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Narangba Timbers Says: “Protect Your Deck with the Right Finish.”

Announcement posted by Narangba Timbers 23 Jan 2015

Timber suppliers in Brisbane provide overview and strategies for choosing the right finish for a timber deck.
Brisbane, QLD, 23 January 2015 - Narangba Timbers has provided timber decking for numerous projects in the Brisbane area. They have been around long enough to see how long many of those timber decks have lasted and how often they need repairs. They have noticed that, over the years, most repairs and replacement of boards on timber decks are avoidable if the deck is protected properly.

Timber has natural moisture. The closer that moisture is kept to its natural state, the longer a timber deck will last and the more durable it will be. The trick is to ensure that the timber doesn’t end up with too much or too little moisture.

Recently, on their company blog, owner Jack Kyle offered some tips for selecting the right finish for timber decking. In a severe climate such as that in Brisbane, Mr Kyle feels that it is crucial to protect timber decking with the right finish and the right amount. It is most important, according to Mr Kyle, to make sure that all parts of a board are covered, including all faces, edges and ends. The following recommendations are courtesy of Mr Kyle’s blog post.

Preparing the Surface

The first coat should be applied before building the deck, ensuring that every square centimetre is covered. If possible, new timber should be left to sit and dry out for two or three weeks to ensure that the finish can adhere to the surface. It is also important that the surface is clean and free of debris, mildew or dirt.

Factors to Consider

The main factors to consider are the aesthetics of the timber, the performance characteristics of the finish and the species of timber being used.

Aesthetics

A timber deck often becomes an entertainment area for guests, making the aesthetics important. Some homeowners will go for a natural look while others will want deep stains and colours to provide their preferred aesthetic. The appearance of a timber deck is directly related to the other two factors: performance characteristics of the finish and the species of timber being used.

Characteristics of Finish

An oil-based decking stain generally provides the best overall profile of protection for timber. It soaks into the timber easily and provides the best protection for keeping moisture from entering or escaping timber. A semi-transparent, oil-based decking stain protects from moisture while allowing the natural grain of the timber to show through. Oil-based decking stain also has an alkyd resin that helps it resist scuffing, furniture legs and “heavy feet.”

Timber Species

The species of timber will also dictate what kind of stain is used. Some timbers, such as merbau, have a deep colour that lends itself to a semi-transparent stain. Others may require more pigment or even paint to provide the preferred “look.”

Narangba Timbers is a timber supplier of products such as timber decking, timber fencing, timber flooring and heavy construction timber in Brisbane. They specialise in professional and attentive customer service to help ensure that their customers always have the right materials for any project, large or small. To learn more about Narangba Timbers, call 1300 795 675 or visit their website: http://www.narangbatimbers.com.au/.