TIMBER DECKING (SPECIES & SIZES)

When a timber deck is incorporated into a landscape plan, it can improve the total development of a property. Timber decks exted and enhance outdoor space into comlete living, entertaining and leisure areas. Decks can be used to complement a swimming pool or BBQ area, especially with the addition of a timber pergola and screen fence. A deck may simply be built to improve the appearance of a home.

Modwood

TIMBER DECKING (SPECIES & SIZES)
PERFORMANCE OF WEATHER EXPOSED DECKING DURABILITY
All decking timbers stocked by Tait Timber and Hardware are naturally durable and have Class 1 and 2 durability ratings. Timber durability ratings relate to heartwood deterioration due to decay (fungal) or termites and are rated on in ground contact conditions. The sapwood of any specie is classified as non durable. Being durable does not stop timber against rapid wetting and drying, and the resulting expansion/shrinkage. Different species also react differently under these conditions and we recommend you seek our advice when choosing wide board decking.

DECKING MOVEMENT IN SERVICE
Decking timber is kiln dried to under 18% moisture content and when exposed to weather are subjected to alternate periods of wetting and drying which can cause:

1.Board expansion or board shrinkage
2.Splitting of boards – particularly at board ends and nail fixing points
3.Surface checking or face splitting
4.Distortion or twisting
5.Cupping

TIMBER PROTECTION - DECKING FINISHES AND TREATMENTS
Tait recommend that all external timbers should be finished with an exterior grade finish to reduce the effect of rapid wetting and drying of the decking (and other exterior) timbers.
External timber finishes can generally divided into 2 broad categories:
1.Solvent (oil) based
2.Water based In addition to this, timber stain finishes are available as:
3.Lightly pigmented – semi transparent
4.Heavily pigmented – solid coloured stains
Tait recommend and stock “Cabots” and “Intergrain” decking finishes

STOCKS
Tait stock a wide range of decking timbers in a range of versatile sizes at both stores.
It should be noted that wide boards are more reactive to swelling or shrinking than narrow boards and should be a definite consideration in large deck areas.

Tait Timber can also supply Modwood "the easy alternative" to timber decking.