Deck Builders Clear Island Waters

Residential and commercial decking around Clear Island Waters

Alongside home decks, we take on decking for managed and commercial properties: outdoor customer areas for cafes and retail, office break-out decks, body corporate common areas, and replacement decks on investment properties for landlords and property managers. Commercial work can be timber or composite, and is scoped and quoted the same way: measure, assess what is there, then a fixed written price.

People who choose hardwood usually do so for the look and feel. A hardwood deck looks warm and natural, and every board is different. It also changes over time, and that catches some owners by surprise. This page explains what happens to a hardwood deck after it is built and how to look after it.

Choosing a species

Spotted gum

Very hard and durable, with a lot of colour variation from cream to dark brown. The most popular choice on the coast.

Blackbutt

Paler and more even in colour. A good choice if you want a lighter, calmer look. Fire-resistant species, which suits bushfire-prone sites.

Merbau

Rich red-brown and stable. It bleeds tannin when new, which can stain concrete and render below until it settles.

The first few months

New hardwood is often a little rough and can release tannins in the first rains. We usually recommend waiting a few weeks before oiling so the surface weathers enough to take the oil evenly. Some boards may check, which means small surface cracks appear as the timber dries. This is normal and mostly closes up.

Oiling

Oil keeps the colour and slows weathering. Most decks need a fresh coat about once a year, and exposed decks may need it more often. Clean the deck first, let it dry, then apply a thin coat with a brush or pad, working along the boards. Avoid thick coats, which go sticky. Water-based and oil-based products both work. Stick with one type, as switching can cause adhesion problems.

Letting it go grey

If you stop oiling, hardwood turns silver-grey. This does not hurt the timber structurally, and some people like the look. A grey deck still needs cleaning to prevent mould and slippery patches.

Things to avoid

• Rubber-backed mats that trap moisture.
• Pot plants sitting directly on boards without feet.
• Bleach and harsh chemicals that strip the surface.
• Pressure washers too close to the boards, which raise the grain.

Building, supply and cost

We build hardwood decks supplied and installed for $350 to $550 per m², or install hardwood you buy. Pine falls in the same timber range and composite from Ekodeck and Ezy Decking runs $450 to $700 if you want to compare. More on timber decking. We do not offer deck sanding.