Platform Decks

Building a Timber Deck?

Hi I am about to build a timber deck. My site slopes about 400mm over 4000mm so a slight fall. I want to keep my deck as low as possible to the ground about 180mm at the lowest end. My bearers will be about 60mm off the ground and the joist will be joist hung. I am decking over existing paving and could remove the paving to give me and additional 50mm clearance but i thought the paving would hold less moisture. I have already got 90x50mm hardwood joists and would like to use them. i will use h4 treated pine for my bearers. What preservative can i treat my hardwood with to prevent timber rot. Any help would be great. Thanks Scott

Public Comments

1. Do you know what type of wood you have? A few types are okay for outdoor use, but tend to be soft (cedar). The problem with brush on waterproofers is that they need to be reapplied every year or so, and you won't have access to them. All pressure treated lumber is your best bet. If your timbers are nice and, say oak or maple or something, you could sell them to a mill and buy treated with the money.
2. I recommend you use treated pine for the joists as well. No preservative treatment required. The use of hardwood in the short term will be ok but eventually it will break down if exposed to the elements. Also, if you use nails to fix down the decking to the h/wood joists, they will eventually lift up above the finished deck. Although more expensive, the use of stainless steel screws will give you an A- class product in conjunction with treated pine for both bearers and joists.
3. Scott, if you get " creosote " and apply this liberally , twice to the hardwood it will serve you for 50 years....... tried and practised method for last century...... Make sure you wear protective clothing , rubber gloves, mask, goggles etc. .....although I have used this product for 50 years, they say now it is a carcinogenic and is dangerous....... Do not apply on very hot sunny days as it's vapour will add to sun burn of the skin....... I make this sound like fun, !!!!! anyway it will protect your timber......from white ants, fungi, rot etc. later, Jim ( Contract Builder for 34 years )