5 Decking Materials That Will Stop the Rot
Deck out an outdoor area with a low-maintenance material that can withstand time, termites and all kinds of weather
Timber decks look great, but they can be prone to rot if not properly maintained and looked after. Luckily there are a number of alternatives that offer the same good looks as timber, but with far less maintenance. So forget the re-sanding, re-oiling, re-varnishing and re-painting, and choose a low-maintenance alternative that will endure the weather, time, termites and fading without help. Here are five options to deck out your outdoor space.
Another great attribute of composite decking is that it’s less likely to rot or splinter. Plus, it’s resistant to termites, able to withstand the Australian weather and climate, and is a great choice for coastal regions and around swimming pools.
The outdoor area pictured here is laid with ModWood, a durable and sustainable composite decking made from a mixture of ground wood waste and recycled plastic milk bottles. It contains no formaldehydes and comes in a range of sizes, colours and finishes.
Why decks top the lot
The outdoor area pictured here is laid with ModWood, a durable and sustainable composite decking made from a mixture of ground wood waste and recycled plastic milk bottles. It contains no formaldehydes and comes in a range of sizes, colours and finishes.
Why decks top the lot
2. Porcelain pavers
Porcelain pavers are a versatile outdoor surface that can resemble wood decking. But in contrast to natural wood decking, they are fade- and stain-resistant, durable against scuffs and scratches, and very low maintenance.
Porcelain pavers can be installed onto grass and gravel using conventional mortar or raised installation systems. This outdoor area has pavers that look like elegant timber planks around the swimming pool.
Porcelain pavers are a versatile outdoor surface that can resemble wood decking. But in contrast to natural wood decking, they are fade- and stain-resistant, durable against scuffs and scratches, and very low maintenance.
Porcelain pavers can be installed onto grass and gravel using conventional mortar or raised installation systems. This outdoor area has pavers that look like elegant timber planks around the swimming pool.
Porcelain pavers generally just need a wash with water or diluted detergent, although more stubborn stains may require some additional effort to remove.
3. Metal grating
Metal grates can be an affordable and low-maintenance choice for a deck, as well as being weather- and fire-resistant.
This deck has bar grating, which has a strength-to-weight ratio that makes it an efficient choice of material. It is straightforward to install, only requires a minimal support structure to hold it aloft, and can be used for long, unsupported spans. Its openness also means that water and light can filter to spaces or plants below.
Metal grates can be an affordable and low-maintenance choice for a deck, as well as being weather- and fire-resistant.
This deck has bar grating, which has a strength-to-weight ratio that makes it an efficient choice of material. It is straightforward to install, only requires a minimal support structure to hold it aloft, and can be used for long, unsupported spans. Its openness also means that water and light can filter to spaces or plants below.
Metal grating does have its disadvantages. It becomes slippery when wet and is therefore not a recommended choice around swimming pools or other wet areas. It also becomes hot in direct sunlight, so is best used when the outdoor area is covered or under shade.
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4. Aluminium decking
Aluminium is an ultra low-maintenance choice for decking, even in high-traffic areas. It doesn’t warp, splinter, crack, rot or swell, and just needs periodic cleaning with soap and water.
Aluminium decking can replicate the form and appearance of natural timber decking, complete with wood grain; and powder-coated finishes can provide UV-stable surface finishes that are resistant to fading.
Aluminium is an ultra low-maintenance choice for decking, even in high-traffic areas. It doesn’t warp, splinter, crack, rot or swell, and just needs periodic cleaning with soap and water.
Aluminium decking can replicate the form and appearance of natural timber decking, complete with wood grain; and powder-coated finishes can provide UV-stable surface finishes that are resistant to fading.
Like metal grating, aluminium decking is slippery when wet. However, it is bushfire safe, making it a great choice for bushfire-prone areas.
5. Bamboo decking
Exterior-grade bamboo decking is a manufactured product, but still a natural material. Bamboo is highly sustainable and, being one of the fastest-growing plants in the world, is very quickly replenished.
Bamboo has natural beauty and is available in longer lengths for an elegant look. It will age and fade to a grey patina, similar to exotic hardwoods, but because bamboo is a grass and not a wood, it resists moisture and rot very well. Note that it is important the bamboo be treated properly and end-sealed at installation to ensure its strength and durability.
5 hardwoods suited to the Australian climate
Exterior-grade bamboo decking is a manufactured product, but still a natural material. Bamboo is highly sustainable and, being one of the fastest-growing plants in the world, is very quickly replenished.
Bamboo has natural beauty and is available in longer lengths for an elegant look. It will age and fade to a grey patina, similar to exotic hardwoods, but because bamboo is a grass and not a wood, it resists moisture and rot very well. Note that it is important the bamboo be treated properly and end-sealed at installation to ensure its strength and durability.
5 hardwoods suited to the Australian climate
Bamboo is also available as a composite. This deck is composed of Ekodeck, a composite made of bamboo and recycled plastic. It’s renewable and eco-friendly, and there is no oiling or painting required as with traditional timber decking. It is pre-treated for resistance against rot, decay, mildew, mould and termites, and has anti-UV technology to combat sun damage.
TELL US
If you have an outdoor deck or patio area, what’s it made from? Would you consider a deck made from a composite material? Tell us in the Comments.
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Browse a gallery of outdoor decking ideas
TELL US
If you have an outdoor deck or patio area, what’s it made from? Would you consider a deck made from a composite material? Tell us in the Comments.
MORE
Browse a gallery of outdoor decking ideas
Wood-plastic decking is comprised of recycled plastics and wood fibres. The composite has all the good looks of timber, but without the maintenance. It’s also a material that has far less need for staining, oiling, painting and other ongoing maintenance, and typically just needs a good wash down from time to time.