Constructing a deck is a stellar way to amplify your outdoor area and soak up Perth’s abundant sunshine. Whether kicking off a new deck project or giving an old one a makeover, selecting the perfect decking material is vital. This ensures your deck weathers the local climate beautifully and serves you with style and robustness for years.
In this blog, we’ll unravel the top decking materials for Perth homes, putting wood, composite, and other popular contenders head to head. Arm yourself with the info you need to strike a balance between your taste, needs, and pocketbook.
Grasping Perth’s Weather
Before we embark on our decking material dance-off, it’s pivotal to consider Perth’s climate’s sway on your deck. With sweltering summers often surpassing 30°C, offering a dazzling sun coupled with sporadic showers, Perth demands materials that can brave UV rays, heat, and the occasional cascade. Your decking choice should retain its form and charm through it all.
1. Timber Decking: The Timeless Favorite
Timber decks have won the hearts of many Perth homeowners thanks to their natural allure, warmth, and flexibility. It gracefully melds with the outdoors, crafting a traditional look that elevates any space. But remember, picking appropriate timber is crucial to brave Perth’s scorching, arid summers.
Pros of Timber Decking:
- Natural Charm: Timber decks boast an unmatchable naturalistic appeal that enhances outdoor beauty.
- Infinite Finishes: You can stain or paint timber any color under the sun to match your whim.
- Eco-Friendly Choices: Certain hardwoods are sourced sustainably, adding an eco-warrior badge.
Cons of Timber Decking:
- Demanding Upkeep: Timber craves regular love through sealing, staining, or oiling, especially under Perth’s relentless climate.
- Termite Buffet: Untreated timber decks risk becoming termite tapas.
Top Timber Choices for Perth:
- Jarrah: A robust Western Australian hardwood, impervious to termites and decay. Its rich reddish-brown hues make Jarrah a quintessential choice for Perth’s decks.
- Merbau: Another hard-wearing hardwood famed for termite tenacity. Merbau is a cost-effective option with striking aesthetics.
- Spotted Gum: Naturally decay-averse and termite-resistant, this durable hardwood is ideal for outdoor decks.
2. Composite Decking: The Easy Peasy Long-Hauler
Sporting a blend of wood fibers and plastic, composite decking presents a sturdy, low-maintenance alternative to its timber counterpart. It’s gained a fan base in Perth, thanks to its ability to resist harsh weather with minimal TLC needed.
Pros of Composite Decking:
- Maintenance Minimized: Say goodbye to sanding, staining, or sealing. A scrub with soapy water will keep it spruced up.
- Extra Durable: Composite decking defies elements like UV rays, moisture, and heat, perfect for Perth’s torrid climate.
- No Termite Trysts: Termites and rot don’t stand a chance, ensuring long-lived decking.
Cons of Composite Decking:
- Cost Consideration: Composite decking may pinch your purse initially more than timber, but lackluster maintenance expenses could offset it.
- Synthetic Style: Despite aesthetic strides, some folks still pine for natural timber’s look.
Best Composite Options for Perth:
- Trex: Renowned for its durability, fade resistance, and hues, Trex is a popular pick in Perth.
- ModWood: An Aussie-born composite contrepreneur, crafted to endure the nation’s harsh conditions with poise.
3. PVC Decking: Durability’s MVP
Pure plastic perfection, PVC decking stands out as a stellar, durable option for those seeking a long-haul, low-maintenance decking darling. With UV, moisture, and insect resistance, it shines bright in the Perth weather realm.
Pros of PVC Decking:
- Fade Fighter: PVC resists UV harm, keeping its colors true even amid Perth’s intense shine.
- Lax Upkeep Needs: Like composite, a quick clean keeps PVC happy.
- Easy to Handle: Lightweight PVC boards are a breeze during installation.
Cons of PVC Decking:
- Price Tag: PVC lands on the costlier side of decking materials.
- Plastic Aesthetic: Some might find PVC’s look too artificial compared to timber or composite.
Top PVC Offering for Perth:
- Azek: A high-quality brand tuned to resist UV damage, crafted for hot climates.
4. Bamboo Decking: The Green Machine
Bamboo decking appeals to eco-enthusiasts, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional hardwoods. A speedy grower and renewable marvel, bamboo serves as stylish, durable decking lodge while naturally fending off termites and rot, a good fit for Perth’s climes.
Pros of Bamboo Decking:
- Eco-Warrior: As one of the greenest decking options, it grows fast and renews swiftly.
- Resilient: High-caliber bamboo defies pests and water.
Cons of Bamboo Decking:
- Routine Care Required: Regular sealing and upkeep are necessary, akin to timber.
- Heat Hiccups: Extreme heat may cause warps or cracks, rendering it less enduring than alternatives under Perth’s summer critique.
5. Aluminium Decking: The Undeterrable Heavyweight
For folks prioritizing indestructible decking, aluminium is your champion. Lightweight, fireproof, and a maintenance minimalist, it fits perfectly amid Perth’s dry, fire-risky summers.
Pros of Aluminium Decking:
- Fireproof Finesse: Aluminium’s non-combustible nature suits homes in fire-prone regions.
- Endurance Excellence: Unyielding to warp, crack, or fade, aluminium aces Perth’s heat.
- Scarce Maintenance Needs: Occasional water spritzing keeps it content.
Cons of Aluminium Decking:
- Chill Factor: It may feel cooler compared to wood or composite variants.
- Industrial Aesthetic: Aluminium’s metallic flair might not vibe with everyone’s style.
Picking the Perfect Mate for Your Perth Deck
The right decking material for your Perth paradise depends on personal penchants, fiscal constraints, and the time you’re willing to devote to maintenance. Whether timber’s natural enchantment, composite’s carefree charisma, or PVC’s rugged resilience has your heart, there’s a decking mate ready to brave Perth’s climate alongside you.
Ready for Your Decking Adventure?
At Property Maintenance Perth WA (PMPWA), we offer professional decking installation and maintenance to manifest your dream outdoor retreat. Whether eyeing timber, composite, or PVC, our savvy team will guide your journey to deck perfection.
Give us a shout today to dive into our decking solutions and kick-start your project’s path to greatness.
