The Best Timber for your Outdoor Space

The Best Timber for your Outdoor Space

A deck in the backyard is an Australian standard. It’s a place for relaxation, where you can have a few drinks with friends as the meat sizzles on the BBQ or watch the kids launch themselves from as they bomb into the pool.

If you are building a deck in the near future, you have probably considered what type of decking you should use. If that’s the case, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we will look at a number of factors that will help you decide which decking material is the best option for you.

Material

There are two types of materials you can use for your deck: timber and composite. Timber is the traditional choice, due to its gorgeous aesthetic and texture, but composite has been gaining popularity since it entered the market in the 1990s because of some key benefits.

Benefits of timber

  • Natural product
  • Aesthetic appeal
  • A variety of species and grades
  • Easy to work with
  • Cheaper per square metre

Benefits of composite

  • Low maintenance
  • Durability – resistant to water, harsh weather conditions and rot
  • Safety – anti-slip technology, won’t splinter
  • Cost effective over many years
  • Manufactured in different colours
  • Mimics the appearance of timber
  • Easy to install

Cost comparison

Determining which material is more cost-effective can be tricky, as they are both cheap in different ways, depending on how you look at it.

Confused? Let me explain.

Timber costs between $45-$100 per square metre (depending on grade and species), while composite timber has a median price of $150 per square metre. So timber is the economically viable choice, right? Not necessarily. Due to the fact that composite generally requires much less ongoing maintenance than timber which often requires annual oiling the whole of life costs can be very comparable.

Environmental choice

The Best Timber for your Outdoor Space

In an era of climate change, there is a demand for environmentally-friendly products. So which decking material is best? Even though it is argued that the production of timber is more energy efficient, I believe that composite is the true champion of the environmental challenge.

Composite timber is made from a mixture of wood fibres and plastics. Instead of requiring timber from regrowth forests and plantations, composite products use recycled materials. Trex, which is considered to be the #1 brand of composite timber, uses 95 percent recycled materials, including sawdust, wood pallets and polyethylene. They also claim that 70 percent of all recycled grocery bags in the US end up in their product. Not only is composite timber repurposing a lot of material that would otherwise end up in landfills, it is also decreasing the demand for virgin wood.

Source: Trex

Conclusion

As you can see, there are benefits to building your deck with timber and with composite. What will be most suitable for your circumstances will depend on your deck’s intended uses, your budget and whether you have the time for proper deck maintenance. Whatever you decide, your deck is sure to be a great addition to your backyard.

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What our clients say

Austim are a great partner and timber supplier. Our business is based on the East Coast of Australia and we partner with Austim for WA projects. We have had a long lasting and great working relationship with Austim for many years. Highly recommend them.
daniel wright
daniel wright
06:31 18 Jun 19
Austim is always the first place I try when I need timber and it’s rare that I can’t get what I need there. Stuart is a rare gem of a gent to deal with – quick to respond to any queries, full of good advice and goes out of his way to help get whatever project I’m working on happening to my schedule, even when all I need is a few sticks and a handful of fixings. Highly recommend Austim, the team and young Stuart.
Anni Lilford
Anni Lilford
00:51 16 Nov 18
Stuart went out of his way to make sure we got the product we wanted. He made suggestions on possible constructions and timbers suitable. Very knowledgeable friendly staff all around. Excellent experience, highly recommended.
Holger Butenschon
Holger Butenschon
05:14 22 May 18
Hi Ben,Just wanted to thankyou for your help and advice in our selection of the Millboard Vintage Oak decking also in you recommending Grant from Premier Hardwood Decking. Grant has just completed our decking and we couldn't have asked for a more professional, reliable and competent tradesman. The decking has been installed to a very high standard and the decking itself is stunning. Ian and Sue
susan smith
susan smith
06:27 08 Oct 18
I've used Austim on a few occasions for home projects like decking and pergola, etc and each time the response to my requests for price and delivery have been excellent, the deliveries took place as negotiated, the timber quality was great and value for money. The team at Austim do a great job and make dealing with Austim a breeze.
Michael Robinson
Michael Robinson
09:06 25 Oct 18
I have worked with Austim for around 8 years now and they are one of the best suppliers in perth to deal with. I would highly recommend to use them for any timber needs!!!
Art of Timber
Art of Timber
07:55 05 Mar 20
I had been looking for some cedar for my kayak project and had rung a couple of other places with no luck. When I contacted Austim they were very helpful, had the timber in stock and I was on my was in 20 minutes. The wood was very good quality and has really finished up beautifully. Thanks to Austim.
mark alderson
mark alderson
02:03 08 Apr 17
I"d like to thank Austim for there help in supplying me with material that firstly I thought I'd have trouble sourcing as it was marring up with originally 30 year old existing timber.My project was not a massive project but still needed the attention of an new build.The timber supplied by Austim was machined to size with absolute perfection, where I had to remove old pieces and replace with the new pieces they fitted perfectly.once the floors are re-sanded and varnished they will be back to there former glory. Thanks again to the staff at Austim.Regards Bob Heppenstall.I've just added a finished photo after the Floor Sanding was completed.Original timber was Tassie Oak, and the new is Vic Ash, as you can see there is only a slight variation in the final product.I hope this gives anyone thinking doing the same the confidence to proceed. Regards Bob Heppenstall.
Robert Heppenstall
Robert Heppenstall
10:05 12 Oct 18
Great service over phone and by email. Product supplied is high quality - no issues. Staff accommodating and friendly.
M F
M F
00:18 07 May 20
Good service with fair prices.
Colin Della Bosca
Colin Della Bosca
08:14 04 Jun 20
Great service and product.I struggled to find a bench top in the size and material I wanted, so was really happy when I found one with Austim.It came fully protected with wrap and was undamaged when I got it home.Thanks
Matt Harrison
Matt Harrison
06:29 08 May 23
Good selection, friendly staff, competitive pricing. Preferred over the 'hardware store'.You can hand pick if you need superior quality, Ben Price helped me with sorting through
Dirk Wachter
Dirk Wachter
03:59 12 May 23
Quick responses, timber prepared to request including cutting to Size. Easy pick up. Highly recommend.
Martyn Lethbridge
Martyn Lethbridge
06:42 05 May 23
We wanted Marri boards to make a bed - Austim provided beautiful planed and sized boards - at a good price - delivered on time......excellent service!
Mark Warren
Mark Warren
06:53 20 Aug 21
Ordered some merbau timber through austim to replace some rotten pine stair treads. The guy on the phone was very helpful .the timber was straight and had no faults or damage. Sent a message with a picture to say the timber had been delivered. Would definitely order timber from them again
Galaxie Galaxie
Galaxie Galaxie
05:25 29 Nov 23
Ron has help me out tremendously with designing and supplying two decks. Everything required to build them including screws Concreate, stirrups and timber. Service is excellent and at competitive prices.
Craig Bussanich
Craig Bussanich
01:25 06 Oct 23
Excellent service! The gentlemen that served us was so helpful and sorted out our kitchen bench top in 15 minutes! Great product!
sophie sherlock
sophie sherlock
07:24 06 Oct 23

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“The timber quality is excellent, the price was competitive, the communication spot on and the delivery just right. Well done and thanks again”

Michael

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