A deck is a fantastic way to add value to your outside area. In this article, we will look at decking in all its glory and explore a variety of great decking projects for your home.
Tiles
If you already have an existing deck, or if you are looking for something different, adding tiles can provide a great way to spruce it up.
Tiles are available in a variety of materials, including terracotta, glass and ceramics, and can be customised into an arrangement that will uniquely represent you.
Polished Concrete
Polished concrete provides a heavier and more durable decking material than timber and would look especially great in a contemporary home.
Its hardness and strength, paired with polished concrete planners, will add a unique touch of modernity to any outside area.
Aluminium
A sheet metal deck is made of ideal decking material. Unlike wood-based decks, it does not attract wood-loving bugs such as termites. As it is made of extremely durable material, it will also not splinter, rot or crack, and it is treated to be incredibly weather, slip, peel, bug, and mould-resistant.
When compared to timber options, it is also considerably stronger – being able to hold more than 3 times the weight than timber can, while also being significantly lighter.
Come summer-time, aluminium will also be the most heat-resistant, as it is able to dissipate heat better than timber and concrete can.
Timber
If you’re after a classic and beautiful deck, you can’t go wrong with timber. The variety of timber options means that you can choose your colour, treatment and size accordingly. Some timbers, such as the Tropical Hardwoods, are extremely durable and provide a gorgeous finish to an outdoor area.
Others, like Redwood and Cedar, offer a rich colour and classic beauty. However, they require annual treatment and may not be as resistant to weather and bugs as the other alternatives on the market.
Many deckers tend to go with the classic pressure-treated lumber, known for its green tint. However, although it is affordable, accessible and easy to cut, it is also demanding. It requires annual treatment, and is very prone to warping, splitting and splintering.
Unlike Redwood and Cedar, it is not naturally preserved; pressure-treated lumber is treated with chemicals.
Composites and Plastic Lumber
A composite deck is a new idea which involves building a deck made of both wood and plastic.
Plastic lumber is highly resistant to decay, splintering and cracking, while composites are extremely stain and weather-resistant, making them an ideal choice for a new take on traditional decking.
However, although they are low maintenance and do not require annual staining and treatments, they can also eventually show signs of decay, mould-growth or insect interest.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this article, or about good quality sheet metal in Brisbane, we at Queensland Sheet Metal would be happy to help. Feel free to call us on 07 3267 1010 or contact us online.