wood for decking thats reasonable?

ruthleicester · 20 Jul 2008

Hi
We have decided to build some decking and it is a very large area. We want smooth wood finish using fairly wide planks.
Is there a cheaper alternative to standard deck boards as the estimate for that is quite expensive?

Thanks

breezer · 20 Jul 2008

depend where you got the estimate fom, didnt go to a local "shed" did you?

try a timber mechant.

cherries · 20 Jul 2008

it also depends on if you use hard wood or soft wood,, decking boards... or what width they are,,, some are 6inch and some are 5inch wide and what lengh they are

ruthleicester · 21 Jul 2008

I got a quote from a timber supplier, I would like 6" wide ideally
Thanks

Woodster66 · 22 Jul 2008

At the end of the day you get what you pay for, go for a cheaper alternative and it probably will not last, remember the framework and decking board has to support weight, as well as look nice, so in a few years time if you haven't used the right timber you could find yourself falling through the deck if it rots or worse someone else and if they injure themselves then they could claim off you.

Get a number of quotes from various timber yards not just one, but tanalised timber is slightly more expensive than ordinary timber as it has to go through the tanalising process, I.E. placed in a sealed vacuum tank which is then filled with tanalising fluid to get right into the wood itself, this all takes time and money for the timber supplier!

Deluks · 23 Jul 2008

Shop around for the price per metre. I've seen lots of references to using 6x2 treated timber (joists) laid flat as decking boards, in American websites and books. Using the regularised joists (joistmate/easi-edge) will give a smooth surface. Use normal hairy joists and you'll need a belt sander to avoid splinters.

Like I say though, depends on price.

B+Q do 144mm wide deck boards, smooth on one side. They sometimes have special offers on it.

ruthleicester · 23 Jul 2008

Hi
Thanks
Best quote so far is 1.48 per m for deck boards and 6 x 2 the same

Deluks · 24 Jul 2008

ruthleicester said:
Hi
Thanks
Best quote so far is 1.48 per m for deck boards and 6 x 2 the same

If that's the smooth sided wider decking then I think you have the answer.

JohnD · 24 Jul 2008

isn't the wider board more prone to crack and split?

megawatt · 29 Jul 2008

Absolutely ... I wouldn't touch 6" boards for anything other than skirting the frame.

4" boards are the best IMO, nice and thick solid and won't warp/split.

Looks better also IMO.

And ... Buy from a sawmill NEVER a shed.

MW

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wood for decking thats reasonable?

breezer

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