While timber decks are considered the must-have for classic Aussie landscaping, aluminium is stepping up to the plate as a viable alternative. Timber decks require frequent, costly maintenance, can be difficult to install, and cannot be used in some bushfire areas – so many are seeking an alternative that can recreate the beautiful timber appearance without the issues. Powder coated aluminium decking with a timbergrain finish is ideal if you are seeking a hardwearing timber alternative – here’s what you need to know.
Aluminium is low maintenance
Timber decks can rack up bills of thousands per year, due to the need for constant sanding, staining, oiling or refinishing. In outdoor areas, where timber is exposed to the sun, rain or sea, it can also deteriorate and rot quickly and boards may need replacing. Aluminium decking, however, is dimensionally stable, so the boards will not warp, crack or distort. Powder coated aluminium – particularly if a Super Durable™ Class 2 Powder Coat finish is used – will also keep its beautiful timber-look appearance for years, without fading or peeling.
Aluminium is fire safe
With devastating bushfires across Australia in the last few decades resulting in stricter building codes, it is important to be aware of the bushfire building regulations in your area and which materials can be used. The Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating of an area determines what materials are deemed compliant with regulations. Timber can only be used up to BAL 29 – and even then, only bushfire-resisting timbers can be used. If you are building in BAL 40 or BAL FZ and still want that timber appearance, sublimated, powder coated aluminium is the answer. Aluminium is 100% non-combustible, and powder coat finishes will not burn or spread flame – therefore a timber-look aluminium deck can be used even in the riskiest of bushfire areas and will resist ember attack.
Aluminium decks are easy to install
Timber decks can be heavy and difficult to install, depending on the type of timber chosen. Some hardwoods can be difficult to nail, while softwood boards can crack if nailed or screwed too close to the edge. Aluminium decking boards are lightweight and easily cut to size, removing some of the hassle from installation. They often come with simple fixing systems, such as click-together decking clips that screw straight into the subframe, making installation a breeze.
Aluminium can be more slip resistant
Installing a deck in a wet area, such as by the beach or around a pool, means you need to be careful of slips, trips and falls. Wet timber decks are very slippery – and while a slip-resistant finish can be added, this contributes to ongoing maintenance costs. Pre-finished, powder-coated aluminium decking can come with a special slip-resistant coating, that offers long-term slip resistance. This helps it achieve a higher slip rating in accordance with AS 4586, the Australian Standard that outlines whether products can be used in wet areas. Slip-resistant aluminium decks such as DecoDeck® achieve a P4 slip rating, making them suitable for use around pools, spas or by the sea.
Durable aluminium decking with DecoDeck®
If you are seeking an alternative to timber decking, look no further than DecoDeck®, the realistic timber-look aluminium decking from DECO Australia. Long-lasting, easy to install and 100% non-combustible, DecoDeck® is the ideal product if you wish to avoid costly maintenance or installation, or if you want to achieve that beautiful timber look in a bushfire zone. With a P4 slip rating, DecoDeck® is also suitable for wet areas – it is the timber deck you always wanted, minus the limitations.
Contact DECO Australia to find out more about DecoDeck® or to discuss your decking project.
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