When it comes to Decking Melbourne wide, wood is a great option because of its versatility. However, there are also downsides to wood. These include the weight of the wood and the risk of rot and mould. When building your deck on top of old outdoor flooring or concrete, you run the risk of structural damage. For these reasons, you should always build on grade when building your deck. If you’re considering applying timber decking to your home, it’s important to know exactly what mistakes you can make that will decrease the quality of your deck. Find out in this article what the most common mistakes are and how to avoid them!
GETTING THE SIZE WRONG
The correct size for timber decking is tricky to figure out. You have to measure the area covered with planks and use them to calculate how many you will need. The more complicated it is, the more lumber you need. When you have the wrong size, the boards will sag under their weight and cause problems like popping nails and splitting wood.
USING SOFTWOOD DECKING
Not using any type of moulding when adding timber decking to your structure is one of the worst mistakes that you can make. Softwood decking should always be attached with a structural adhesive. This ensures that the decking stays securely and won’t detach from the rest of your building like laminate or OSB.
SETTING ALL DECKING BOARDS TOO CLOSE
One common mistake people make is placing their decking boards too closely together. The friction of the boards rubbing against each other causes heat to build up, and this can cause the wood to dry out and crack. This will make it much more difficult for you to maintain your deck.
NOT SEALING DECKING
It’s important to seal your wood to avoid moisture from entering. This can cause rotting and mould if not handled properly.
SKIPPING TOOLS
Skimming your decking does not make it look as good, but it can also damage the wood fibres of your deck and/or flooring. Keep these in mind when you’re considering a new project.
INVESTING IN POOR FIXTURES AND FITTINGS
Many people mistake buying cheap fixings such as screws, nails, and boards rather than investing in good quality timber to build their deck. This is a huge mistake that can have major consequences on the quality of the construction. A poorly constructed timber deck will result in rotting and water damage because it won’t have been built properly. This means that you’ll have to replace your entire deck any time you want to add more features or remove them. Luckily, investing in quality materials would be worth it later on.
AFFIXING LEDGER BOARDS BADLY
Ledger boards are a popular choice among homeowners who want to add extra aesthetics to their homes. However, many homeowners mistake attaching them poorly and end up having to replace them. They often attach them too tightly or improperly, leading to unsightly gaps that can’t be hidden. If you’re not careful, this could cause moisture issues between the ledger board and the decking.
NOT CALLING IN PROFESSIONAL HELP
Timber decking is a great way to make your backyard or patio look beautiful. However, it’s important to call in professional help when you need it. You can construct a timber decking project independently, but many mistakes could potentially cause the deck to fall apart.
Wrapping up,
There are no shortcuts in timber Decking Melbourne wide. It is a great patio option. If you’re thinking about building one, don’t skimp on the materials. If your timber decking material is starting to rot or feels spongy, it’s best to replace it with something more durable and structurally sound.
