Frequiently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Hardwood or Softwood Decks?

By choosing the right timber you can save yourself alot of trouble and time on maintenance. Softer timbers wear and tear much quicker due to the exposed elements of nature, such as rain and sun. Hardwoods are more durable and suited and have a much longer life span. Most hardwoods are not treated and dont need to be treated. They have natural toxins that aid against wood rot, thats the beauty of a hardwood.

How to maintain the natural colour of your timber

Some people love the colour of natural timber and prefer to keep it that way. This is when the maintenance begins. The UV rays from the sun will oxidise any timber to a silver grey colour. To prevent the timber from oxidising one needs to protect it with an treatment product with a UV protector, such as a sealer or an oil. Dependant on the product, one would have to apply it as per the instructions, which could be as frequent as twice a year, or as little as once every two years. This also depends on the amount of sunlight and foot traffic over the timber.

Painted, Varnished or Oiled Finish?

The finish you choose has a major role to play in the maintenance of your deck. Our experience is that you get a much longer life span from using a oil rather than an sealer, again depending on the product. The reason for this is that the UV protection is much stronger in a oil than an sealer and also provides a stronger weather resistant barrier. A colour tint in the oil will give further UV resistance. ie a Mahogany tint will stand the test of time better than a clear. Big Decks product of choice is Woodock Deck Dressing.

Can I enlarge my existing deck?

Depending on the final design that you want for your deck, you may be able to add to your existing structure. It may be necessary to have plans approved by an engineer. The existing deck should be checked to verify that the structure and materials are sound. Rotten wood will need to be replaced. If you don’t want to have to keep replacing your wooden deck every 10 years you could choose to replace it with the highest quality of lumber.

Which deck design works for my space?

The type of deck you decide upon ultimatately and what you need from the deck space, depends on the type of house you have. The design of your house can lead to hundreds of possibilities regarding the deck you choose. If you have a two story house you have the possibility for a two story deck with stairs. If your house is one story, or you’re only able to make a porch-style deck on your bottom, floor that can be worked with too

Which type of decking is right for you?

There are many types of decking material to choose from such as wood, composite, PVC, and aluminium. Wooden decking gives you the classic material. Composite decking/PVC is newer and offers far more options for customization. Aluminum decking won’t burn your bare feet in warm weather and is completely recyclable. They all have different benefits regarding quality, bug resistance, sustainability, etc. Contact us to find out which type of decking material is right for you.

Ready to get a FREE quote?

We are always happy to put our extensive deck building experience into providing you a free, no obligations and accurate quote for your deck. Either contact us directly on the phone number below, send us an email, or complete the contact form and we'll be sure to be in touch within 48 hours. Our promise to you - a reasonable, practical and accurate design and quote for completing your deck.