Month: December 2023

A wooden pergola can add a beautiful focal point to your backyard and provide a respite from the sun. It’s a great project for the do-it-yourself homeowner and can be completed in a few days. The key is to plan ahead and gather the proper tools and materials. Once you have all your supplies, set aside some time to work and recruit a few friends for help. Then, get ready to start a fun new project!

Wooden pergolas can be built using a variety of materials. The most popular choice is western red cedar, which boasts a gorgeous reddish-brown color. This wood is naturally insect and rot resistant due to its high level of natural oils and resins. It also stands up well to coastal climates and will last for years to come with a little periodic maintenance.

Another option is southern yellow pine. While it isn’t normally used for outdoor projects unless it’s pressure treated, this lumber offers good strength and durability. It’s also relatively affordable and can be stained or sealed to protect it from the elements. However, it’s important to wait a few months after constructing your pergola before you apply any type of finish. The wood must be fully dry to ensure the longevity of your finish.

If you prefer a more modern look, try an exotic hardwood like Iroko or Cumaru. These beautiful African timbers offer a luxurious feel to any design and are highly prized for their beauty and performance. They are often regarded as the premier wood for outdoor structures because of their unparalleled strength, density, and resistance to harsh weather conditions.

You can also use a modified wood such as Kebony Clear (Radiata Pine). This durable lumber has a Janka rating of 1,618, and performs as well as tropical hardwoods. It’s also extremely water-resistant and does not need surface treatments, making it a great choice for wet climates.

As with all outdoor projects, proper maintenance will prolong the life of your wooden pergola. Regularly clean your pergola to remove dirt and debris, as well as prevent mold and mildew growth. In addition, be sure to trim any vines or plants that grow on your pergola. Overgrowth can put added stress and weight on the structure and lead to sagging or damage over time.

With a little care, your pergola will last for years to come and add a timeless beauty to your home. So take some time to consider your options, then start planning how you can incorporate this lovely feature into your backyard. We’re certain you won’t regret it!

Merbau decking has become a popular choice for many Australians due to its durability and natural beauty. It can be used for flooring, cladding and staircases but is best known as a great timber for decking. It can withstand a variety of weather conditions, including heat and moisture, and can be stained to closely resemble other types of hardwood. However, it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of merbau before you choose it for your next timber deck.

Merbau is a tough, durable timber that has an attractive reddish brown colour and an interlocking grain pattern. It is resistant to rot and termites, and has a high bushfire rating. It also has good stability, making it less prone to warping than other hardwoods. Merbau is also easier to work with than other timbers, and can be shaped into more intricate designs.

It is easy to cut, screw or nail, and glues well, so it can be used for a wide range of construction applications. It also responds well to sanding, and can be stained or painted for a customised look. A good quality water-based wood stain or premium exterior oil will keep your merbau decking looking fresh and vibrant for years to come.

However, it is important to note that merbau does have a higher tannin content than other hardwoods, which can cause problems in some situations. When the timber gets wet, it can bleed dark tannins into surrounding surfaces. This can be a problem for decks that border swimming pools, or are located near stone or porous tile. It is important to use a timber with a low tannin content, such as the Deck-Max materials that we use, and to lay it in a dry climate to minimise this issue.

Another important factor to consider is that, like most imported timbers, merbau comes at the cost of rainforest deforestation. While this may not be a problem for you personally, it is worth keeping in mind if you’re concerned about the environment. For this reason, it is important to choose a supplier that sources its products from sustainable forests, and uses sustainable logging practices.

One of the most common reasons for choosing merbau decking is that it’s an excellent material for tropical gardens. Merbau can compliment a wide variety of tropical plants, and the strong timbers can support heavy loads without damage. The timber also looks fantastic when surrounded by lush greenery, and it can be stained to match your garden’s colours.

Termites also hate merbau, which is why it’s so popular for home decking. While other types of hardwood can be ruined by termites, merbau is immune to their attacks, saving you time and money on costly pest extermination.

The only downside to merbau decking is that it can be expensive, as it’s an imported timber. However, if you’re willing to pay the extra cost for sustainability, you can avoid deforestation while still getting a beautiful and durable timber.

A railing adds safety and structure to a deck. It protects you and your guests from falling off the edge of the deck, helps people with mobility issues or balance problems stay safe, and prevents children and pets from getting into dangerous areas. Additionally, it protects your furniture from the rain and wind and makes it easier to enjoy the outdoors in comfort. Many municipalities require a railing for any deck that is higher than a certain number of feet off the ground.

There are many different options for deck railing, so you’re sure to find the style that fits your home and lifestyle. A traditional wooden railing is a classic design that can be enhanced with lathing balusters into interesting shapes and milling handrails to create unique profiles. Wood can also be treated to resist rot and insect damage for long lasting durability.

Another popular option is a composite or vinyl railing system. These can be matched with matching trim and fascia to create a low maintenance finish. These railings are available in a wide variety of colors, textures and finishes to complement any deck. Some systems have hidden fasteners, which can help reduce the appearance of screw holes.

