Get A Deck & Enjoy The Outdoors In The Comfort Of Your Own Backyard!
People often talk about renovations like painting walls or fixing the roof and leave it at that. But if improving your home is your thing, then getting a deck is a great idea. Decks are a great way to make your home look nicer and they add value too.
In Australia, it is estimated that there are about 4.3 million people who own a deck. This number has been steadily increasing over the past few years according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and it is expected to continue to grow in the future.
First of all, what is decking? A deck is a flat surface that you can use to do activities outside, such as relaxing, having parties, or eating. Decks are usually attached to a house or other buildings but they can also stand on their own.
Why Get a Deck of your Own?
Decks are a great way to extend your living space and enjoy the outdoors. Besides providing a place to relax and entertain guests, decks can also add value to your home. When designed and built, decks can provide many benefits. For example, building a decking frame can help to protect your home from rough weather and help with your house’s drainage. It also protects your house’s foundations. A deck also gives a safe and better way to get to your rooftop or windows on your 2nd floor.
Also, a deck can help to prevent soil erosion. Grassroots help to hold the soil in place, and the dense network of blades helps to deflect wind and water. It can also help to slow the flow of rainwater to protect your ground from possible flooding. Decks can also help to reduce your cooling costs in the summer by shading your home from the sun. And in the winter, they can provide a place to enjoy the snow while staying out of the cold.
You can build decks from a variety of materials but it’s often from wooden planks or concrete slabs. If you’re looking for a way to add some extra shade to your deck, you might want to consider installing a pergola. Pergolas are structures that have open sides and provide protection from the sun. They also let in air, which is helpful on hot days. Besides being pleasing, decks can also help to prevent erosion around your home. Concrete decks can also protect your soil pretty well because they’re not heavy and won’t move in a storm.
What Are The Different Types of Decks?
There are 4 types of decks you can choose from and we’ll talk about the good and the bad together.
| Type of Deck | Timber Deck | Composite Deck | Hardie Deck | PVC Deck |
| Pros | Looks nice, Natural, Scratches can be sanded down | Most Durable, Maintenance free, Made from recyclable material (plastic with bits of wood), eco friendly | Durable, Rust and Rot resistant, Vapour Permeability, Good against inclement weather | Moulds and Peels resistant, Durable |
| Cons | Requires maintenance every 6 months (oil it), Can rot (timber rot) | Gets hot, Most expensive, Hard to get rid of scratches | Made out of fibre cement so can chip and scratch, Maintenance required | Inconsistent, Prone to UV damage, Discolors easily |
Type of Deck: Timber Deck
Pros: Looks nice, Natural, Scratches can be sanded down
Cons: Requires maintenance every 6 months (oil it), Can rot (timber rot)
Type of Deck: Composite Deck
Pros: Most Durable, Maintenance free, Made from recyclable material (plastic with bits of wood), eco friendly
Cons: Gets hot, Most expensive, Hard to get rid of scratches
Type of Deck: Hardie Deck
Pros: Durable, Rust and Rot resistant, Vapour Permeability, Good against inclement weather
Cons: Made out of fibre cement so can chip and scratch, Maintenance required
Type of Deck: PVC Deck
Pros: Moulds and Peels resistant, Durable
Cons: Inconsistent, Prone to UV damage, Discolors easily
Timber Deck
Timber decking is a good option for many people because it has a classic look and you can dress it up or down. Also, timber is a natural material that is easy to care for and maintain. You can sand down scratches (if it ever gets one) and other surface imperfections. You can stain or seal it as well from the elements. It’s also more slip-resistant than other materials which makes them a good choice for many.
The bad news here is that every six months, you’ll need to oil the deck to keep it looking its best. And if the timber isn’t treated, it can start to rot. This can be a serious problem, as rot can spread and cause extensive damage. If you’re not willing to put in the time and effort to maintain a timber deck, then it’s worth looking at other options.
Types of Timber Decking
- Merbau – A type of timber decking that is popular for its durability and ability to withstand weathering. Merbau decking boards are also one of the more affordable options on the market.
- Blackbutt – Another type of timber that is commonly used for decking. It is a hardwood that is native to Australia, and it is known for its strength and durability.
- Pacific Mahogany – A popular type of timber decking that is known for its durability and beauty. The wood is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, making it an ideal choice for outdoor deck building.
- Iron Bark – A type of hardwood timber decking that is popular for its beautiful red-brown color. It is also incredibly durable, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas.
- Spotted Gum – Another popular choice for timber decking due to its durability and natural resistance to rot and insect damage. The unique spotted grain pattern is also a popular selling point. It also used in bushfire prone areas as it has a high BAL (slow burning).
- Tallow Wood – Made from the wood of the native Australian tallow tree, it is known for its strength and durability. It is also termite resistant and has a high fire rating, making it an ideal choice for those who are looking for a low-maintenance decking option.
- Treated Pine – An affordable option, easy to work with, and best among lower-priced decking timbers. The wood is treated with a preservative that helps to protect it from termites, rot, and other damage.
- Jarrah – A popular choice for decking for its distinctive reddish color, which can add a touch of warmth to any outdoor space. While it’s more expensive than some other types of timber decking, it’s worth the investment for its long-lasting beauty and performance.
