|
|
Decking
A B O U T T I M B E R D E C K I N G Timspec offers a range of Hardwood decking. Species include Kwila, Vitex, Saligna and Jarrah. Considerations to be aware of in making a choice are: lengths available, moisture content, durability, profile, bleeding, splintering, hardness, width of board, as well as cost.
Lengths Available
Generally, decking is only sold on a mixed length specification, this means that if you order 100 linear metres, you will get a range of lengths.
Certain species such as Kwila, Radiata, Western Red Cedar and Yellow Cedar have very good length specifications, so you can expect a nice mix of short, medium and long lengths. Other timbers such as Jarrah and Vitex, have short length specifications, so expect lots of shorter lengths and few longer ones. Short lengths are not normally a problem as the installer would usually scatter the shortest lengths around the deck so they are not too obvious.
Moisture Content
Timber swells and shrinks as it gains/loses moisture from the environment. If you are ordering decking timber, make sure it has an appropriate moisture content (usually Air Dried is sufficient, but some timbers may need to be Kiln Dried).
Durability
Durability is explained in more detail on our Durability page, but basically you need to make sure your deck will last. For example we would not recommend using Macrocarpa for decking, because the boards may have Sap on the edge that will decay very quickly.
Profile
Generally decking is usually available Reeded One Face (also known as Griptread) which has a Smooth back, but a Smooth on both faces option may also be available. You should think about whether you want a Reeded Face (better for grip in the wet) or a Smooth Face (cleaner looking deck).
Bleeding
All timber will bleed, that is leech a coloured dye when in contact with water. But for most timbers the amount of bleeding is minimal and will have no effect. However Kwila bleeds a lot, and the dye that leeches out will stain surrounding concrete and plaster.
Fixing
It is recommended that only annular grooved nails are used for fixing decking to joists. This is because as the timber naturally swells and shrinks, it may push up a smooth shanked nail. It is also recommended (but not as common in practice) to pre-drill all nails. Another important note is that where possible nails should be in an offset pattern so that two nails are not in a straight line perpendicular to the board, but are aligned on a 45 degree angle.
| Species | Durability
Class | Movement
In Use | Bleeding | Splintering | Length
Specification | Notes | | Balau | 2 | 2.0 - 4.0% | Low | Medium | 1.8 - 5.4M (3.0M avg) | Watch splintering
May contain pinhole | | Belian | 1 | 1.0 - 2.0% | Low | Low | 1.8 - 5.4M (3.0M avg) | | | Jarrah | 2 | 5.0 - 7.5% | Low | Low | 0.9 - 5.4M (2.4M avg) | Watch swelling | | Kwila | 2 | 1.5 - 3.0% | High | Low | 1.8 - 5.4M (3.0M avg) | Watch bleeding | | Macrocarpa | 2 - 3 | 3.0 - 5.0% | Low | Low | 1.8 - 5.4M (2.7M avg) | Not recommended | | Pilularis/Blackbutt | 2 | 4.0 - 7.0% | Low-Medium | Low | 1.8 - 4.5M (2.7M avg) | Watch swelling | | Radiata (treated) | 2 | 3.0 - 4.5% | Low | Medium | 1.8 - 6.0M (3.0M avg) | More likely to
check and splinter | | Rosewood | 1 | 1.0 - 2.0% | Low-Medium | Low | 1.5 - 4.5M (2.4M avg) | | | Saligna | 2 - 3 | 5.0 - 9.0% | Low-Medium | Low | 1.8 - 4.5M (2.7M avg) | Watch swelling | | Vitex | 2 | 2.0 - 4.0% | Low-Medium | Low | 1.5 - 3.6M (2.4M avg) | Shorter lengths | | Western Red Cedar | 2 | 1.5 - 3.0% | Low | Low-Medium | 1.8 - 6.0M (3.0M avg) | | | Yellow Cedar | 1 | 3.0 - 6.0% | Low | Low | 1.8 - 4.8M (3.3M avg) | |
E C O F R I E N D L Y D E C K I N G O P T I O N S.jpg) VitexVitex is a durable timber from the Solomon Islands that bleeds less than Kwila. However, it is shorter, and generally comes in 1.8 to 3.6M lengths with an average of 2.4M.
Vitex (Community Based Logging)
Community based logging is an approach where the local communities and villages mill the timber themselves. The bonuses of this method are less impact from heavy machinery and more money being returned to the local economy.Eco Vitex
We also have Eco-Vitex available which comes from VETE (Village Eco Timber Enterprise) in the Solomon Islands. VETE are a local group who are working with a number of international organisations (NGO’s) to help villagers grow and maintain their forests in a sustainable way by selectively logging and also by not using large intrusive machinery.For more information about Eco-Forestry see: http://www.greenpeace.org/new-zealand/campaigns/ancient-forests/protecting-paradise-forests/eco-forestryYellow CedarThis species is very durable and commonly used across North America for decking. Grown on the West Coast of Alaska and Canada in responsibly managed forests it is more ecologically friendly than tropical timbers. It is currently available in Dressing Grade which allows more defects, mainly sound and intergrown knots.M O R E P H O T O S
Check out our Photo Gallery for better quality copies of the photos on this page, as well as other decking photos.B U I L D E R S A N D I N S T A L L E R S
Take a look at our installers list below. This is a list of Builders whom we supply, please consider using them when you undertake your next project.
Please note that because we are unable to inspect all their work, we cannot vouch for their workmanship.
| Installers |
Alfresco Landscape Construction
St Martins
Christchurch
|
Ph:
021 508991
alfresco@clear.net.nz
|
| Installers of high quality hardwood timber decking, stairs and handrails. Full design advice and service available. Manufacturers of custom made cedar gates. |
|
Urban Building Products
Albany
North Shore City
|
Ph:
09 4145567
info@deckjak.co.nz
www.deckjak.co.nz
|
| Urban Building Products is the manufacturer & supplier of the Deck Jak™ Tile Support System and Hardwood Timber Panels. Deck Jaks™ are adjustable supports designed to provide a level pedestrian surface whilst also allowing level entry. They are used to support tiles, pavers, natural stone, timber panels & the more traditional floating decks. |
|
|
|
 | Page | 1 |
|
|