You’re planning on installing a deck in the backyard, except you’ve realised how expensive it can be. Making sure your deck lasts as long as possible comes down to how it is made, as Rod Schiefelbein, a composite decking industry expert, explains. This is especially important when it comes to issues such as maintenance, deck rot due to rain exposure, and stability weakness from general wear and tear. Choosing composite decking – like those from Trex – instead of real wood can make a world of difference when it comes to investing in a deck that will last.
With recent data from HiPages estimating that a deck can cost anywhere from $200-$1000 per square metre, it’s essential to start with good quality advice as early on as possible. Speaking to Rod about deck materials and making them last, he offers his tips to reduce the chances of deck rot and rusting joinery.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Decking is an expensive investment, and choosing the wrong material can result in deck rot and other damage.
- Composite decking company Trex is ideal for harsh Australian weather and protects against rain and wetter climates.
- Trex decking also resists mould and won’t rot, making it the ideal choice for deck investment.
1. Keep it dry
Trex decking is 100% submersible, fire resistant and uses SunComfortable technology to mitigate heat. This makes it the perfect option for a range of Aussie weather, from coastal downpours to hotter temperatures. Composite decking resists fading, scratching and mould – and won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter, making the ideal choice for investment in a long-term outdoor space.
Rod recommends considering not just your decking material, but also what’s underneath: “Just as you don’t like being out in the rain, neither do the joists on your deck. When wet, joists and fasteners can warp and rust. Choose materials like galvanised steel or aluminium to reduce the chance of breakdown, and place joists out of the rain where possible.”
2. Insert screws carefully
“If you insert your screws into wood too forcefully, it can cause the joist to split at the source. The crack in the joist will expand in the Australian elements, resulting in little ‘wells’ where water can enter and sit, causing corrosion on the screw.” Luckily for those with a Trex deck, you need not worry about screws and plugs.
Trex plugs are made from the same 95% recycled material as their decking, making it more leak-proof than standard wooden decks. The tri-lobe design of their screws minimises any potential for mushrooming.
3. Prepare and protect
“The life of any structure will be shortened when surrounded by moistened, rotting wood – regardless of what screws and fasteners you use! Invest in a deck that can outperform standard wood, especially when it comes to wet, moist conditions.
“If you’re going to include pot plants on your deck, move them around regularly and never place them over screws or fasteners. This will ensure wet patches don’t form underneath the pots and trickle down to the metal,” says Rod.
