A deck is much more than a bunch of wooden planks nailed together. A deck is not just a product, it's a lifestyle. It's an environment where you can relax with friends and family and disconnect from the hectic world.
Building a deck can be a time consuming and expensive process, and it starts with choosing the right decking timber/material. Some people know exactly what they want, some people have no idea and price is always a big factor.
DECKING TIMBER/MATERIAL OPTIONS:
COMPOSITE WOOD
Wood composite products are low maintenance, environmentally friendly and high performing alternative to wood. There are lots of varieties but all are basically a combination of recycled plastic bottles and wood fibres, a by-product of the timber trade.
Composites don't contribute to deforestation like tropical hardwood timber, and are made from recycled materials.
The biggest appeal of composites is that they don't require any regular oiling or staining, just a wash with soapy water every now and then. The top performing products are also less likely to warp, fade, split or splinter, but quality does vary.
Get Scaped Landscaping and Design highly recommends BiForm composite decking as a preferred option. The product comes with a 25 year warranty, is environmentally friendly and you don't need to use nails or screws. The product has solid hidden fasteners underneath.
HARDWOOD
Hardwoods such as Kwila and Garapa last longer, are more resistant to mould and rot and the product holds its shape. When stained hardwood can look stunning and rich in colour or you can leave the timber to naturally weather to an attractive silvery grey colour.
Kwila and Garapa are less likely to shrink and because they are both hard woods, you get a consistent line and even spacing between boards. This adds to the overall aesthetic style of the deck, making it look more contemporary and pleasing on the eye.
However, hardwood decks do require oiling or re-coating, so they don't split or experience "grain lift" in the NZ climate.
SOFTWOOD
If you are on a tight budget, the most cost effective materials to build your deck are New Zealand grown and milled timbers, which include pine and macrocarpa. These fast growing species are less dense than the slow growing hardwoods, which equates to a lower price.
Softwood does require sealing and restoration to keep the colour and finish fresh and maintained. Softwood often warps and shrinks with time.
For example, a pine deck in a sheltered spot under a porch, may continue to look great for years while the same deck exposed to the harsh NZ weather may warp quickly (sometimes within weeks and months).
Regular maintenance is best to keep your softwood deck in optimal condition.
If you are looking for an experienced and knowledgeable New Plymouth landscaper, dont hesitate to give Andrew at Get Scaped Landscaping and Design at call. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
