+ 1300 306 660 info@deckmax.com.au

What timber should I use?

  • Choose the Deck-Max™ decking pre-grooved to suit the patented Deck-Max™ "Pro Biscuit" and End Matching
  • Only use hardwood rated for outdoor timber decking class 1 & class 2
  • Only use hardwoods with specific local moisture content  FOR MORE>>
  • Deck-Max™ accepts no liability for timber failure, incorrect installation, failure to follow manufacturers' specifications. FOR MORE>>
  • Do not use hardwoods that are hardness rated 3 or more, including soft wood or pine decking
  • Location – Decking should not be installed too close to ground
    • (meaning that if the ground is moist and can affect the moisture content of the underside of the board then you are installing too close to ground).
    • 400mm off ground or less you can run into trouble.
    • Consider if the deck is to be fully exposed to the weather or not. You must consider the following including what gap setting you will use.
    • Drainage – important when trying to fix over a concrete base or the natural ground does not flow away from the house.
      • When fixing over concrete be sure to run the hose over the surface to be sure the water runs away and does not pond.
      • Excavate the ground to be sure that any water will run away from under the deck and does not retain moisture.
      • Refer to Technical Data Sheet 13 by Timber Queensland.
      • After excavation lay down geo-fabric or plastic sheet then cover with course to fine rock or gravel over and around the post supports prior to laying the decking boards.
    • Air Flow Ventilation – this ensures that the air flow over and under the deck keeps the top side and the underside of the decking boards at consistant moisture content.
      • Do not close in around a deck – this blocks air flow and will cause the decking boards to cup and twist.
      • Do not build up your gardens to same level as the deck – this will block the air flow and cause damge to decking boards.
    • Gap settings for decking boards – Gap settings have always being decided by the installer/carpenter to suit the environment etc.
      • If you are in a fire rated zone – Deck-Max™ has the 5mm biscuit to use as standard gap set and is also fire rated.
      • All Deck-Max™ biscuits have the capacity to be set from 3mm gaop out to 6 or 7mm wide.
      • A wider gap setting should be selected when installing close to ground. Deck-Max™ 5mm is ideal.