Must Know Professional Tips And Advice Before Installing Treated Pine Decking

The fast growth and ample plantation-grown sources have made treated pine decking one of the most popular, affordable and sustainable materials on the market. As one of the most commonly used and versatile timbers in the world, pine is often seen as an old favourite and is frequently used around swimming pools, as fencing and in gardens.

In this article, we have taken a closer look at this material, providing you with everything you need to know before going ahead with such a project.

Appearance

Because it’s a softer timber, it is loosely grained and prone to knotholes (which is why it is commonly used behind the scenes). Untreated pine is golden white in colour, but this colouring will vary according to the treatment that is ultimately applied. Its unique ‘blonde’ appearance can be painted to complement any colour scheme or even stained to highlight the natural grain.

Treatments

There are several treatments to choose from. H1, H2, H2F and H2S are suitable for indoor and above ground use only. H3 and H3A are suitable for outdoor and above ground use only. H4 and H5 are suitable for outdoor and inground use. H6 is suitable for use in marine waters. When it comes to decking, the H3 type is the most common used (it must have a minimum ground clearance of 50mm).

Installation

Prior to installing treated pine for decking, it’s crucial to ensure that the sub frame has been correctly designed and installed. The timber can be fixed with twist nails, but ring shank nails are the best type to use. The decking will take up or lose moisture depending on dryness or moisture from the environment, causing the timber to expand or contract. Ensure gaps between boards to allow for this.

Maintenance

The decking must be used in conditions appropriate to its hazard rating. As a natural product, the timber will age and react to environmental conditions. Weathering effects that you may see over time include: cracking, splitting, checking, twisting, cupping, bowing and mould growth. It is crucial that you keep the structure well maintained to ensure its longevity.

Protect the timber with paint, oil or some other sealant and ensure that you maintain this protection.The decking must be sealed either before or immediately after it has been installed. We advise using a quality primer and painting in light colours. Both oil-based and water-based stains are available, which may also contain water repellents, fungicides and algaecides.

We hope that the information provided above has provided you with everything you need to know about treated pine decking. As you can see, it’s a fantastic choice for use around your home (whether you want a space for entertaining or a safe pool surrounds) and that it can stand the test of time when properly maintained. We cannot more highly recommend a professional installation.

Everist Timber is a Melbourne based company supplies a wide range of timber products including spotted gum timber, laminate flooring, blackbutt timber flooring etc. in Melbourne, Australia