Decking design guide

When it comes to designing decking, a bit of creativity and courage definitely go a long way. Find out what kinds of things should guide your thinking when you're deciding on decking designs.

Not all timbers are suitable for all aspects of the construction of pergolas and gazebos. Some may be ideal for infills, but not for structural beams. Likewise, not all timbers suit all climates.

Are they for traction? For looks? To keep the boards dry? Or are they there for a different reason altogether? Find out why decks have grooves, and which way they're supposed to face.

Decking looks pretty simple, but don't let that fool you - there's quite a bit of effort that goes into designing and building a safe, durable deck. Read on to find out how decks are made.

Properly cleaning and oiling your deck will help to bring out its natural colours and make it look like new. Find out the best way to go about it.

Decks can be used for many things - and designed in a number of different ways to suit different purposes. Find out about freestanding decks, pool decks, multi-leveled decks, handrails, infills and more.

Decking can be made from all sorts of different timbers, and can be coloured, stained and weatherproofed using decking oils and treatments. Find out more about each, and their particular properties.

Merbau, also known as kwila and ipil, is a tropical timber which inhabits mangrove forests. Merbau is attractive and termite resistant, although its use has a considerable environmental impact.

Jarrah is a native eucalypt from Western Australia, which is valued as a durable, termite and weather resistant hardwood. Jarrah has a beautiful, uniform and long lasting deep red grain.

Bamboo decking is relatively new but increasingly popular, and considered to be environmentally friendly and sustainable. Good bamboo is extremely tough, and is naturally repellant to termites.

Treated pine is in plentiful supply, and is very affordable. It offers a 'softer' feel underfoot than some other types of wood. Pine must be properly treated to prevent termites and weather damage.

Cypress is the name given to a range of different species of conifer. Cypress is durable, stable and resistant to termites and insects, and offers a range of attractive colour options.

Red Gum refers to a number of Australian species (most commonly River Red Gum). Red gum offers beautiful hues and graining, and is rot and termite resistant but may degrade with humidity changes.

Spotted gum, also known as Lemon-Scented Gum, is native to coastal areas in eastern Australia. As decking, it is attractive, tough and fade-resistant, and be stained and finished quite easily.

Silvertop Ash, also known as Coast Ash, is native to Australia. It is sustainably grown readily available, and is strong and durable. Silvertop Ash is not as resistant to termites as some other timbers.

Composite decking is a type of decking material normally composed of plastics, timber and sawdust. Composite decking is designed to look like wood, requires very little maintenance and is quite strong.

uPVC decking is a plastic alternative to timber and composite decking and cladding materials. It comes in a wide range of styles and colours and requires very little maintenance.

Decking oil is a type of oil used to penetrate and protect timber decking from the elements and general deterioration. Decking oil can be used to rejuvenate timber and restore its natural colour.

A number of different stains, paints and acrylic treatments can be applied to timber, both to improve the way it looks and to help to make it more resistant to weather and termites.

Freestanding decks are decks that don't attach directly to your home or any other fixed structure. Freestanding decks offer a good way to create a stable living area separate from your house.