Homeowners prefer timber decking to other options because they are natural, beautiful and come in a vast selection of designs to choose from. Whether you’re going for ”DIY” or custom-made option, you can never go wrong with timber decking. Furthermore, they can be added onto any level, slop or waterside, both indoors and outdoors.
Since timber is so versatile to work with, you can literally built any shape or style out of it. The possibilities of working with timber are vast, meaning you can try out everything and it will come out beautifully. Furthermore, options range from local to imported soft-hood and hardwood, so you’ll always find something that suites your taste and style.
Today, professionals use top-notch sealing products to ensure that maintenance is kept simple as well as cost-effective. Homeowners don’t have to spend too much on maintenance cost to make their decks look their best.
Right now, the old varnish type sealants are no longer in use. Manufacturers and designers realised that they encouraged pealing or flaking of deck sealant over time, so there was need to come up with a better invention to ensure that homeowners didn’t have a deck that was costly to maintain.
Every professionally-constructed deck should have one or more of the following features:
1 The person laying it will only use quality materials to build it. Quality means durability, so homeowners won’t need to incur additional costs from time to time trying to replace or repair worn out parts.
2 All decking screws should be non-abrasive. If your deck still uses abrasive screws, you might want to upgrade because it won’t last longer than a few years. That’s the reason why some timber decks will fall apart as soon as the screws grow weak so that they can’t hold the entire structure together.
3 Professionals also take care when sealing end cuts. The whole structure needs to look complete, so the end cuts must not be exposed or visible.
4 The deck is built in such a way that double joists are used where end cuts meet. This ensures proper fastening and also prevents splitting at the ends.
5 Depending on the type of wood used, decks usually have a minimum of 2 layers of sealant for maximum protection and durability.
6 And lastly, grass should not be seen under the decking. So professionals use anti-weed chemicals under the frame to prevent grass and other plants from growing where they are not required.
The deck frame
There’s always a secret when it comes to handling deck frames. A deck frame that’s not built correctly will not last. That’s why all cut ends must be treated, metal fasteners and brackets galvanized and treated to last long.
Drainage is also considered in the initial steps of designing decks. Poles are cemented into the ground for maximum support while channels are built appropriately to allow water to flow well during rainy seasons. This is mostly common when timber decking is fitted on a flat surface.
Even if you don’t have an idea on how to start your project, you could get inspirations from magazines and web resources. Pictures are available to compare and see what would work for your home. It’s a good investment you can make in order for your home to look at its best.
