Timber Decking Trends – Decking is more than just planks of plain wood. Find out what’s on the market is what the Architect Melbourne or designer as there are many choices available, each with advantages, disadvantages and special requirements. We look at what you’ll need, depending on what you’ll be using it for.

Hardwood

The hardest wearing timber decking material, hardwoods like jarrah and ironbark are generally a pricier alternative. Because hardwood comes from older growth trees it is harder to come by than softwood such as pine. As a general rule hardwood will last longer and some hardwoods are naturally termite resistant.

Softwood

The most popular timber material is pine, at around $2.50 per metre. but there are other softwoods like douglas fir. When treated, softwood is hard wearing and suitable for any decking part, including cross beams and posts. Paler than hardwood, it can be stained a variety of tones.

Non-wood

very important that your Architectual Services Team advise you on these synthetic materials, as they are gaining popularity, due to their easy installation and the lack of maintenance required. There are composite products like ModWood, which is made from a mixture of ground sawdust and recycled plastic milk bottles. At around $5 per metre, Timber Decking Trends ModWood is double the price of a pine equivalent, however, like other synthetics, it comes in a variety of wood colours and grain finishes that look the real thing and don’t require painting or staining.