Hardwood Timber Decking

Timber decking provides a great way to enhance any home, garden, commercial or retail property. Timber decking creates a comfortable, attractive and flexible feature that can be added to any kind of flat, sloping, wet or even waterside site.

When you’re building something that lives outside, like a deck, it needs to be super strong and tough. It has to stand up to hot sun, heavy rain, and lots of people walking on it. This is where hardwood really shines, making it the Best timber for decks in Australia.

One of the biggest reasons hardwood is so good is its amazing durability. Think of durability as how long something can last and how well it can handle tough conditions without getting damaged. Hardwood timber is naturally very dense. This means its wood fibres are packed tightly together, making it incredibly strong and resistant to wear and tear. This high density helps it stand up to heavy foot traffic, outdoor furniture, and even accidental drops without getting easily dented or scratched. Because of this, hardwood is truly a Durable outdoor decking timber that can keep its good looks for many, many years.

Popular Australian Timber Decking Species

When you’re choosing Australian timber decking, you’ll find a fantastic range of hardwood species. Each one has its own special look and qualities, making it perfect for different styles of decks and different needs. Let’s look at some of the most popular choices you might find.

Blackbutt is popular for its light colour, durability, and fire resistance, great for decking in NSW Central Coast.
Spotted Gum offers stunning looks, strength, and good fire resistance, making it a great choice for hardwood decking in Sydney.
Ironbark is super hard and durable, excellent for tough conditions.
Tallowwood is a very durable, yellowish timber that resists termites and moisture.

Blackbutt Decking

Blackbutt is one of the most popular Australian hardwoods, and it’s a fantastic choice for decking. It has a lovely pale brown to light yellow colour, sometimes with a hint of pink. Its grain is usually straight and even, giving it a clean, modern look.

One of the best things about Blackbutt is how durable it is. It’s rated as Durability Class 1 for above-ground use, which means it’s incredibly tough and will last a very long time in outdoor conditions. It’s also naturally resistant to termites, so you don’t have to worry as much about those tiny pests. If you’re looking for Blackbutt decking in Sydney NSW & the Central Coast region, you’ll find it’s a highly sought-after timber because of its reliability and consistent appearance.

Blackbutt is also known for its natural fire resistance. This is a huge benefit in many parts of Australia, especially in areas that might be prone to bushfires. It’s one of the few hardwoods listed by the Victorian Building Commission as suitable for home construction in high Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rated sites. This makes it a smart and safe choice for your deck.

(Research Finding: Blackbutt has Class 1 durability above-ground and is termite resistant. Source: business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/forests-wood/properties-timbers/blackbutt)

Spotted Gum Decking

Spotted Gum is another premium Australian hardwood that’s incredibly popular for decking. It has a truly striking appearance with a beautiful range of colours, from warm chocolatey browns to lighter hues. It also has a distinctive wavy grain pattern that makes every board unique and visually interesting.

This timber is exceptionally strong and durable, rated as Durability Class 1 above ground and Class 2 in-ground. This means it can handle heavy use and the elements very well. Spotted Gum is also naturally resistant to a type of borer called the lyctid borer, which can sometimes attack other timbers. Its natural oils help make it stable and less prone to tannin bleed-through, which can sometimes stain surrounding areas.

Like Blackbutt, Spotted Gum also has good fire-resistant properties and can be used in bushfire-prone areas. This makes it a versatile and safe choice for many locations. Because of its beauty, strength, and durability, many people in Sydney look for Spotted Gum decking to include this stunning timber in their outdoor spaces.

Ironbark Decking

Ironbark is known as one of the hardest and most durable Australian hardwoods. It has a deep red to dark brown colour and is incredibly dense. This timber is a powerhouse when it comes to resistance. It’s naturally resistant to fire, pests (like termites), and extreme weather conditions.

Because of its extreme durability (rated Class 1 both above and in-ground), Ironbark is often chosen for heavy-duty outdoor applications where timber needs to last a very long time, even in tough conditions. While it can be harder to work with due to its density, its longevity and strength make it an excellent investment for a hardwood deck that will truly endure.

Tallowwood Decking

Tallowwood is another highly durable Australian hardwood, known for its pale to dark yellow-brown heartwood and a characteristic greasy feel. This “greasiness” actually helps it resist moisture and makes it quite stable.

