Replacement for overshadowed outdoor deck that is rotting
We have an overshadowed outdoor deck area that replaced a large portion of our small back garden where grass would not grow. Despite being in Sydney, Australia and facing north, in winter our deck does not dry out. Planks are now rotting and the deck is dangerous in parts. About 5 years after it was first built the decking boards need replacing - but not the substructure we hope. We are looking for advice and experiences of alternative decking materials that:
1. are attractive
2. will hold up to the wear and tear of 2 Staffordshire terriers (rules out products which scratch easily like Modwood)
3. are low maintenance (not keen on painting it yearly, though staining it may be ok if the boards don't need to be removed and stained or painted both sides)
4. will not become slippery when wet or become mouldy or mossy.
The current structure is low to the ground and over dirt with steel posts, H4 treated pine bearers that do not touch the ground, and H3 treated pine decking boards attached to the posts. Treated pine was an economic choice. We hoped the boards would grey but they have largely turned green, slippery and unattractive. Ag piping is laid throughout the deck substructure and leads into a drain installed when we built the deck. Despite what we have done to retain porosity and improve drainage, we fear it is not enough and we need to increase this. However, we are not certain this will be sufficient to stop the decking boards from rotting.
To maintain sufficient porous area in our garden we are unable to concrete the ground beneath the deck or to cover the deck. We have a large covered deck abutting this deck, built of spotted gum decking boards and bearers (a hardwood), stained and built over a concrete base which slopes gently towards a the same drain. This deck is great and has no problems.
Photos show the problematic deck and trees which overshadow it. The photos were taken at 5.30pm 22/1, with sun from the west getting to the deck. All trees are to the north and NE of the deck, so fully block winter sunlight. Note that we do not have control of any of the large trees - they are on neighbours land. We previously explored pruning the trees but this would be costly and ongoing, we believe.
Any ideas? Any experiences that might help us? We'd love to hear from you...
BTW, we would have loved to use a high quality artificial grass in this area but our high amount of leaf/tree litter, lower porosity of AG than our current deck and tendency for shaded AG to grow mould or algae (we hear) probably means this is not a viable option.
Comments (14)
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what is the best kind of decking timber in Australia
Comments (21)I have miles of decking at two houses. All timber when put in the Australian sun will suffer. When building our beach house we decided to go for Spotted Gum and let it grey. Why fight it? We applied Cutek, and will on a regular basis. At our main house we have lots of Merabu or Quilla. Will not grey the same, and leaches lots of red stain. Cheap, but would not use again. What ever you use, use a good quality oil that seeps deep into the wood not a traditional stain/or top finishing product....See MoreRevamping outdoor area
Comments (9)Hi guys , you are about to embark on a major renovation that will enhance your lifestyle which is great . I would highly recommend that you engage a professional landscape designer to maximise your investment . The long term benefits will definitely outweigh the relatively small investment of a couple of thousand dollars on a great design of the spaces and how they will bring the most fun and enjoyment to your family , and at the same time increase the value of your home . Step one is to seriously consider your budget , and then get a great design that maximises every dollar . Your budget will drive your overall design concepts and your construction priorities . This is even more reason to be working with a good design plan which will guide you through the whole process and keep you on track . The plan will manage your trades and keep the project true to the overall design objectives . From a design perspective , your suggested black and grey colour scheme would work if you are going to render and /or paint over your house brick , so that the actual home is modernised as part of the total project . If you are not going to do that , then maybe you would consider a lighter but still modern colour scheme for your outdoor structures . You can still trim with touches of black . The black pool fence is designed to make the structure visually disappear , so I am not sure if you should be choosing black as your dominant outdoor colour as dark structures also are hard to see in bright sunshine , plus they are harsh on the eyes up close . But black trim added to lighter thicker timber pergolas can add a sophisticated and elegant detail line . Have you had your pools pressure relief valve checked to make sure the concrete shell doesn't pop out of the ground whilst the pool is empty ? Your photos show that the view from inside your home out to the pool area takes your eyes beyond the pool area and into the distance . A good landscape design and placement of outdoor structures will help you bring your outdoor pool areas " back to the house " . Also choosing appropriate planting will be an important part of creating your own little paradise at home . Don't be scared to create some visual vertical barriers as they will give a beautiful private resort feel to your home , and they will actually make the outdoor pool area seem larger , but cosy . Carefully look at the orientation of everything that is designed for your outdoor spaces , as your pool area is exposed , so shade and weather protection are crucial as part of the design. Lastly , I hope you guys read my comments as constructive input and not negative , as I am just trying to help you consider the " big picture " with your home and investment . If you do it well , you will have great fun and maximise your dollars . Good luck Glenn...See MoreDon't unstained decks rot?
Comments (6)The stain contains oils which penetrate the timber surface. This protects the surfaces rather than allowing it to deteriorate. Paint is a protective surface on the surface of the timber. Un-oiled they will deteriorate slowly rather than rotting. Rotting is caused by being damp for extended periods (regularly for months, years, etc.). Some timbers are better than others for outdoors. Treated pine (H4) will last for years in the ground. Untreated un-oiled pine not long at all. There are many old farm sheds that are clad in untreated & un-oiled timbers and they're still surviving. I've seen many old decks that need decking boards replacing due to being left un-maintained. A deck area has little protection from the elements so needs continuace maintenance....See MoreOutdoor design
Comments (3)It seem like you have western sun on the back of the house due to the blinds in you patio photo. To combat this the new roof could be angled low on the west and high over the house as in a fly over roof. Maybe shade sail over the spa attached to the patio roof and lots of tropical plants. It is hard to guess from the photos but if you link the two areas with decking & add gardens surrounding it for shelter. Do you need a fence around the spa? Others have said that the composite decking is good and it won't rot like timber or at least is low maintenance for a wet area....See More- 8 years agolast modified: 8 years ago
- 8 years agolast modified: 8 years ago
PRO8 years ago- 8 years ago
PRO8 years agolast modified: 8 years ago- 8 years ago
PRO8 years agoairflow is certainly a concern. Water gets trapped under and the decking will soak it up. Millboard Decking however is the only board that doesn't have a component of timber fiber. This means that it will not rot/swell etc and wont need airflow.
Also the surface is non porous ensuring that no moss will grow on it which keeps it clean and non slippery.
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