Three Crucial Considerations for Selecting Timber for Outdoor Decking
If you are planning on installing new timber decking on your property, you should purchase the best wood for your building work. Typically, your choice of timber will determine the durability of the structure and its general appeal. If you are uncertain about the best lumber for your project, you should consider the factors below before purchase.
Durability
You should check the durability rating of different types of timber during the selecting of building materials. The durability refers to the lifespan of the wood under ideal circumstances. If the wood has a low durability rating, it will deteriorate naturally due to natural decomposition after some time. Ideally, you should choose hard or high-density lumber if you are looking for exceptional durability. For example, ironbark, jarrah and merbau are highly rated for durability because of their intrinsic hardness. However, you should note that these materials are difficult to work with and the material cost is quite high. You should have your wood vendor provide the specifications of the timber materials for thorough analysis. The specifications should include the durability rating of different types of wood.
Resistance
You should evaluate the ability of the available timber materials to resist degradation when exposed to adverse conditions. For instance, lumber is vulnerable to moisture and insects such as termites. However, the level of resistance will vary depending on the specific wood. It is essential to ensure that your selected wood can withstand adversities. You can choose hardwood materials with natural oils and insect repellent properties for the optimal performance of your deck. Unfortunately, these premium materials are expensive. If you would like to cut your deck building costs, you can choose softwood like pine. However, you should ensure the material is treated to resist the harsh outdoor conditions and potentially harmful pests.
Appearance
You should evaluate the appearance of different types of wood before purchasing timber for your outdoor deck. One of the important factors to think about is the colour of the lumber. Ideally, the shade of your building material should complement the design and colour scheme of your home. If you cannot find your preferred hue, you should consider the possibility of staining or colouring to achieve the desired effect. You should also examine the number and type of imperfections on the wood. Knots can give your decking character. However, if there are too many imperfections, the appeal of the deck will be compromised. Therefore, you must find the best balance for ideal aesthetics.