How to choose the right decking timber
Spotted gum, merbau, blackbutt or treated pine? A plain guide to picking decking timber that suits your budget, your look and a coastal or high-UV climate.
Straight-talking guides to building, restoring and looking after a deck, written by a working carpenter. Board spacing, the oils that actually last, what council approval you need in NSW, and the calls that decide whether a deck lasts ten years or five.
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Do you need council approval for a deck in NSW?
When you can build a deck with no approval, when you need a CDC, and when you need a full DA in NSW. The actual limits, in plain English.
External timber stairs: design, build and getting them right
How external timber and composite stairs are designed and built: rise and going, stringers, footings, handrails and the rules that keep a flight safe.
Ground-level vs raised decks: which suits your block?
The real differences between a low and a raised deck: structure, drainage, safety, approval and cost, and how to pick the right one for your block.
How big should a deck be? Getting the size right
How to size a deck around how you'll use it: furniture clearances, traffic paths, proportion, and the size that tips you into needing approval.
How to apply for a DA or CDC for your deck in NSW
A simple step-by-step guide to getting a deck approved in NSW, whether you need a complying development certificate or a full development application.
How often should you oil a deck?
How often to oil a timber deck, how to tell when it's due, and the quick water test that settles it once and for all.
Composite vs hardwood decking: which is right for you?
Composite or timber? We weigh up looks, upkeep, cost and lifespan, so you can pick the decking that suits your place and your patience.
How to restore an old timber deck
A grey, splintery deck usually has good bones. Here's how to bring a tired timber deck back to life: sanding, repairs, cleaning and oiling, step by step.
Thinking about a new deck, or rescuing an old one?
Tell us about your place. We’ll come out, take a look, and give you a straight answer.