LumberBank is one of New Zealand’s leading hardwood decking and timber suppliers. offering a variety of hardwood and structural solutions to meet both residential and commercial applications. LumberBank prides itself on sourcing and supplying timbers from certified and renewable resources.

Timber species suitable for decking are given in NZS 3602:2003. The most commonly used timbers in New Zealand are shown in Table 1. They are: • radiata pine (must be treated H3.2) • kwila • vitex (also known as vasa) • cypress species such as heart macrocarpa • jarrah.

Product Description and Specification

Kwila is an excellent hardwood timber species that’s perfect for exterior decking and joinery, it has all the advantages a stable and durable hardwood can offer with the added reassurance of coming from an environmentally responsible source. Kwila’s surface hardness, strength and durability make it an excellent choice for New Zealand’s harsh climate.

Storage & Handling

Decking should be kept dry and out of the weather in an area out of direct sunlight until installation. On site each pack should be kept flat and off the ground, elevated on bearers at a minimum of 100mm allowing good air flow.

Installation

Span:

Decking at 19mm thick should be installed at maximum 450mm joist centres. Where Radiata joists are used the screws should penetrate at least 45mm to achieve good holding. The spans and spacings for joists and bearers must be read from the ‘wet in service’ tables in NZS 3604:2011. SG8 is the default timber grade used.

Spacing

With the climatic conditions in New Zealand the recommendation for 90x19mm should be spaced 3-4mm apart and 140x19mm spaced 4-6mm apart. The specified gap will allow the deck to drain and allow air circulation under and around the decking. NB: These are recommendations only and the installer should always factor in new Kiln dried timber vs Shipping dried with the regional climate and environments taken into account.   

Fixings

Pre-drilling and countersinking for fixings is essential to avoid face and end splits. Its recommend that 90×19 & 140×19 Decking should be fixed to every joist with 10g x 65mm Stainless Steel Decking Screws. Pre-drill pilot holes slightly smaller than the screw and countersink. Drill pilot hole 12.5mm for 90mm wide decking & 15mm for 140mm wide decking in from the edge of the boards.

Ventilation

Adequate ventilation of the deck is essential for long term stability. Allowing air to freely circulate around the deck will reduce the moisture differential between the top and underneath of the boards, minimising the likelihood of cupping and distortion following installation. To achieve adequate ventilation the deck should have at least 450mm clearance from the ground.

Coating:

Deck timbers may be left unfinished or may be given some protection from weathering and UV light. This involves the application of decking oil, timber stain, non-slip paint or non-pigmented sealer (which does not protect against UV light). To enhance the performance of the decking,  avoid dark stains, ensure the space under the deck is well ventilated.To minimise surface checking, cupping and discolouration we recommend the decking be coated on all four sides. Sealing all four sides of the boards will reduce potential cupping and checking by slowing moisture transference into and out of the wood, maintaining a more even moisture content through the timber. Suitable coatings will vastly decrease the maintenance required on your decking. We recommend clear or light colours, dark colours will require additional maintanance as well as stress the timbers with expansion and contraction caused by moisture and sun exposure. With the harsh NZ weather and UV rays it is almost impossible to keep your decking from silvering off over time.

Maintenance Uncoated Timber

Maintenance of your hardwood deck will vary depending on the location of the deck, its construction and many other factors like drainage, coating, profile and usage. Your deck should be cleaned twice annually to remove debris, accumulated dirt and surface mould. A hard bristled brush or low pressure water blast will give best results including specilist Chemical cleaning products.

Coated Timber

Maintenance is the same as for an uncoated deck but also inspect the deck annually for signs of peeling, discolouration or excessive wear to the coating. At least annually or as the coating shows signs of wear; apply a fresh coat or two of the last product used as per product manufacturer’s application instructions

Note: These guidelines should be read in conjunction with the New Zealand Building Code. When building a deck please refer to the following standards: NZS3602, NZS3604, NZS3605, NZS3640 and NZS4203. Other recommended references include BRANZ Bulletin Issue 489 (Timber slat decks/balconies)

DISCLAIMER: LumberBanks Hardwood Decking is manufactured with care and continually inspected to ensure quality. It is a natural wood product and subject to variations in weight, density, colour, grain and performance. Care must be taken during installation and the ongoing maintenance of the deck.