subject: Decking Timber ,creating Decks Closer To Ground Level [print this page] A lot of considerations and points have to keep in mind if you are building a wooden deck very close to or touching the ground level. The various parameters to be kept in mind include enough space for surface drainage adequate ventilation right decking timber selection and also a regular maintenance to prevent the attack of termites rot and moisture. Only by addressing all of these will you be able to create a deck which will last long and give good performance for years to come. A reputed decking timber Melbourne expert is the right person who can offer assistance in selecting the right wood type and quality.
If the framework of your deck is going to be at least 150mm above the ground level then timber of class 2 durability and termite resistance should be chosen. A few example would be spotted gum iron bark forest red gum cypress blackbutt or Gympie messmate. It is best to get H3 treated sapwood or softwood treated with a preservative so that the decks are not attacked by termites rot or fungus. If your deck is going to be at ground level then timber of class 1 durability is preferred or H4 treated softwood. But you can use both class I and class 2 durability wood as decking timber and should be preferably H3 treated. The various wood types that you could consider include treated pinewood Merbau tallowwood blackbutt white mahogany forest red gum and spotted gum.
Before constructing the deck it is advisable to lay a plastic sheet under this area and cover it with gravel or coarse sand so that moisture does not directly seep into the decking timber and also prevents any kind of vegetation growth beneath. Make sure that the wood used is termite resistant; if you are using natural timber and then make sure that you have treated the wood appropriately to ensure that the deck is not attacked by termites which will definitely decrease its long life.
The final step is to treat the decking timber appropriately before applying the stain color. Use one coat of water repellant like copper naphthenate or zinc naphthenate if you using oil based stains. A wood primer has to be used if you are planning to use acrylic paints. Taking care of these parameters will ensure that your wooden deck will always remain in top condition. Fortunately there are many reputed decking timber Melbourne merchants from whom you can get the best quality wood.
