Decking Timber, Composite Decking, Decking Screws & Nails
Decking Timber
Timber used on decks is usually either softwood or hardwood apart from composite & fibre cement decking which is discussed below.
For a good and in depth understanding of the two, visit Hardwood vs Softwood: Differences, Uses, Species & Examples .
Common sizes of decking boards include the following:
- 140 x 19/21mm
- 90 x 19mm
- 70 x 19mm
It is rare to get decking timber wider than this due to cupping although you can get boards in 30mm thickness which may be wider.
Decking can be laid in different ways for various looks, some of which include:
- Various deck patterns.
- Contrasting boards.
- Alternating board widths.
For additional information on this vist – All About Hardwood Decking.
Softwoods
Decking softwoods are by far your cheapest option and typically comes in the way of treated pine treated pine.
Softwood Decking Advantages
- Cheaper than hardwoods
- Easy to work with.
- Light and easy to move.
- Easy to fix to joists.
Softwood Decking Disadvantages
- Does not last as long as hardwoods.
- Tends to break easier.
- Typically treated pine so no colour variance.
- Maintenace required bi-annually.
Hardwoods
Decking hardwoods are a common choice as they allow for huge colour variance, aesthetics, are long lasting and yet less expensive than composite or fibre cement boards.
Hardwood Decking Advantages
- Long lasting if maintained.
- Many species to choose from.
- Many variable specie colours.
- Different species can be mixed and matched.
Softwood Decking Disadvantages
- More expensive than treated pine.
- Heavier to move.
- More difficult to fix.
- Maintenance required bi-annually.
For more information on decking hardwood species, visit our timber decking category section.
Composite Decking
Composite decking has come a long way in the last 15 to 20 years. Although it can still be hot under foot, it no longer looks just like plastic and most manufacturers produce products now that look similar to a wood grain.
Composite Decking Advantages
- Long lasting.
- No maintenance required.
- Many variable colours to choose from.
- Fixing typically between boards rather than through them.
- Different widths can be used.
- Easy to lay due to fixing system.
Composite Decking Disadvantages
- More expensive than both treated pine and hardwood.
- Does not have the look, feel or texture of timber.
- Due to the above, dose not match well with older houses.
Fibre Cement Decking
Fibre cement decking produced by James Hardie is a relatively new product only coming onto the market within the last 10 years.
As the name suggest, fibre cement decking is just that, made from fibre cement and attached with an aluminium channel section, screws and snap in top cover.
The great benefit of this product is it will last a lifetime however there is a catch!
The problem I have with this product is it needs to be painted with a bitumen coating typically used for driveways.
Apart from such products being known for pealing, what you are getting is a painted board and not a decking board or anything that looks like a decking board.
In my opinion, this product might be suited for around pools but little else.
Deck Fixings
Face screws, hidden fixing screw systems (between boards) or nails, what to choose? Stainless steel or galvanized?
In my opinion screws or a hidden screw systems for decking is the best choice, mainly for looks but also to combat board ends coming loose especially if out in the weather.
Decking Face Screws
The two types of screws or system that can be used are standard face screws which are screwed through the face of the boards themselves or hidden fixing systems which also uses a clip to hold the boards done.
Benefits of Face Screws
- No clips required therefore less expense.
- Decking does not require edge rebating, again less expense.
- A choice of galvanized or stainless screws for appearance (a choice in cost).
Disadvantages of Face Screws
- More expensive than nails.
- Pre-drilling & counter sinking usually required (dependant on screw).
Decking screws come in stainless steel or galvanized. As all timber decks are coated with stain, purchasing stainless steel screws which are more expensive makes sense only if you want a specific screw head or are near the sea.
If not wanting to pre dill (pre drill ends only), make sure you purchase a decent screw with a cutting head on it such as Wurth or another decent brand.
Hidden Fixing Systems
Nearly all hidden fixing systems whether timber or composite have rebated edges that allow the clips to fit into to hold the deking boards to the joist. The clips are plastics and the screws holding the clips come in an array of colours to suite the timber or the composite board.
Due to the above facts, hidden fixing systems:
- Have a clean look due to no fixings been seen.
- Are quick to install as no drilling or pre-drilling.
- However are more expensive due to the rebating and clips.
Nails
Last but not least, the good old nail!
Nails are a great cheaper option for doing a deck! They are fast to install with a nail gun and compressor.
Again you have a choice of stainless steel or galvanised and although shooting the middle of your board do not forget to pre-drill and nail your ends with a hammer so the ends do not split.