- Stringy Bark – Popular for its durability and attractive grain. The name comes from the long, thin strips of wood that make up the decking boards. It’s an Australian hardwood, and it is one of the few timbers that are naturally resistant to termites.
Composite Deck
Composite decks are another great option. It comes from a mixture of plastic and wood fibers, both are recyclable materials. It’s a good choice for those looking for an environment-friendly material. It’s also more durable than traditional wooden decks. This means you won’t have to think of replacing it any time soon. Also, it requires little to no maintenance. Sweep or hose off as needed and you’re good to go.
If you’re considering adding a composite deck to your home, there are a few things you should know. First, it can get hot quickly under the sun. If you live somewhere warm, you may want to pass on this. Composite decks are also the most expensive among the 4 types here so it’s not so budget-friendly. Besides these, it’s also difficult to repair once it’s scratched or damaged. But if you’re willing to put up with these downsides, then look no further.
Types of Composite Deck
- Ekodeck
- Trex
- Modern
- Newtechwood
- Modwood
Hardie Deck
Fibre Cement is one of the most durable materials on the market besides composites decking. Manufacturers form these boards to look like wood but are much more durable. It is also resistant to rust and rot. Besides those, Fibre Cement also has vapour permeability. This means it reduces the risk of condensation. It’s also a good insulator and works well against bad weather.
The downside to Fibre Cement is it’s made of Fibre Cement. One of the main disadvantages of it is that it can chip and scratch very often. It’s worth noting to avoid using power tools or other sharp objects near it to keep this from happening. This all means that regular maintenance (like cleaning and sealing) is required. This is to maintain its appearance and to help extend its life.
PVC Deck
On one hand, PVC is all about low maintenance but high-performance decking material. Like composites, recyclable materials like wood fibers and plastic make up PVC. It’s resistant to mold and peeling, so you’ll have fewer worries about maintenance. Also, it’s very durable which means it won’t crack or warp like wood. But unlike composite decking, PVC won’t fade over time or develop scratches.
On the other hand, PVC is not consistent. One of the biggest problems with it is that some products are less wood-like than others. This can make them look cheap and fake. Also, uncapped boards are susceptible to fading and UV damage. Once a PVC deck is damaged, it can be difficult to repair. And finally, PVC decks can easily discolor.
All these options might overwhelm you right now but don’t worry. As deck building specialists and a reputable decking company, we’re here to help out so you can pick the best decking material to suit your needs and lifestyle.
Let Us Build Your Deck
1. Reach out to us by calling 0404 940 945 or filling in the form to book in a Free Quote & Measure
2. We’ll come out to your location to assess your job and give you an accurate quote.
3. Once you’ve approved the quote, we book in a day to get your job started.
FAQs
-
For light cleaning, mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a bucket and use a soft brush to scrub away dirt and grime. For tougher stains, mix one part bleach with three parts water and apply it to the stain with a cloth or brush. Be sure to rinse it afterward with clean water to prevent damage to the wood.
-
The answer depends on the width of the decking boards. For example, if the boards are 50mm wide, there will be about 2.1 linear metres of decking in one square metre. But if the boards are 100mm wide, there will only be about 1.05 linear metres of decking. Don’t hesitate to send us a message if you’re unsure about measurements! Our decking company is one of the best deck builders locally.
-
Water-based decking oils will only take around 24 hours to dry. Although this will depend on weather conditions. If it's a hot, sunny day then the oil will dry faster, but if it's cooler or more humid then it will take longer. But note that these are less durable than other types of decking oil, so they may need to be reapplied more often.
Oil-based decking oils usually take longer to dry than water-based products. It can sometimes take up to 48 hours. But these are tougher and provide better protection against moisture and UV damage.
Quick-drying decking oils are also available on the market. These can be applied and left to dry in just a few hours. It's ideal for busy householders who don't have time to wait around. But remember, quick-drying oils may not be as effective at protecting your deck in the long term.
-
On average, decks cost between $400 and $680 per square metre, depending on what material, design and type of deck you go with.
We Give 200% And Nothing Less
Here at Super Quick Carpentry, our service doesn’t stop at giving expert advice. We pride ourselves on having over 10 years of experience as deck specialists and professional deck builders.
This means you can rest assured that we provide only top-notch work and service. We have the dedicated resources, experience, and expertise to handle the simplest or most complicated carpentry jobs with ease.
Our guarantee of punctual, reliable, and clear communication with clients is at the heart of our work values. On top of this, we provide 5 years warranty for any structural issues so you can rest easy that quality is the priority. We will not hesitate to give you the best that we can in every job you’ll hire us for, we’ll work with you until you’re happy.
Our invaluable expertise and knowledge mean selecting a qualified carpenter in New South Wales has never been easier. With our comprehensive range of services, from balcony, pergola, and decking installation, to framing, interiors, and more, why would you ever need to go anywhere else?
Our Service Areas
We can cover all of your carpentry needs in and around the Western suburbs and Southern Sydney.
Are you looking for a deck builder in Sydney, Camden, Padstow or Canterbury? Get in touch.
0404 940 945