The simple answer is any hardwood timber is best for decking. As mentioned above, the timber decks Adelaide residents choose most often are made with Blackbutt, Jarrah, Spotted Gum and Merbau and which one people ultimately choose comes down to a preference for a light or dark colour.

Decking and paving are used for two completely different applications. A timber deck sits above the ground, typically over a sloping ground, with different levels and steps. Pavers (the cost of which varies tremendously) are most often laid on the ground which has been prepared level and flat.
Retaining walls can be built with steps to raise the level up, but that’s an additional cost.

All things being equal, decking will cost more than laying pavers over the same flat area but it really comes down to the application and the look you’re after.

Yes! Softwood decking is cheap for a reason. It warps, splits and wears poorly. Hardwood decking is made to last and outperforms its softwood counterpart in every aspect.
If you’re after a professional looking deck that will look great, with some love, for many years to come, hardwood timber decking is the only choice.

Due to the lower density in softwood compared to hardwood, it’s substantially weaker and far less durable. Easily scuffed, even dogs claws will scratch into your deck. Maintenance is also more problematic because it will suffer damaged from high pressure water cleaners and absorbs stains like a sponge.

The life expectancy of hardwood deck boards over 1 meter off the ground, unsealed is about 20 years, depending on exposure to extreme weather conditions. If looked after and sealed with a good quality oil at least every couple of years, you can expect to double that to 50 plus years under the same conditions.

Timber decking does require maintenance if exposed to the elements. Under a verandah or Alfresco outdoor entertaining area for example, no where near as much. The same can be said for pavers. Out by a pool in all weather, unsealed pavers will become dirty and stain, undercover they’ll look better for longer without some love and attention.

If your decking is not oiled or stained it will go gracefully grey overtime. After a light sanding, a couple of coats of oil it will bring back its natural colour.

When most people talk decking, Merbau is the first choice, simply based on its colour. While it does have some initial bleeding of tannins issues, once sanded and cleaned before oiling with 2 coats, it’s definitely the more popular choice.
Having said that, people after a lighter looking timber deck, love Spotted Gum.

Note too, with the price of Jarrah dropping recently, you may prefer to have a Jarrah deck as the darker choice, especially if you have that inside your home.

All hardwood decking is pre-drilled with a countersink bit before screwing down. This is crucial to prevent splitting and to avoid the screw heads from sitting proud.

When seeking quotes, make sure your deck is screwed, not nailed and that each screw is placed in a pre-drilled hole.
We all too often see cheaper quotes given with the amateur DIY approach of using a nail gun. Saving a few dollars initially will cost you more soon after as the nails pop out and the wood splits.

As timber deck builders we are often asked this question. For decking boards, screws perform better than nails! Screws have better tensile strength and wont pop out, which is a common problem in decking that’s been nailed without pre-drilling. A nail gun has it’s place – away from your timber decking boards.

To retain the woods colour and characteristics, a deck should be sealed with 2 coats of a good quality decking oil. Not only will that help to provide protection from the weather, you’ll also avoid staining from spilt food and drinks.

Routine maintenance of your deck should be thought of in the same way as every other floor outside, and inside your home for that matter.

Simply sweep your deck to remove dirt and leaves on a regular basis. A high pressure water cleaner can be used to remove more stubborn debris.
Every year or so, especially if your deck is exposed to severe weather conditions, you can give it a light sand, apply a timber deck cleaning solution readily available at hardware stores then wipe on a couple of fresh coats of decking oil.

Most foods and drinks will not leave ghastly stains if wiped up with a wet cloth soon after the accident. Being oil based the oil will protect the wood from fatty BBQ accidents!