Decking materials, Other than timber, there are many other choices for decking Melbourne materials that you can choose from:
- Aluminum
- Composite
- Compressed fiber cement
- PVC
- Timber
These materials offer many benefits that timber cannot, such as being low-maintenance, highly resistant, and flexible in appearance. Timber is often the first thing that comes to mind when we think about decking. This is the most popular choice, but it does have its disadvantages. Even if you select the best timber for the deck, this is one of the most difficult options. You will need to sand and stain it regularly for it not to get damaged. These materials offer many benefits that timber cannot, such as being low-maintenance, highly resistant, and flexible in appearance.
Aluminum decking
Aluminum decking might not be the best choice because a metal heat up, which is not ideal for decking in Australia’s hot summers. You can make the metal non-slip with the right coating. Aluminum is extremely durable (it doesn’t crack, splinter or rot), and many companies offer a lifetime guarantee on their products. This means that maintenance is minimal. Aluminum also has the advantage of not burning, which is great news for properties that are located in areas susceptible to bushfires. Aluminum decking has a major disadvantage: it is noisier than other materials when wet or underfoot.
Composite decking
Composite decking can be made from a variety of ingredients such as bamboo, recycled wood pulp, and plastic. Although they look similar to timber decking, maintenance is less involved than with aluminum decking. Composite decking is more expensive than timber, but it lasts longer and stays in place better than timber. Composite decking is also easier to install than nailed-in. This makes them appear sleeker and eliminates the need for protruding nails.
Compressed fiber cement
Compressed fiber cement, another recent innovation in decking is also low-maintenance. Although it is more expensive than timber and composite decking, it is also less expensive than timber and composite. However, it is stronger and can withstand fire, insects, and weather damage. This is particularly useful in warmer and more humid areas of Australia. It is easy to paint or stain compressed fiber cement to alter its appearance.
PVC decking
PVC decking has many benefits. PVC’s appearance is very versatile. PVC can look like wood, or in any other color. It is quick and easy to put together and is extremely durable because it does not rot or get eaten up by bugs. One drawback to PVC is the sun’s long exposure. This can cause PVC colors to fade and eventually become brittle. PVC is difficult to repair so it may be time for a replacement.
Timber decking
Hardwoods
Although hardwood decking materials are the most durable, they tend to be more expensive than other types. Hardwood will last longer than any other timber, and some hardwoods are naturally termite-resistant. Redwood, cedar, and jar-rah are all common hardwoods. For more information, see this guide on spot gum decking as well as jar-rah-decking.
Softwoods
Because of their light color, softwoods are an economical option for timber decking. Treated pine is the most popular softwood. Regular deck maintenance is necessary for softwoods to prevent splitting, cracking, and splintering or warping.
Comparison of decking materials
Each decking material has its pros and cons. Some people are more concerned about the appearance of a decking material than others. For many, timber is hard to beat. Timber can be more costly than other options and can succumb too many factors, such as termites, fires, and rot. It’s also one of the most difficult materials to maintain. These issues are mostly solved by common decking options, but no single product can solve them all. Even if it is close to the solution, you must also consider the higher price. Most people believe that wood is the only choice when building a deck. There are many options, and some you might not have considered before.