Timber decking is one of the construction materials used for building outdoor patios and decks. This material is normally manufactured using different types of softwoods and hardwoods. The choice of wood depends on the appearance you desire and the properties of the structure once finished. This decking aids in giving a rustic and natural look which cannot be achieved using other materials like metal. Building a timber deck increases the already available living space and is able to create a place for gatherings or meals for family and friends.
Materials
Installation becomes easy with many patios and ground-level decks with a do-it-yourself installer. With elevated decks it is different, and such a structure requires professional and engineering installation, as this increases the safety factor and saves them from collapse in the near future. The decking in many places requires professional installation according to the building codes, depending on the structure. Building patios and decks requires permission in most cases before you can start with the construction.
Joining
The timber decks can be joined by using many different fasteners like bolts, screws and nails, and for the heavy-duty applications you require specialty fasteners or even steel plates. You should make sure that you use timber guard rails when the timber decks are elevated. This makes the structure more stable and less dangerous, adding to the safety of the occupants.
Protection
Adding protective stains or seals maintains the appearance of the deck. This totally depends on the type of timber decking. Clear seals prevent damage from moisture, and colored stains tend to change the appearance, besides adding protection. Pressure treated timbers decrease the problems associated with warping and swelling with the passage of time. They are a little more costly, but totally worth it, as they tend to last longer and retain the same appearance and provides reliability.
Maintenance and Care
To keep your hardwood timber deck as good as new you should maintain it properly. An annual inspection to ensure that it is in a good condition saves you from a lot of unwanted trouble and hassles. In case the deck is not maintained with care there are chances of it getting affected by moisture and the weather. Replacing loose boards and protruding nails or screws saves the deck from unnecessary rotting. The nails should be hammered back in and the screws re-fixed, and the boards which are damaged can be replaced.
Sweeping the dust and any other residues off the deck should be done with a specialized product used only for deck cleaning. Removing any moss or algae besides dirt is also important.
Proper maintenance and regular cleaning can give you a deck which is both long-lasting and appealing. Visit the link, you will definitely get some more useful information.
Materials
- The materials most commonly used for timber decking are hardwood species like ipe, teak and cedar. These are able to enhance the durability and strength of the deck as they are naturally resistant to moisture and mold. Though a little on the expensive side, they are totally worth it in the long run as they tend to last longer, and do not require as much labor in maintenance. These woods also offer a natural and rich coloring, that too without the need for sealants or stains.
- There are many people who opt for softwoods like fir or pine, as these are more reasonable and tend to cost a little less as well. Being easier to work with, these woods have excellent features, which might be appealing to many buyers. The timbers made of softwood might not be as strong as the hardwood varieties, and also might not last as long either. With the changes in humidity levels these might be prone to swelling and rotting as well.
Installation becomes easy with many patios and ground-level decks with a do-it-yourself installer. With elevated decks it is different, and such a structure requires professional and engineering installation, as this increases the safety factor and saves them from collapse in the near future. The decking in many places requires professional installation according to the building codes, depending on the structure. Building patios and decks requires permission in most cases before you can start with the construction.
Joining
The timber decks can be joined by using many different fasteners like bolts, screws and nails, and for the heavy-duty applications you require specialty fasteners or even steel plates. You should make sure that you use timber guard rails when the timber decks are elevated. This makes the structure more stable and less dangerous, adding to the safety of the occupants.
Protection
Adding protective stains or seals maintains the appearance of the deck. This totally depends on the type of timber decking. Clear seals prevent damage from moisture, and colored stains tend to change the appearance, besides adding protection. Pressure treated timbers decrease the problems associated with warping and swelling with the passage of time. They are a little more costly, but totally worth it, as they tend to last longer and retain the same appearance and provides reliability.
Maintenance and Care
To keep your hardwood timber deck as good as new you should maintain it properly. An annual inspection to ensure that it is in a good condition saves you from a lot of unwanted trouble and hassles. In case the deck is not maintained with care there are chances of it getting affected by moisture and the weather. Replacing loose boards and protruding nails or screws saves the deck from unnecessary rotting. The nails should be hammered back in and the screws re-fixed, and the boards which are damaged can be replaced.
Sweeping the dust and any other residues off the deck should be done with a specialized product used only for deck cleaning. Removing any moss or algae besides dirt is also important.
Proper maintenance and regular cleaning can give you a deck which is both long-lasting and appealing. Visit the link, you will definitely get some more useful information.