If you’re looking for a railing that is more modern in look, consider a cable metal railing system. These stainless steel wires can be configured to emphasize the robust horizontal lines around your deck. These railings can be paired with wood, composite or aluminum posts and come in a variety of styles.

A more decorative option is a wrought iron railing. This is an option that can be a great way to highlight your railing in an entrance or at the top of the stairs. These systems are available in a variety of finishes and can be paired with wood, composite or glass handrails.

Regardless of the type of railing you choose, it’s important to follow local building codes for your area. You should also consult a professional engineer to make sure your railing meets all local safety requirements. Finally, if you’re using wood, be sure to treat it regularly with a good quality preservative.

Another consideration when selecting a railing is how easy it will be to maintain. Some materials require more attention to keep them looking nice than others, but if you take care of your railing it will last for years to come.

A steel pergola can be a stylish addition to any residential or commercial property. It can create an ideal setting for outdoor dining, relaxing or entertaining, and it can also act as a garden focal point. Its versatile design and array of available covering fabrics provide a unique opportunity for personalization. In addition to offering a wide selection of colors, stripes and textures, pergola fabrics can be customized to match the exact style and color scheme of any backyard. The result is a custom-made shade solution that adds individuality to the property and makes a statement for the brand.

A metal pergola is an attractive and functional structure that can be used to cover any outdoor space, from a backyard deck to a pool area. Unlike wood structures, these pergolas are resistant to weathering and require very little maintenance. They are also less likely to be affected by pests and rot, and they can be constructed in a variety of shapes and sizes. The material that the frame is made from also plays a role in the longevity of a pergola. Steel frames are more durable than aluminum, and they can withstand greater loads. They can also be galvanized to delay corrosion, making them an excellent choice for areas with high rainfall or salt air.

The material that a pergola is built from will also affect how easy it is to install. Wooden structures can be difficult to assemble and may require the assistance of a professional. Metal frames, on the other hand, are lightweight and usually easy to assemble. The number of components required to build a steel pergola will vary, but in general, the project should take no more than a few days for homeowners with basic construction skills.

Once the initial frame is erected, the homeowner can begin installing the rafters. Most kits will include all the parts and hardware needed to complete the job. Some manufacturers will even provide detailed directions and diagrams to help guide the process. Homeowners should follow these instructions carefully to avoid making any design mistakes that could cause the structure to be unstable or unsafe.

Many metal pergolas feature movable overhead slats that can be adjusted to let in sunlight at different times of day. These louvers can be closed to protect against rain or wind, and they can also be covered by shade cloths for year-round use. Homeowners can also choose to skip the slats altogether and opt for an open, gabled roof.

To increase the visual appeal of a metal pergola, homeowners can add a decorative curtain or lattice to the base. This will add more privacy and can help conceal the wires that run to the various outdoor entertainment systems. Other ways to enhance the aesthetics of a metal pergola are by adding hanging plants and flower pots. A metal pergola can also be decorated with a variety of lighting options to create the perfect ambiance for any space.

Timber decking is a great way to extend your living space into the garden and add value to your property. When laying timber decking, it is important to select the right type of timber to ensure that your deck is robust, durable and looks great. This article provides an overview of the different types of timber that can be used for decking, and how to maintain them.

There are a number of considerations when choosing the right timber for your deck, including durability and colour. For example, it is essential to ensure that the wood you choose has been kiln-dried as this increases its lifespan and makes it less susceptible to moisture damage, which can lead to rot. It is also vital to use high quality screws or nails to avoid splitting and cracking.

When working with natural timber, you can stain or paint it to give your deck a new look or a fresh coat of protection. Water-based finishes are usually quicker to apply and are easier to clean up, but oil-based finishes have a more traditional look and offer greater durability.

Softwoods like pine and fir are also popular for decking timber, and they are easy to work with. However, softwoods are more susceptible to moisture exposure, which can result in warping and rotting over time. This can be minimised by using a preservative or stain and regularly cleaning your deck to remove dirt and debris.

Hardwoods, on the other hand, are more durable and weather resistant than softwoods. They are also available in a wide range of colours and grain patterns, which means that you can find the perfect timber to match your home. However, the main drawback of hardwoods is that they are more expensive than softwoods.

The type of timber you choose will depend on the level of resilience and appearance that you are aiming for, as well as your budget. Cheaper options may have a limited lifespan of 10-15 years, and they are more prone to splintering, rotting and mould. On the other hand, a high-quality hardwood can last for decades, and will look beautiful throughout its lifetime.

To get the best results when laying your deck, it is important to plan the layout carefully before beginning construction. Start by establishing the dimensions of your deck and marking the area with a chalk line. Then, screw or nail the first row of boards in place – remember to leave adequate expansion gaps (5 to 8 mm across their width) and stagger them as you go along.

Before laying your decking, it is important to treat it with a preservative to protect it from mould and fungus. This will keep your deck looking good for a long time, and it is also an environmentally-friendly option. The best preservatives for timber are methylated seed oils or linseed oil. However, it is important to note that these treatments don’t fully protect the timber from moisture damage and it will require reapplication every year.