What to Consider Before Installing a Deck: From Decking Materials to Deck Board Spacing

Key Summary:

Before choosing a decking product there are an array of key factors to consider, including:

• Decking material options
• Design versatility and aesthetics
• Maintenance requirements
• Durability and performance
• Decking board spacing

What are the different types of decking materials?

Choosing the right decking material can affect your deck’s look, maintenance needs, durability and board spacing, especially under harsh Australian conditions.

Typical decking materials include:

• Traditional timber decking, valued for its natural character
• Engineered decking, a broad category of manufactured decking products designed as an alternative to traditional timber

Comparing decking material options early can help you choose a product that suits your lifestyle, budget and performance expectations.

Why Consider Engineered Decking?

While traditional timber remains popular for its look, engineered decking may suit homeowners seeking lower-maintenance options designed to resist the elements and everyday wear.

TimberTech® decking by James Hardie is an engineered decking solution designed to replicate the natural tones and textures of timber, withstand the elements and handle everyday wear.

Design Versatility and aesthetics:

A deck is often one of the most prominent features of an outdoor space. Its look should complement your home's architectural style, while providing the functionality you want from your outdoor living area.

When planning the look and feel of your outdoor space, think:

• What style of home are you designing for?
• Are you going for a timber look, or something else?
• What decking colours best complement your home’s exterior?
• Do you want a traditional deck layout or will the design include curves, custom shapes or feature areas?

If you’re looking for a low maintenance option with the beauty of wood, TimberTech® decking delivers realistic timber looks through sophisticated colour blending and realistic woodgrain textures. The Vintage Collection™ is available in timber-inspired colours, including Coastline, Weathered Teak, English Walnut and Mahogany.

For projects with ambitious or unique designs, TimberTech® decking has heat-bending capabilities that enable curved and custom deck designs.

Maintenance Requirements

Maintenance is a key consideration as ongoing upkeep can affect how much time and effort is needed to keep your deck looking beautiful for longer.

Maintenance requirements vary by decking material and can include regular cleaning, sanding, staining, sealing or other treatments to preserve appearance and performance.

Maintaining TimberTech® decking vs traditional timber decking

For homeowners seeking realistic timber looks, TimberTech® decking by James Hardie offers a low-maintenance alternative.

Unlike timber, TimberTech® decking only needs an occasional scrub and rinse to help maintain its appearance. No sanding, staining or sealing is required, helping reduce ongoing maintenance while keeping your outdoor space looking its best.

Durability and performance

A deck is a long-term investment, making durability and long-term performance important to choosing the right material.

Some questions you might consider include:

• How exposed is my deck to the sun?
• Is the decking material resistant to moisture damage?
• How well will the deck maintain its appearance over time?
• Will the deck be used around pools or wet areas?
• How well will the decking stand up to everyday wear and tear?

For homeowners seeking a durable decking solution that considers these factors, TimberTech® decking is one of the most durable decking products available in Australia, resistant to moisture damage, cracking, peeling and splintering.

Additionally, advanced capping technology resists UV damage and is fade* and stain** resistant, helping maintain a beautiful and consistent finish from many years to come. TimberTech® decking is also backed by a 30-year residential warranty and 15-year commercial warranty.

For confidence underfoot, the Vintage Collection™ boards achieve a P5 slip resistance rating providing reliable traction in both wet and dry conditions. TimberTech® decking is child and pet friendly, and is designed to release heat efficiently after sun exposure helping the deck return to a comfortable temperature sooner once no longer in direct sunlight.

Decking Board Spacing

What is deck board spacing?

Deck board spacing refers to the gap between individual decking boards once they're installed. If you’re DIYing your deck, it’s important to follow the installation guide and understand the spacing requirements for your chosen material.

Why is deck board spacing important?

Spacing requirements vary between decking products and materials, but the gap between boards can affect drainage, airflow and the appearance of the finished outdoor space.

• Drainage: Appropriate spacing between decking boards helps water move through and away the deck surface, helping reduce water pooling.
• Airflow: Allows air to circulate around the deck surface and substructure, supporting drying after wet weather.
• Appearance: Creates a clean, consistent finish across the deck surface.

Choosing the Decking Solution That’s Right for You

By comparing decking materials, maintenance requirements, durability and installation needs, you can choose a decking solution that suits your lifestyle and budget.

*When installed and maintained strictly in accordance with James Hardie's technical literature current at the time of purchase.

**While TimberTech® decking resists fading, depending on environmental conditions TimberTech® decking colours may change, or appear to change, over time as part of the natural weathering process to which outdoor materials are subjected. James Hardie's warranties with respect to fading are set out in the TimberTech® decking product warranty.