By PETER MURRAY 

Decking choices are many: they include mahogany, composites, and plastics. 

However, the much-favoured choice, based on durability, or ease of installation, accessibility, natural appearance and economy, is, of course, pressure-treated wood. 

The choices, again, are many — and, this encompasses a “new wood” that has received a host of rave reviews in the media. 

Decks are dime-a-dozen — and, they are, quite simply, one practical and lively asset for anyone. No wonder, they are so well loved — a fundamental part of almost 28 per cent of all homes in Australia, to cull one example. 

In terms of their presence, decks may have a much higher percentage in suburban neighbourhoods. Not only that. The actual value of a deck, and that of the economic worth when a home is resold, depends largely on the apparent charm, or magnetism, of the deck.

It, of course, goes without saying, that, the true magnificence of a deck, in its all-decked-up glory, depends on the materials used, besides craftsmanship and maintenance. 

The Basics

Do you know what is smart choice for entertainingly great outdoor living? Simple. Backyard decks. Decks are not only cosy: they posses more than a brace of roles to play. As a private relief, or central theme to a party, even celebration. More than that, they are close to home, and convert themselves to cash when needed — in other words, they return as much money as it would have cost one to build them, in the first instance.

Since the mid-1970s, traditional treated wood, such as Wolmanized Wood and Outdoor Wood, has been used expansively. Traditional treated wood is ideal choice, because it resists damage from termites and decay. As a matter of fact, most manufacturers offer a lifetime guarantee in consonance to a lifetime of the purchaser in both residential and agricultural pursuits.

There is nothing quite like Natural Select Wood — a new type of preserved wood that has comparable longevity — even if it uses a totally different kind of preservative solution… one that is protected by a copper-based preservative with an organic fungicide. It also carries a lifetime warranty. Wood treated with this preservative has been used extensively — for nearly a decade in Europe alone. This is not all. It also makes an ideal choice, especially in areas where regulations or environmental concerns generate a ready, or populist, plea for a choice — traditional treated wood.

Wood Matters 

Photo Courtesy: www.kirsch-korff.com

It does not matter what wood you use, but the important point is you should bear in mind the differences in lumber grades. We all know that preservatives make wood last longer, irrespective of the fact whether the wood is lower-grade material with knots and missing corners, or higher-grade material with a few flaws.

So, make it a rule of the thumb — your own — to select the grade of lumber you need. It’s a simple exercise, because the grade is marked on the wood, and also on the store’s price tags. You may earmark the more expensive, higher-grades for visible parts of the deck. You may opt for lowcost, or lower-grade lumber, where adorability isn’t the real decisive factor. 

Note: It is best to create a cooking area far from seating and tête-à-tête spots. It is also recommended that you add built-in serving areas and storage cabinets. Next — use stone and other rugged materials to presage that cleaning is as easy as a breeze, a zephyr, by hosing down the expanse. 

Class Tells 

We all know that preserved wood lasts — lasts really long. All the same, it is also good workmanship — or, the opposite of it — that will quite stand out, to lift your spirits, or bring them down. Most of us would want to finish a deck quickly, so it can be put into use, for enjoyment, as soon as possible. This maybe counterproductive. The wisest thing to do is: build slowly, carefully, and consciously. You’d be happy for it — more so, in the long run. 

Don’t always go for “hammer” and “tongs.” 

You may use nails generously, all right — three across a 2×6 board. Also, make sure that the hardware is hot-dipped galvanised, or well-protected. “When it rains, it stains.” See to it that the weather does not lead to rust streaks on the wood.  Opt for screws, though they take a longer time to drive than nails. But, the fact is: they hold boards firmly. They also allow for easier removal and also eliminate scarred spots caused by your hammer and tongs. 

Maintenance 

Whatever the type of deck you have — be it simple, or sophisticated — it needs maintenance. There are no two ways about it. If a product says “maintenance-free,” remember it is all hogwash. Dust, staining, UV rays from sunlight, and also moisture, take their toll even on the toughest of champion products. Make maintenance a pleasure, not drudgery. Also, remember that wood stains and surface water repellents may add substantially to the long-term aesthetic quality, or nature, of a wood deck. You also need different maintenance methods for different types of decks. Besides, the wide variety of choices in coatings may also embrace as many recommendations from their manufacturers. Check manufacturers’ brochures, or their Website/s, for detailed information. 

Get The Best 

Since your familial and social gatherings hinge on two things — your backyard deck and your barbecue grill — you ought to be particular. You need to chisel an entertaining environment on your outdoor living space with a creative flavour, or intent. 

You’d use a semi-transparent stain or clear finish on the floorboards. Likewise, you’d opt for a solid colour on the railings of your deck. This idea would provide you with the famous two-toned effect, something like the good, old Sepia for photographs. It is small surprise that more and more people are using the most popular finish of them all — white railings combined with dark floorboards.

Your personality could also speak for itself on your deck. Also, your favourite colour choice and also tastes. Using a deck stain allows you to “spray” your deck with a splash of colour, while masquerading minor blemishes in the wood. Yes, your preferred stain adds a tinge of colour, all right; it also allows the natural wood grain to revel through, as it were.

You’d, obviously, know that solid stain provides complete coverage. It also masks the more conspicuous defects and foot-worn areas. Solid colours often create great new looks — not just the two-coloured effect, but also checkerboards and stencils. One best way to engineer a patchwork pattern is painter’s tape. It can help create a pattern on the floor, which you’d use to “stain-apply” on the exposed areas. Make sure to remove the tape and stain, once you sense that that typical dry-feel effect has set in.