If you’re thinking about building a spacious deck around your BBQ area or back door, it’s always a good idea to opt for treated timber. Not only are these materials durable, but specialised treatments ensure that they can easily withstand harsh weather.
Once installed, regular maintenance from the painter Camberwell locals rely on for painting and timber care projects will keep your deck safe and beautiful for years to come. If you’re not sure whether using treated timber is the best option, then this post is a must-read.
What is Treated Timber in an Australian Context?
Every Australian homeowner knows that whatever you’re going to install on the outside of your home needs to be able to withstand the extreme weather conditions. Harsh sun, consistent rain, and freezing temperatures can all play havoc on your new installations.
Treating timber ensures that the wood undergoes a preservative treatment that protects it from decay, rot, and general insect damage. Timber treatments are essential for all outdoor applications, especially instances where the wood is exposed to moisture. Common applications include the following:
– Decks
– Fencing
– Pergolas
– Cladding
– Retaining walls
– Window frames
– Doors
While there are basic steps you can take to maintain your timber fixtures, it’s essential to have them treated and maintained by a professional painting service. How often will depend on the type of timber used and how exposed it is.
Professional maintenance usually involves cleaning, repairing cracks, and adding sealant. If you have already installed your timber fixtures without the treatment, we recommend getting in touch with your local painting service before the rainy season starts.
Always a Good Option
Our team of decorating experts have compiled a list of reasons why it’s always recommended to start your project with treated timber.
1. Enhanced Durability and Longevity
The number one reason opting for treated timber should be a non-negotiable is the durability and longevity you can expect. Constant exposure to the harsh Australian sun, rain, and critters can quickly weaken standard wood.
Specialised treatment chemicals penetrate the wood, which in turn prevents fungal growth and insect infestations from wood boring pests such as termites. Timber that’s been treated also helps the wood particles resist moisture absorption, which helps to avoid splitting and warping.
2. It’s Sustainable and Cost-Effective
A firm favourite among Australians is local pine timber because this option is not only affordable but also sustainable. This type of timber can also be treated quite easily, making it an ideal option for everything from window frames to decking.
Since treated pine timber is a high-quality option, it requires minimal maintenance, especially when compared to untreated wood. There’s also less likelihood of the timber needing to be replaced. This can lead to extensive cost savings over time.
3. Versatile for all Types of Outdoor Applications
Many people choose timber for their outdoor applications because it’s a super easy way to create a rustic aesthetic. It also blends in with the natural aspect of your outdoor space. Treated pine timber is a common choice for a range of outdoor fixtures, the most common of which include the following:
– Decking
– Fencing
– Furniture
– Garden beds
– Retaining walls
– Garden steps
– Doors and window frames
4. Treated Wood Requires Minimal Maintenance
Untreated wood will require an extensive amount of sealing and repairs in an application’s lifetime. However, opting for treated timber means you will have minimal maintenance requirements.
For best results, speak to your painting contractor for routine maintenance that will usually involve adding protective sealant to enhance longevity. They will also check for cracks and splits and address these issues promptly to ensure your fixtures don’t become more damaged. They will also assess the condition of your timber fixtures and advise you of future maintenance schedules to ensure your fixtures remain in top condition.
5. Opting for Pine is an Environmentally Friendly Option
If you’re looking for an effective way for your newly installed timber deck to align with your goals of being sustainable, always opt for pine. Australian pine is usually sourced responsibly to reduce the overall environmental impact.
Doing this reduces the high demand for old-growth hardwoods. A huge plus is that treated pine is recyclable and biodegradable. This means that you will easily be able to have your timber fixtures recycled if you change your outdoor design style.
You will also be able to turn your deck flooring into other features in your space. Opting for treated pine that has been harvested in sustainable forestry practices ensures continuous replenishment in the local timber industry.
Final Thought
Choosing treated timber, followed by routine maintenance from your professional painting service, is an effective way to ensure that your wooden fixtures will last a lifetime. Proper care is key to ensuring that no matter how big or small your fixtures are, they are guaranteed to look amazing and will always be safe to use. With treated timber, a little maintenance goes a long way!