Tallowwood boasts very high durability (Class 1 both above and in-ground) and excellent natural resistance to termites. These qualities make it a superb choice for long-lasting hardwood decks, especially in areas where moisture or ground contact is a concern. Its unique colour and texture also add a distinct character to any outdoor space.

(Research Finding: Tallowwood is a very strong and extremely durable dense timber with a yellowish brown heartwood, used for decking. Source: https://www.google.com/search?q=sustainableforestmanagement.com.au/timber-in-australia-uses-benefits/)

Decking Board Profiles

When we talk about “profiles,” we mean the shape of the board. Most decking boards are “dressed all round” (DAR), meaning they are smooth on all sides. Some boards might have a reeded or grooved profile on one side. This can be used for extra grip or just for a different look. You can usually choose which side faces up.

Timber Decking Board Size

Our decking boards are available in the following standard sizes. Custom size boards are available upon request.

64mm x 35mm
86mm x 35mm
136mm x 35mm
185mm x 35mm

Class 1 durability hardwoods include Blackbutt, Spotted Gum and Ironbark. Australia has a very unique resource in its native hardwoods and produces some of the most durable and attractive timbers available.

Select the right board for your deck and avoid cupping

Creating a good deck starts in the design process. Here are some tips for long-lasting decks.

Build decks as high above grade as possible. 70cm is considered the minimum for best performance. Anything less than 70cm is considered a low deck.
Make sure there is proper drainage to allow water to escape from below the deck and not trap moisture on the bottom of the board.
Plan adequate below deck ventilation. Ventilation on three sides is best. Good air flow helps remove unwanted moisture. Ventilation on two sides with cross-ventilation is next best option.
Always let your boards acclimatise to site conditions before installation.
Pre-finishing your deck boards with a sealer before installation, helping protect your investment.

For Low clearance decks

Use thicker deck boards which are less likely to cup than a thinner deck board
Narrower boards work best. 4” wide deck boards perform better than wider deck boards.
Narrow deck boards expand and contract less than wider boards
Narrow boards mean there are more gaps between the deck boards, providing a significant increase in ventilation.

Key Factors Causing Deck Boards to Cup

low clearance between the ground and the bottom of the deck boards
Poor ventilation below the deck
Bad drainage below the deck
Minimal gap between the deck boards
Inadequate fastening of the deck boards

Any of the factors listed above can create conditions for wood movement and deck boards to cup. When you combine several of these conditions together, you are likely to have problems. Too moist on the bottom of the board and too dry on the top, creates stress in the wood. The wood will cup upwards naturally to relieve the internal stress.

Installation and Maintenance Tips for Your Durable Outdoor Decking Timber

Building a deck with Durable outdoor decking timber is a great start, but how you install it and look after it is just as important for making sure it lasts a very long time and keeps looking fantastic.

Before You Install Your Decking

Allow for Gaps: This is a super important step! Timber is a natural material, and it will expand (get a little bigger) when it’s wet or humid, and contract (get a little smaller) when it’s dry. You need to leave small gaps between your decking boards to allow for this movement. If you don’t, the boards can push against each other, causing them to warp or cup (bend upwards like a dish). For 85mm or 86mm wide boards, a gap of 4-6mm is usually recommended. For wider 135mm boards, a gap of 7-9mm is better. You can use small spacers (like pieces of plywood) during installation to get these gaps just right. Gaps for 85mm/86mm decking should be 4-6mm, and for 135mm decking, 7-9mm should be allowed.
Ensure Good Ventilation: The space under your deck needs to breathe! Good airflow and cross-ventilation are vital to prevent moisture from building up. If moisture gets trapped underneath, it can lead to timber decay and cause your boards to cup. Try to avoid solid walls around the perimeter of your deck. If you must have them, make sure to install special vents to allow air to flow through. All decks must have good sub deck and cross flow ventilation. Solid perimeter walls should be avoided.
Pre-oiling/Sealing: Before you even lay your boards, it’s a great idea to apply an oil-based preservative to all sides of the timber, including the ends. This helps to seal the wood and reduce how much moisture it soaks up, especially during the life of the deck. After the deck is installed, apply a second coat to the top surfaces. This extra step helps protect the timber from the very beginning. Oil based preservatives are recommended to be applied to all surfaces including ends prior to installation.

