Timber iQ October - November 2018 // Issue: 40 | Page 32

FEATURES
Outdoor timber decking is an economical and appealing outdoor feature.
All decked out
With outdoor living a firm favourite pastime, external timber decks
have become one of the most used 'rooms' of the home.
By Candace Sofianos King
I
f applied and treated correctly, timber decking has the
potential to be lavish and long-lasting. To realise the
maximum enjoyment from your deck, you should first
consider the elements of your yard as well as what is going
to best suit your style of living and your budget,
recommends Somerset Timbers sales manager, Derek Robb.
Robb continues, “Depending on your taste and the area
available, timber decks have the flexibility to be designed
around a variety of site conditions. They can crouch low to
the ground or rise high above it, be built on a steep slope,
or conform to its contours with many levels.
“Today there are more choices than ever before – from
SABS pressure treated South African (SA) pine decking to
imported hardwoods. However, your budget will greatly
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affect the decking materials you choose, as well as the size
and intricacy of your design.
A well-designed deck can make an ordinary yard
extraordinary. It can extend your living space and increase
your home’s resale value. But perhaps the best of all, a
great deck provides a place to sit back and relax after all
the decision making and construction is behind you,”
enthuses Robb.
Timber is a living and natural material, which means it
reacts to environmental conditions in a variety of ways,
says CEO of SADRAM Loga Kisten. “By defining much
before the buying process of what is required or needed or
See more on page 32