The design, installation and maintenance of tirnber decks is vital to ensure that this part of the home will look fantastic for many years after construction.
To serve the growing popularity of the modern outdoor living space, our screw suppliers have developed innovations which will make the process quicker and easier, improve performance as well as helping you achieve a good-looking job.
There’s a lot of factors to take into consideration when it comes to choosing a deck. One of the main ones is a choice of either traditional timber, a composite option or a fibre cement deck. They all have their pros and cons and it’s important that you make an informed decision so you can select the right option to meet the criteria for your job.
Looking for beams that go the distance? Lifespan architectural beams combine the beauty of timber with durability that lasts. Available through NHS in versatile 5800mm lengths—perfect for projects that need strength and style!
Find inspiration to transform those initial decking ideas into an outdoor oasis that not only delivers the “wow” factor but also adds long-term value to their property.
NHS are the composite experts, with a range of options from the budget conscious to premium products, making it the destination for all your decking requirements, with displays and expertise.
If you're working on a project that wants to achieve a uniform looking outdoor living area, we are prepared to offer a complete solution: from decking boards, posts, beams and even screening!
We've compiled some essential tips to help you store, handle, and maintain composite products on site and during construction to ensure they remain in top condition throughout the project and beyond.
We carry a range of composite and timber decking at all three branches of our NHS stores.
The composite ranges we have currently on display include: Eva-last, HardieDeck, Millboard, Trex, ModWood, and NewTechWood. NHS stocks popular lines in Modwood Natural Grain, Modwood Extreme decking, and New Techwood US49 Terrace decking (in Blackbutt and Teak).
Our timber options stocked in store include: Blackbutt, NSW Spotted gum, QLD spotted gum, Merbau, Mixed Whites, Treated Pine Std and Treated Pine premium. Plus, access to many more such as Grey Box, Grey Ironbark, Red Ironbark, Red Mahogany, Turpentine, and White Mahogany.
Have an idea of a certain decking you like, but can’t see online or in-store? Ask us! We can work with you to source plenty of different decking options.
Is all decking the same?
Definitely not! Timber decking is unique and has an array of variations in colour and grains across different species, and even the regional variations of the same species. One example of this would be the differences between NSW and QLD spotted gum. QLD Spotted Gum has a deeper and richer shade of colour, giving more natural variations than the NSW Spotted Gum. NSW Spotted Gum has a unique tonal range like its QLD counterpart, but in lighter shades and is usually more comparable to Blackbutt.
Like timber decking, not all composite decking is the same. It is important to note that not all composite decking behaves the same and this is reflective of their spans, expansions, and whether it’s capped or not. To see an example of capped composite decking take a look at our New Techwood Terrace or Coastal products, and for our non-capped example look at our Modwood Natural Grain . Each NHS branch has samples and displays- and our in-house experts are keen to show you the ins and outs of composite decking. We also recommend reading supplier installation guidelines as each brand may vary- these can be found on most decking product pages right here on our website.
What’s the difference in maintenance between timber and composite decking?
Timber decking will require cleaning and resealing every 6-12 months (depending on manufacturer’s guidelines) to keep decking looking as great as the first day it was installed. The maintenance of a capped composite decking is minimal compared to timber decking as the material doesn’t have to be resealed. It’s important to keep maintenance in mind when choosing decking for your home- but have no fear- our friendly staff can give you the full run down of deck maintenance tips when you come in-store to discuss with us!
Joist spacing- what is it and why is it so important?
Deck joists are used as base support for decking beams and are usually spaced in 450mm increments (or spans) for both timber decking and composite applications. Composite decking brands can sometimes have a specified joist span that is different to the common spacing, for example, 400mm instead of 450mm. There's a common misconception (in timber decking) that thicker boards, like 22mm, can have 600mm span centres for joists. Unless signed off by an engineer, that is not the case. The only timber decking species that can span 600mm is NSW Spotted Gum Series 600, which has been ticked off to span 600mm by an engineer.
Slip rating- what does that mean? What slip rating is best for me?
Slip ratings are something to consider if you’re placing your decking close to a pool, spa, or other wet areas. On our website or in house, you will likely see both ‘P’ ratings and ‘R’ ratings. Why are some surface materials advertised with P slip ratings and others have R ratings? P slip ratings are listed according to the type of slip testing the material has been subjected to. The P rating ranges from P0 to P5, the higher the number, the lower the risk of slipping. P5 is generally for commercial applications, with P2 being deemed applicable for residential (for example, timber oiled decking might be considered a P2). The ‘R’ rating is ranged from R9 to R13, according to the Oil-wet Ramp Test. This rating scheme works the same, meaning R13 is the highest rating (lowest risk of slipping).
How do I calculate how much I need and the price?
At NHS we can help you work out what you need and have a handy comprehensive list of estimated square metre pricing to help you stick to your budget! You can go through this list with one of our helpful staff in-store, or by contacting our call centre on (02) 4979 0000. Come in, say G’day, and ask us some decking questions today!