Wooden Decking

Outdoor decking has been steadily growing over the years. It is not hard to see why, as timber decking adds beauty and style to any outdoor area, provides additional functional space for entertaining family and friends, and offers many benefits to homeowners. Here are seven reasons why wooden decking remains a great choice for any outdoor area:

1. Durability – Wood decking is highly durable, meaning it can withstand the elements such as rain, wind and heat without rotting or warping easily. Additionally, wood decks require minimal maintenance, making them a cost-effective option in the long run.

2. Versatility – Wooden decking comes in a wide range of styles and designs that can be tailored to match your garden’s theme perfectly. Whether you’re looking for a modern, sophisticated look or a rustic, natural feel, wooden decking offers plenty of options.

3. Eco-Friendly – Wooden decking is made from sustainable sources such as timber plantations and recycled plastic bottles and is an eco-friendly choice that helps reduce deforestation while still keeping up with the latest trends in outdoor design.

4. Easy Installation – As long as you have the correct tools, installing a wood deck can be done quite easily and quickly. DIY enthusiasts can have their own wood deck up and running in no time at all!

5. Low Maintenance – Unlike other materials such as concrete or stone, wood decks require minimal maintenance to keep them looking good. A simple wash with soapy water once a month and some occasional oiling will keep your deck looking great for years.

6. Affordability – Wooden decks are more affordable than other materials such as stone or concrete, making them the ideal option for those who are on a tight budget.

7. Safety – Wooden decks offer excellent slip resistance, making them ideal for outdoor areas that may be frequented by children or elderly people. Additionally, wood is far less likely to become hot under direct sunlight compared to other materials, meaning it’s safer to walk around in bare feet without fear of burning your feet!

So if you’re looking to spruce up your outdoor area with something stylish, durable and affordable, why not consider timber decking?

The Pros of Real Wood Decking

• Natural beauty and warmth
• Durability and longevity
• Customizability and repairability

The Cons of Real Wood Decking

• Initial cost and ongoing maintenance
• Risk of rot, decay, and insect damage
• Sensitivity to weather and temperature changes

 

Types of Wood Decking Commonly Used in South Africa

• Meranti Wood Decking

Meranti wood decking is a popular choice for outdoor projects because of its durability, strength and affordability. Meranti wood is quite strong, making it an excellent choice for decks that will be exposed to high levels of traffic or harsh weather conditions.

It can also handle extreme temperatures without cracking or splitting. Additionally, meranti wood is generally less expensive than some other types of hardwoods like teak or mahogany. Despite the benefits of meranti wood decking, there are some drawbacks as well.

First, it does require more maintenance than other kinds of woods; you’ll need to seal and clean your meranti deck at least twice a year in order to keep it looking its best and prevent damage from moisture. Additionally, meranti wood is softer than some other hardwoods, making it more prone to scratches and dents. Finally, although meranti wood does resist rot and insects, it still needs to be treated with a preservative in order to prevent decay over time.

Ultimately, deciding whether or not to use meranti wood for your outdoor deck depends on your budget and needs. With proper maintenance and care, though, you can enjoy the many benefits of this durable and affordable type of hardwood for years to come!

• Balau Wood Decking

  

Balau wood decking is a popular choice for homeowners who want to create an outdoor space that will last. The tropical hardwood from Malaysia and Indonesia has a tight grain texture and is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insect infestation.

However, Balau wood decking does come with some drawbacks which should be considered before embarking on any new project.

Pros: – Durable: The dense grain of Balau wood makes it very strong and durable, meaning it can stand up to all kinds of weather conditions without warping or splintering.

Long Lasting: Balau wood decks are known to last upwards of 25 years if properly cared for, making them an excellent long-term investment with a good return on your money.

Good Looking: Balau wood decking has a unique look that can add character and warmth to any outdoor space, making it a popular choice for decks, porches and patios.

Cons: – Expensive: While the long-term value of Balau wood decking is high, the initial cost can be expensive compared to other materials.

Maintenance: Balau wood requires regular maintenance or it may become prone to rot and decay due to moisture absorption. It should be sealed annually with an appropriate sealant in order to protect it from the elements.

Availability: Since Balau wood is imported from Malaysia and Indonesia, its availability may be limited in some regions and prices could fluctuate depending on supply and demand.

Overall, Balau wood decking is an excellent choice for homeowners who are looking for a durable and long-lasting outdoor space that is also beautiful and unique. It does come with some drawbacks in terms of cost and maintenance, but the high quality of the material more than makes up for any added expense. With careful planning and regular care, Balau wood will give you many years of enjoyment as well as an increased home value.

• Saligna Wood Decking

  

Saligna wood is a popular material for decking because of its durability and affordability. It is also resistant to insects, rot and weathering.

However, there are some drawbacks that homeowners should consider before deciding on Saligna wood for their decking project.

The pros of using Saligna wood for your deck include its strength and durability, as well as its ability to resist insect infestations, rot, and weather damage.

Additionally, Saligna wood can be stained or painted to match the existing look of your outdoor space or to create a new design effect. Because it is relatively inexpensive compared with other types of decking material, Saligna is a great option when budget is an issue.

The cons of using Saligna wood for your deck include its susceptibility to splitting, cracking and warping. This type of wood also requires regular maintenance, including sanding, staining or painting to keep it looking good.

As with all types of wooden decking material, Saligna can be susceptible to mold and mildew growth if not properly maintained. Additionally, because Saligna is a softer wood than other types of decking material, it may require replacement sooner than other materials.

