Hi, why don't you have a think about installing composite decking which will allow you to be level with the door sill without the worry of run-off into the house due to the 5mm gap between the boards. Composite doesn't required coating so the maintenance issues are significantly less, just a hose down and sweep or mop with water. You would still need to excavate approx. 250mm below the finished deck level to allow for the sub-frame but if you use treated pine framing with, either H4 stumps in concrete, or galvanised stirrups to anchor the framing into the soil. Check with your local decking pro for further advice and brand options. Generally, the USA made composites like Trex or Timbertech are better quality and the concealed fixing systems are easy to install. Your soil type may be the only issue with water, ie clay which retains water, or sand which tends to drain more quickly. Good luck

My favourite is the Curved edges - Carpenter Street. It creates a sense of wonder, almost cocoon-like. I can't wait to get in there and experience it for myself. I also like Beach canopy - Cozy Outdoor Living Room - yes, the view, but also the way it makes me feel. How hot does the Summer Classics - Club Woven aluminium decking get? Looks great and low-maintenance.

there are so many on the market. I have used a few of them. Where will you be using it? This might be the determining factor. For example Ekodeck is very good in a high moisture area. ( I used this for an internal courtyard with no direct sun and water issues) and it is performing well. Colour and the texture of board will be a factor to consider. Dont be scared to get a few samples and lay them in the area that the deck will be built to see how it looks at different times of the day. Are you looking for top fixing ( where you can see the screws) or concealed fixing? ( boards are layed on a clip track or have a small clip that screws down between the boards and locks into a groove in the edge of the board. Something to remember that all composite decking will need specific gaps to allow for movement. Failing to provide these could void any warranty. The good thing about composite decking is the will usually come in 5.4m lengths meaning you can sometimes get away with no joins which looks fantastic. Another way to avoid joins is by using a breaker board. Can you let me know a little bit more of what you are looking for and where it will be used and I would be happy to let you know my thoughts. Also the cost can vary quite a bit depending on the supplier. I can let you know where to get better prices.

Hi Kylie Decking is beautiful and there are pros and cons for composite v hardwood. We install both timber and composite for our clients and we like both. However, whichever you choose, its a lifestyle choice. One requires maintenance consistantly and the other is very low maintenance. We're based in WA so we don't recommend clients install BlackButt or Spotted Gum if exposed to any weather (a pergola is not rain proof) as those boards don't suilt the hot dry climate. In our experience of installing Spotted Gum and Blackbutt decks exposed to the weather in Perth and installed by other companies, is that these Eastern States timbers can split and warp if not very regularly re-oiled. However, if you're in the Eastern States, your climate may be better suited. We mainly install Merbau decking and sometimes WA Jarrah (for undercover areas). Merbau is a quality hardwood that doesn't tend to cup or split, although it still requires oiling regularly. There are many composite brands on the market and the main thing to remember is - you get what you pay for. There are very good brands, good brands and economical brands. We've installed most brands however we do tend to lean towards Trex, NewTechWood, Millboard, EvaLast and NexGen. These are all good brands with good warranties. We're not given commission by these brands if we recommend one over the other however, we install what we know is going to provide our clients with quality, longevity and create solutions over problems. Timber v a good quality composite: * Timber requires ongoing maintenance costing time and money. Composite might need a wash down once a year * Timber does not come with a product warranty depending on the supplier. A good composite brand will come with a 20+ year warranty * Most timbers are screwed or coil nailed (not advised) to the joists. Composite boards are secret nailed so you wont see nails or screws through the board * Timber is a 100% natural product and suits all styles of home. Composite has an element of plastic (a good brand may be 70% recycled timber + 30% recycled plastics) * Both timber and composite can scratch. Scratched timber may be sanded back (which takes a lot of work) to remove the scratch. A composite board, once stratched deeply, cannot be fixed. * Timber boards can cup, shrink, swell and crack. Composite boards to expand and contract length ways however a good brand should not shrink, cup or crack. * Composite can get hot on a 40 degree day. But, so can timber. Any surface will be hot on a hot day * Composite boards are smooth to walk on and come with slip ratings. Timber is lovely to walk on too however can become splintery if not maintained * Composite decking is more of a cost investment initially however if a 10L good tin of oil costs $250.00 perhaps twice a year as an ongoing cost plus your time to move your furniture, oil the deck and avoid deck use for 24 hours while the deck drys up to 4 times a year, the investments are almost the same. I hope this helps you make a decision. Best wishes! Regards, Castlegate Home Improvements