Timber Decking PRODUCT
1 (residential) GUIDE
INTRODUCTION FINISHING
Timber decking is a dressed seasoned product which One or two coats of the selected finish should be applied
should be protected from the weather until it is fixed in accordance with finish manufacturer's
securely into position. recommendations.
PRE-INSTALLATION MAINTENANCE
All decking should be coated all-round with a water Good long term performance of timber decking when
repellant preservative or oil based primer as used in weather exposed situations is dependent on
recommended by the finish manufacturer, followed by regular and effective maintenance.
one coat of the selected finish. All cut ends should be The top surface and gaps between the boards should be
similarly coated prior to fixing into position. regularly cleaned of debris and mould. Sweeping or
blowing rather than hosing is recommended.
DECKING SPAN Re-coating should be carried out regularly to ensure the
For residential use, standard decking (19 to 22 mm thick) finish is maintained in good condition.
should not span more than 450 mm (distance between Pot plants should be supported clear of the decking to
joists). This is not suitable for car parking decks. allow decking to dry out after watering or rain.
BOARD SPACING SAFE WORKING
A minimum gap of 3 to 5 mm should be provided Working with timber produces dust particles. Protection
between adjacent boards. In drier areas or if decking is of the eyes, nose and mouth when sanding, sawing and
higher in moisture content (15% - 18%), a smaller gap planing is highly recommended. Refer to tool
should be considered to allow for later shrinkage. Seek manufacturers for safe working recommendations for
advice on this from your supplier. particular items of equipment.
Some people may be sensitive to wood dust in contact
with the skin. Contact should be prevented by the use of
GROUND CLEARANCE/VENTILATION
appropriate clothing, gloves, barrier creams, etc.
Where clearance under the deck is less than 400 mm Medical advice should be sought should irritation occur.
(minimum height for inspection access), the following
Preservative treated timber offcuts and waste should be
precautions should be taken:-
disposed of in an approved landfill dump and should
• sub-floor space should be well ventilated never be burnt.
• ground under deck should be well drained
• only termite resistant timbers should be used. More detailed information is included in TRADAC's
Technical Data Sheet 4 available through timber
suppliers or from www.tradac.org.au
FIXING
Decking boards should be fixed to each joist with two
nails or screws. Only hot-dipped galvanised, stainless
steel or monel metal nails or screws should be used.
The ends of boards should be pre-drilled prior to nailing.
Adjacent nails should be driven at slightly opposing
angles. If bullet head nails are used, lightly punch and do
not fill.
Recommended nails are 50 x 2.8 bullet head (50 x 2.5 Timber Research And Development
machine nails) for fixing of hardwood decking to Advisory Council Limited
cypress or hardwood joists, and for treated softwood
ABN: 50 092 686 756
decking, 50 x 2.8 flathead nails (50 x 2.5 flathead
machine nails) should be used. PO Box 2014,
Fortitude Valley Qld 4006
When fixing to treated softwood joists, nails should be
deformed ring shank or the nail length increased to Email: info@tradac.org.au
65mm. Website: www.tradac.org.au
For fixings within 450 mm of swimming pools, only
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of advice given, TRADAC cannot accept
stainless steel or monel metal should be used. liability for loss or damage arising from the use of the information supplied.
Issue Date: 1 February 2002
