Timber decks offer tremendous value to residential properties, providing an elegant and stylish addition that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the home. Apart from enhancing the visual appeal of your backyard, they also contribute to increasing the property market value. Similarly, most Australian homeowners prefer decking timbers over other options as they get a plethora of options – from Pine decking to exquisite Tasmanian Oak flooring. The versatility and range of choices make timber decks a sought-after feature for homeowners seeking to elevate your home appeal and market value.
Similarly, when it comes to choosing your decking wood, there are plenty of options to choose from. But, nothing beats the beauty of a natural hardwood. So, you can choose decking made of Jarrah, Blackbutt, or Spotted Gum. Or, you may also go ahead with Treated Pine or Cypress Pine, which make some great decking choices.
Choose the material based on your preferences, budget, and maintenance needs. Below, we look at some of the best decking timbers to build a wooden deck in your home.
1. Jarrah
Jarrah is undoubtedly one of the best decking woods available. Thanks to its versatile appearance, it is beautiful to look at thanks to its versatile appearance, ranging from dark browns to intense reds. The wood also features wavy and interlocking grains, which adds to its aesthetic appeal. Decking made of jarrah wood will definitely be one of the most good-looking. Additionally, Jarrah is also known for its durability and strength. It is naturally rot-resistant, which makes it ideal for decking in humid climates that receive a lot of rain. Jarrah’s strength is also extremely impressive, so much so that the wood is often used in high-load-bearing construction projects. So, it is perfect for use in decking.
2. Blackbutt
Blackbutt is a popular choice for timber decking in Hobart, Tasmania. It is a strong and durable wood. It is especially in high demand in regions that have a high BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) rating. The wood is naturally resistant to fire and high temperatures. Blackbutt is one of the few hardwoods listed by the Victorian Building Commission as suitable for home construction in high BAL-rated sites. So, if you live in an area that’s prone to bushfires, you should pick Blackbutt decking. The wood’s natural colour ranges from yellow to a pale brown. But the wood takes to staining very well, so you can coat it with darker shades. If left to weather naturally, it turns out to be an attractive silver-grey.
3. Merbau
Merbau is a wood known for its striking appearance. It comes in rich and intense shades, ranging from a deep dark brown to a red-tinged brown. As the wood ages, its shine and colour improve with time – thanks to the natural oils present in the wood. Merbau decking in Hobart is also popular as it is recognised as a bushfire-resistant hardwood. The wood has high strength, stability, and durability. Merabu is a low-maintenance timber; hence, it can be cost-effective in the long run if installed as decking in your home.
4. Spotted Gum
Spotted gum is one more decking wood that can be used in areas with a high BAL rating. It has a beautiful appearance in varying shades of browns – from warm chocolatey tones to lighter hues. The wood is also easy to stain and paint as well. Spotted gum is also known for its hardness and durability. It is resistant to the elements and ideal to use outdoors. The wood is often used in structural applications thanks to its high durability. It will make a great decking choice for your home.
5. Treated Pine
Treated pine is a pressure-treated timber made to resist fungi, decay, and termites specifically. It is durable and one of the least expensive decking timbers available. Its affordability and versatility make it a popular choice for decking. Treated pine takes amazingly well to both painting and staining so that the timber can be customised to an array of colours as per your wish. Treated pine is a lightweight softwood, making it a good option for DIY decking projects. Thanks to its affordable price, it can be used for large decking areas at a stretch.
6. Cypress Pine
Cypress Pine has a very distinctive appearance. It ranges from yellows to dark browns to black colour with various knots in between. The wood is extremely hard and has a high durability rating. It can withstand high traffic and wear. Choose Cypress Pine as timber decking in Melbourne for homes with termites, as the wood is naturally resistant to their destruction. The wood needs regular oiling and sealing to ensure it doesn’t experience much damage.
When it comes to sourcing the best quality decking timbers, Uptons Tasmania is one of the premiere suppliers in Tasmania. From high-quality Tasmanian Oak flooring to strong and durable Merbau decking, we offer a wide range of decking woods at competitive prices.