17 January 2017
 Categories: , Blog

Timber decking is incredibly popular, and it makes a gorgeous addition to almost any garden. Just like when you're picking timber to use as flooring inside your home, the two main qualities you'll need to consider when choosing wood for your decking are species (which will determine the wood's colour, as well as many of its inherent qualities) and grade (which will determine the wood's character, how much personality it has and how much it changes over time).

Timber Species & Garden Decking

Wood is, of course, naturally occurring--meaning that there's massive variance not just between species but within trees of the same species.

You'll want to use different species outdoors than indoors. It's not so important that a decking resists all dents and scratches, but it's much more important that it can deal with being wet for long periods of time--your timber decking and your timber flooring are very different propositions. So which wood species should you be considering?

• Best for darker tones: Iroko wood starts out a rich, dark tone--but while most woods lighten as they age, Iroko actually gets darker and deeper as time passes.

• Best for bushfire zones: Cumaru wood is naturally flame resistant, making it a good choice for anyone living in a prone area--especially if you keep it properly treated and in great condition.

• Best value for money: Ipe wood is a solid all-rounder, and it's generally a little cheaper than many of the premium hardwood decking options that are otherwise on the same level.

• Best high-end all-rounder: Teak is a great option if you've got the money to spend and only the best will do; you can't beat teak wood for a premium timber decking option. It's beautiful, sturdy, hard-wearing and it's naturally long-lived--it really is the creme de la creme of decking options.

Timber Grade & Garden Decking

Species can take a while to determine, but grade--thankfully--is a great deal more straightforward. Many mistakenly assume that a timber's 'grade' refers to its quality or potential for longevity, but this is not in fact the case: Floors of the highest grades will be smooth, uniform and highly worked, while floors of lower grades will be rougher, more characterful and more natural-looking. Otherwise, both planks will have been treated in the same way and will work equally well in situ.

If your garden is a rustic, countryside sort of a garden, with vegetables and tea roses and places for kids to play, a low-grade timber for your decking is a perfect choice. Sleek modern gardens with glass-topped tables and gravel in the flowerbeds should choose decking of as high a grade as they can afford. There's no technical benefit in either direction, so make the choice that suits the look and feel of your garden!