When choosing a material for your outdoor space project, consider the pros and cons associated with each option before making a final decision. If you are looking for an affordable yet durable solution for your decking project, then Saligna wood may be the perfect choice for you. Despite its minor drawbacks, Saligna wood is a great option for outdoor decking because of its strength, durability and affordability. With proper maintenance and care, it can provide years of enjoyment to your outdoor space.

• Teak Wood Decking

  

Teak is a popular choice for outdoor and residential decking due to its durability and unique natural beauty. The golden-brown color of teak ages gracefully, making it an attractive option when compared to other types of wood decking such as cedar or redwood.

Teak wood is also resistant to decay, rot, and insects which makes it very low maintenance over time. It is also more expensive than many other materials used for decking so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before investing in teak wood.

Pros: • Long lasting – Teak is one of the most long-lasting woods available, with some decks built over five decades ago still standing strong today! This means that you won’t have to worry about replacing your deck for many years to come. • Low maintenance – Teak is a naturally durable material, so it does not require much in the way of maintenance or upkeep. It is also resistant to rot and insects, which makes it ideal for outdoor use. • Unique look – The unique golden-brown color of teak ages gracefully, making it an attractive option when compared to other types of wood decking such as cedar or redwood.

Cons: • Expensive – Teak can be quite expensive compared to other materials used for decking, so you may want to consider other options before investing in teak wood. • Requires sealing – Even though teak is highly resistant to decay and rot, it must be sealed periodically to maintain its beautiful golden-brown color.

Sealing your deck is an easy process but does require some time and effort. • Can be slippery – Teak can be slippery when wet, so it’s important to take safety precautions when walking on the deck during rainy or icy conditions. Overall, teak wood is a great option for outdoor and residential decking due to its durability and unique natural beauty. It may cost more than other materials used for decking, but you will get many years of use out of it with minimal maintenance requirements.

• Iroko Wood Decking

  

Iroko is a beautiful, durable and sustainable wood species used for decking. It has many advantages that make it an attractive choice for homeowners. Here are some of the pros and cons of Iroko wood decking:

Pros – Durability: Iroko is one of the most durable woods on the market and can withstand all kinds of weather conditions like rain, snow and sun exposure. This makes it great for outdoor use as it won’t decay or warp over time. – Resistance to pests: Iroko wood is highly resistant to insect damage because of its natural oils which repel bugs like termites. This makes Iroko ideal for use in areas where there may be an increased risk of insects. – Ease of care: Iroko wood is easy to maintain and doesn’t require much effort. It can be cleaned with soap and water, and stains or dirt can easily be removed with a brush.

Cons – Availability: Iroko wood is not widely available in the United States so it may require some extra legwork to find a reputable supplier.

Cost: Iroko is one of the more expensive hardwoods on the market so it may not fit into all budgets. – Color variations: One potential downside to Iroko is that there can be considerable variations in color, grain, and texture between boards making matching pieces difficult to find.

Overall, Iroko wood has many advantages that make it an excellent choice for decking. With its natural durability and resistance to pests, it can provide a long-lasting solution for any outdoor space. However, it’s important to consider the cost and availability before committing to an Iroko wood deck project.

• Pine Wood Decking

  

Pine wood decks are a popular choice for many homeowners as they bring a classic, natural look to your outdoor living space. Pressure-treated pine is the most affordable and durable option on the market. It is easy to work with and does not require staining or painting. However, there are some drawbacks associated with using pressure-treated pine for decking:

Pros: • Low cost – Pressure-treated pine is the most affordable option available when it comes to decking materials.

• Durable – Pine wood decks can last for many years if properly maintained.

• Easy to work with – The softwood nature of pine makes it relatively simple to cut and install compared to other types of wood.

• Does not require staining or painting – Pressure-treated pine does not need to be stained or painted, making it a very low maintenance option.

Cons: • Susceptible to warping and splitting – As with any type of wood, pressure-treated pine can warp and split over time due to weathering and exposure to sunlight.

• Prone to splintering – The softwood nature of the material makes it more prone to splintering than other types of decking materials.

• High maintenance – Pine requires regular maintenance such as cleaning, sanding and re-staining in order to keep its original appearance.

If you are looking for an affordable option that requires minimal maintenance and upkeep, then pressure-treated pine may be the right choice for your home.

V. Conclusion

• Weighing the pros and cons of real wood decking

Wooden decking versus composite decking is an important step when deciding what material to choose for your outdoor project.

Real wood decking offers an appealing natural aesthetic, but requires a significant amount of maintenance and upkeep in order to keep it looking good over time. It can rot, warp, splinter and fade due to exposure to the elements, making it necessary to regularly seal or treat the wood. The cost of materials and labour makes real wood decks more expensive than composite decks in the long run.

Composite decking is made up of recycled wood fibres mixed with plastic resins that are designed to be more durable than traditional wooden planks. It’s usually constructed using a tongue-and-groove system which helps reduce gaps between planks, giving a neat finish. Composite decking is also resistant to rot and insect damage which makes it more durable than wood. Furthermore, composite materials require very little maintenance compared to real wooden decks, as they do not splinter or warp easily over time and are highly resistant to fading from UV exposure.

When deciding between wooden and composite decking, it’s important to consider the long-term cost of each material, as well as its durability and ease of maintenance. Real wood has an undeniable aesthetic appeal that adds warmth and beauty to any outdoor space but requires more ongoing upkeep than synthetic alternatives. On the other hand, composite decking provides a much longer lasting solution with low maintenance requirements at a lower overall cost. Ultimately both materials offer a great solution for outdoor decks, depending on your individual needs and budget.