Choosing the Right Fixings

Nails or Screws: Always use fasteners (nails or screws) that are specifically designed for decking. They need to be strong and resistant to rust. Hot-dipped galvanised or stainless steel fasteners are the best choices, especially if your deck is near the sea or a salt-chlorinated swimming pool, as salt can cause rust.
Size Matters: The length and thickness of your fasteners depend on your decking board thickness. For example, if you’re using 19mm thick decking, your nails should be at least 65mm long. For screws, a minimum of 10 gauge is recommended for softwood joists, and 14 gauge for wider 135mm boards.
Pilot Holes: To prevent the timber from splitting when you drive in nails or screws, always drill pilot holes first. These are small guide holes that make it easier for the fastener to go in and reduce stress on the timber as it moves with changes in moisture. (Research Finding: Use properly designed decking nails/screws (hot-dipped galvanised or stainless steel). Minimum 65mm for 19mm decking. Pilot/countersink holes needed. Source: https://www.google.com/search?q=ryanandmcnulty.com.au/guides/decking)

After Installation Cleaning

Remove Metal Filings: Once your deck is built, it’s super important to thoroughly sweep and clean it. This removes any tiny metal filings or dust left over from cutting, drilling, or nailing. If these tiny metal bits get wet, they can cause black spots on your beautiful timber. (Research Finding: After new deck built, must be thoroughly swept and cleaned to remove metal filings. Source: https://www.google.com/search?q=ryanandmcnulty.com.au/guides/decking)

Ongoing Deck Maintenance

Even the most Durable outdoor decking timber needs a little love to stay looking its best.

Annual Inspection: Make it a habit to check your deck at least once a year. Look for any loose or damaged boards, or nails/screws that might be sticking out. Fixing these small problems quickly can prevent bigger issues later on.
Regular Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum your deck regularly to remove dirt, leaves, and other debris. When it needs a deeper clean, use a specialised deck cleaning product. Always follow the product’s instructions carefully. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as these can damage the timber’s surface.
Re-sealing: Over time, the sun’s UV rays and weather can make your deck’s colour fade or turn grey. To protect the timber and keep it looking vibrant, you should periodically lightly sand the deck and then re-seal it. You can use a timber oil, stain, or varnish, depending on the look you prefer. This step replenishes the timber’s protection and brings back its natural beauty.

By following these installation and maintenance tips, your Durable outdoor decking timber will provide a beautiful and functional outdoor space for many, many years to come.

Leave gaps between boards for timber to expand and contract.
Make sure there’s good airflow under your deck.
Pre-oil boards before installing them.
Use rust-resistant nails or screws, and drill pilot holes.
Clean up all metal bits after building.
Check your deck every year for any damage.
Clean your deck regularly with special cleaners.
Re-seal your deck often to protect it from the sun and weather.

For high-quality Australian timber decking in NSW and Central Coast areas, look no further than specialist Timber decking suppliers like Long Flat Timbers. With their deep expertise in Australian north coast hardwoods, their ability to provide custom-cut boards, and their extensive delivery across Sydney, the Central Coast, regional NSW, and even interstate, they are perfectly positioned to help you bring your dream deck to life.

Areas We Service

Long Flat Timbers is located in Yarras NSW, putting it in a central location for servicing regional centres such as Port Macquarie, Walcha, Bendemeer, Tamworth, Armidale, Glen Innes, Coffs Harbour, Newcastle, Taree.

To order or any questions about Long Flat Timbers.
Phone us on: 0466 977 710
E: info@longflattimbers.com.au

Creating a beautiful and lasting outdoor space is a dream for many Australian homeowners. When it comes to building a deck that truly stands the test of time and looks stunning, Hardwood decking boards are undoubtedly the top choice. Their unmatched durability, natural resistance to pests and decay, and inherent beauty make them a superior investment compared to other decking materials.

We’ve explored why Australian hardwoods are considered the Best timber for decks in Australia, offering a truly Durable outdoor decking timber solution that can withstand our unique climate. From the fire-resistant qualities of Blackbutt timber to the striking appearance and strength of Spotted Gum timber, there’s a perfect hardwood species for every project. Understanding Decking timber sizes and profiles and following proper installation and maintenance tips will ensure your deck remains a cherished part of your home for many years.

Ready to start your decking project with the best timber available? Contact Long Flat Timbers today to discuss your Hardwood decking boards needs and get a quote. Build a deck that’s not just a structure, but a lasting outdoor oasis.