Best Decking Materials Suited for Your Australian Home
07 April 2020Decking materials vary in style and functionality. However, choosing the best decking material can be extremely difficult because you have to take into consideration the general area where it is located. Climate is usually the first thing to take into account when choosing a decking material in a certain home. In Australia, some areas have temperate climate while others have more of a wet tropical climate. There are also some areas with a dry desert type of climate. Below are the best decking materials suited for your Australian home.
Spotted Gum
It is grown in a plantation-like style, so if you are looking for a more environmentally friendly option, spotted gum is a good choice. This type of hardwood is especially beneficial in areas that are prone to bush fires. Additionally, it comes in a variety of colour tones, so you’ll be sure to find a type that matches with your home’s style.
Finally, this hardwood option is so dense that it will not shrink. So if you are thinking about adding a deck, and you live in an area that is prone to bush fires it makes sense to at least consider spotted gum as an option.
Teak
Teak is native to a tropical climate, but is suitable for a variety of climates. Additionally, when teak is cut, the sap goes into overdrive in order to protect the wood from insects and fungus. That makes this timber especially useful if your deck is above ground and exposed to these threats. Teak does tend to be very expensive. But it is also relatively durable, and suited for any climate. Add its natural beauty, and you see why many homeowners choose it. It also does a great job of holding onto screws and nails, which means it will give you a very sturdy and strong deck.
Grey Ironbark
Ironbark gets its name from its durability, especially compared to other hardwood options. Like Spotted Gum, this timber has a high density that makes it heavy and durable. In addition to its weight, this is also a good option if you are looking for something that is highly fire, termite, and rot resistant. Naturally, these benefits make sense for any type of decking, which has to have these qualities. The colour of the wood with its silver-grey colour almost resembles iron metal, another reason for its name.
Blackbutt
Another option for you to consider when looking at hardwood is Blackbutt. This fire resistant timber has a nice range of colours, from a yellowish brown to a light brown. It also features a straight grain and even texture. Blackbutt grows quickly, and is typically grown on plantations. As a result, it tends to be an environmentally friendly option that does not contribute to deforestation. It is also hard, strong, and durable, which is why it is so popular for decking projects.
Jarrah
Like most of the other options on this list, Jarrah is a very dense and hard lumber, making it durable and a good fit for decking. However, this timber is slow to grow, which means it’s also limited in quantities and genuine Jarrah can be expensive.
On the other hand, Jarrah is naturally resistant to weather, rot, termite, and marine borer. So no matter where you live, it can be a solid option of hardwood for you to consider. Additionally, Jarrah has very deep red colours, making it a beautiful timber compared to some of the other options.
Choose the best decking material for your Australian home from Prestige Construction & Design. We can help you build the best garden deck in your neighbourhood at a very affordable cost.
