and remodelling trades, however, it is not a common thing to be hiring timber decking contractors. As such, it can be easy for one to be taken in by those who provide subpar service and shoddy workmanship. We at Deck-Max keep a list of recommended contractors who are comfortable with installing the Deck-Max product and whom we have worked with over the years. We offer this list to any who enquire. At the same time, we are realists who know that not everyone is going to opt for the Deck-Max complete timber decking solution. There are also those, who even though they might decide on using the revolutionary, secret fixing methods of Deck-Max, will want to find their own contractor, who they mesh well with. This is completely understandable. As our way of encouraging everyone to have the most beautiful and sturdy timber decking they can, we have established a few helpful guidelines in helping you find the best possible timber decking contractor you can.
There is no doubt that adding a timber deck to your home is one of the best ways to enhance your home’s natural beauty and increase its overall value. Timber decking can also be one of the most complex home renovation projects you might tackle. There are several items to consider when wanting to add timber decking on to your home.
Once your timber decking installation is complete, you had added a beautiful new piece to your home. This new timber deck installation will increase your home’s value. It will serve as a great place to entertain friends and family as well as a great centrepiece to conversations for years to come. Just because your timber decking installation is complete does not mean the job is done, though. You will want to protect your investment for years to come. It is at this point that the proper timber deck finishing must be applied.
When it comes time to re-finish your timber decking, the process will be just like your initial finishing steps. Typically, you’re going to re-finish your deck in an amount of time based on the particular environmental effects your timber decking is subject to throughout the year. In moderate climates, this means about 12 to 18 months for stain finishes. For oil based finishes, you will want to re-finish your timber decking on average every 9 to 12 months—again, this is for moderate climates.
There are a number of people out there that do not completely understand what a contractor is talking about when they start in on their secret lingo. Below you will find a list of names and definition of specific deck components.
Adding timber decking to your home can be a huge undertaking. Timber decking is a highly visible addition to your home, and it is typically costly. As a matter of appearance and pride as well as safety, most will not attempt to construct their own timber decking. Instead, they will turn to a timber decking contractor.