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November 22, 2022 · Liam Hartley · Deck Design & Planning
Decking Materials & Design: The Complete Sunshine Coast Buyer's Guide
Everything you need to know to choose the right decking material, budget accurately and design a deck that suits your Sunshine Coast home.
Choosing the Right Decking for Your Sunshine Coast Home
A new deck can completely change the look and feel of your backyard, adding both living space and street appeal without the price tag of a full home extension. But with several materials, dozens of colours and finishes, and a wide range of budgets to choose from, deciding on the right decking for your home isn't always straightforward.
This guide brings together everything you need to know before you commit: the materials on offer, what they cost, their pros and cons, how to pick the right one for your outdoor area, and what to consider when it comes to design and installation. Whether you're after a low-maintenance composite deck or a classic timber deck Sunshine Coast homeowners have trusted for decades, you'll find the answers here.
Contact us today at (07) 5315 8346 to talk through your project with a local decking specialist.
What Decking Materials Are Available on the Sunshine Coast
Decking refers to the material used to build the surface of your deck. There are several options available in the Sunshine Coast area, and each has its own look, price point and upkeep requirements.
Timber Decking
Timber remains a popular choice for its natural beauty and durability. You can choose from a variety of species available in the Sunshine Coast area, including Merbau, Ironbark, Spotted Gum and Jarrah, each with its own colour and grain. Well-maintained timber decking can last 20 years or more.
Composite Decking
Composite decking is made from a mixture of wood fibres and recycled plastic. It's an excellent choice for homeowners wanting a low-maintenance, long-lasting and weather-resistant surface, and it's available in a wide range of colours and textures. We're experienced in composite decking installations of every size.
PVC Decking
PVC decking is a fully synthetic option that looks like wood but needs almost no upkeep. It resists staining and moisture particularly well, making it a solid option for pool surrounds and exposed, high-traffic areas.
Pros and Cons of Timber vs Composite Decking
Deciding between timber and composite usually comes down to weighing upfront cost against long-term upkeep, so it's worth being clear-eyed about what each material asks of you.
Timber decking pros: natural good looks that suit almost any home, a warm feel underfoot, the ability to sand back, re-stain or change colour over time, and a genuinely long lifespan when it's properly sealed and maintained. Timber decking cons: it needs regular cleaning and periodic oiling or staining to stay protected from the sun and rain, and if it's neglected it can grey, split or become susceptible to rot and insect damage.
Composite decking pros: very low maintenance (no sanding, staining or oiling), strong resistance to weathering, fading, staining and rot, and consistent colour and quality from board to board. Composite decking cons: a higher upfront material cost than budget timber, a slightly less "natural" look and feel than solid timber, and boards can get hot underfoot in full sun.
There's no universally "better" option — it really depends on your budget, how much maintenance you're willing to do, and the look you're after.
How to Choose the Right Decking Material for Your Home
The right decking for your home comes down to a handful of practical factors: the size and layout of your outdoor area, aesthetics, budget, durability and how much maintenance you're prepared to take on.
Outdoor Area and Layout
Your decking should suit the space available. For a large entertaining area that gets heavy use, composite decking is often the better option, as it requires very little maintenance and holds up well over time. Smaller, more sheltered decks can suit either material.
Aesthetics and Style
Composite decking comes in a range of colours, grains and textures that can add visual appeal to your outdoor space, while timber gives you a natural look that blends with the surrounding landscape and adds warmth to your home. Think about how the deck will sit alongside your existing exterior finishes.
Budget
Decking costs vary depending on the material, size and complexity of the job. Timber is often more affordable upfront but will need ongoing maintenance such as staining or oiling, whereas composite carries a higher initial cost but stays low-maintenance for many years.
Durability and Climate
Composite decking is built to withstand harsh weather and heavy foot traffic, making it well suited to family homes and coastal conditions. Timber decks are also generally sturdy but may need additional reinforcement or more frequent care in exposed, sun-and-salt-affected locations.
Maintenance
If you want something you can simply hose down and forget about, composite is usually the easier choice. If you enjoy the character of natural timber and don't mind a yearly clean and reseal, timber will reward that upkeep with a look that's hard to replicate.
How Much Does Decking Cost
The cost of building a deck depends on the material you choose, the size and complexity of the design, and site conditions such as ground levels and access. Timber decking tends to be the more affordable option upfront, while composite and PVC decking typically carry a higher material cost but save you money on maintenance over the years.
If you're working to a tighter budget, choosing a less expensive but still durable material, keeping the footprint and design simple, and getting a clear, itemised quote before work begins are the most reliable ways to keep costs under control.
Design and Installation Considerations
Installation Tips
Getting the installation right the first time avoids costly problems later. A few basics that matter regardless of material:
- Make sure the deck area is properly levelled and the joists are laid out to support the boards correctly.
- Use galvanised or stainless deck screws and fasteners for extra security and corrosion resistance.
- Leave the correct gap between boards to allow for airflow, drainage and natural expansion and contraction.
- Seal timber and check that composite or PVC boards are properly fitted to keep out moisture and pests.
Because a poorly installed deck can be both a safety hazard and an expensive fix, it's worth using an experienced local builder rather than tackling a full build yourself.
Deck Design Ideas
Once the structure is in, a few finishing touches make a deck feel like a genuine extension of your home:
- Add planters, potted plants or garden beds around the edges to soften the space and bring in some colour.
- Install deck lighting so the space is just as usable in the evening as it is during the day.
- Consider shade sails or a pergola over decks that get full sun, to keep the area comfortable in summer.
- Add furniture suited to how you'll actually use the space, whether that's dining, lounging or entertaining.
Caring for Your Deck So It Lasts
Whichever material you choose, regular care will keep your deck looking its best and protect your investment. Timber decks benefit from a regular clean plus periodic oiling or staining to guard against sun, rain and general wear. Composite and PVC decks need far less attention, but an occasional wash to clear away dirt, leaves and salt residue will keep them looking new for longer. Always follow the manufacturer's care guidelines for your specific decking product.
Watch
See more of our decking work in the video below.
Why Choose Decking Sunshine Coast
Decking is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your outdoor living space, add value to your home, and create somewhere you actually want to spend time — whether that's relaxing on your own or entertaining friends and family. If you're weighing up materials and designs for your property, call the team at Decking Sunshine Coast. We'll help you choose the right materials and design for your needs and budget, and take care of the build from start to finish. Contact us today for a free consultation!
Decking Sunshine Coast
Website: https://sunshinecoastdecking.com/Address: Sunshine Coast, QLD
Telephone: (07) 5315 8346
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