Timber decking has become a popular feature in public spaces and in private gardens. Ecotimber supplies a range of hardwoods suitable for heavy pedestrian traffic as well as for domestic use.

Smooth profile with rounded corners in ipe.	Standard profile, with anti-slip inserts, in cumaru.	Standard profile in massaranduba.

Here we will deal with some of the most frequently asked questions.

You may scroll down through this page to review all topics or jump to a specific topic by clicking on the list below:

• Durability
• Strength
• Thickness
• Width
• Profiles
• Inserts

Durability

For decking, a durable (class B) or very durable (class A) timber is recommended. In most cases a durable timber is sufficient. It is only in specific situations that a very durable species may be preferred: for instance, when a deck is immersed in water on a regular basis or is in direct ground contact.  If the deck is built on posts sunk into the ground, these posts should be of a very durable timber. Back To Top

Strength

Our hardwoods are stronger and harder than the softwood decking that is on the market. Choice of timber will depend on the context. For public areas with heavy pedestrian traffic and/or regular maintenance vehicles, a heavier timber is required than in domestic situations. Species such as ipe, cumaru, massaranduba, itauba, and red angelim are suitable for heavy use while louro, red louro, and favinha may be used for less demanding situations. Back To Top

Thickness

Standard thicknesses are (approximately) 20; 26; 33; 42; and 57 mm

The thickness of the decking that is required will depend on the strength class of the timber and the use of the decking. For domestic situations a thickness of 20 mm, in combination with a heart distance of 300-400 mm between the bearers, is usually sufficient. If the distance is greater, thicker timber will be required.

For public areas a thicker section must be used. Because this is usually combined with a stronger timber, a thickness of 26 or 33mm is sufficient in most cases. Only when the deck must be accessible for heavier loads, such as maintenance vehicles, the thickness must be increased. Situations such as these will always require a proper structural assessment. Back To Top

Width

Standard widths are ± 90 and 140 mm, but widths up to 190 mm are possible.

The narrower the boards, the easier it is for water to run off, and this will affect the slipperiness of the surface. Wet timber can be very slippery, and for this reason narrower boards are preferable to wider boards.  However, for aesthetic reasons, many people may prefer wider boards.

Strength is also an issue, with wider boards stronger than narrow ones. For these reasons narrow boards are rarely used in public places. The most popular width for use in public areas is 140 mm.

In the design of decking areas it is important to keep in mind that a deviation from available standard widths will mean extra costs and/or longer delivery times. The timber we supply comes in sawn widths of approx. 150 and 200 mm, and from these can be obtained the widths indicated above. We are aware that widths of 145mm are sometimes specified, but although these may be common in softwood or in non-certified species, they are not available in FSC timber unless specifically ordered. Back To Top

 Profiles

Decking usually is supplied with a so-called anti-slip profile consisting of ribbles or grooves. However, it is a moot point whether these profiles have much of an effect on slipperiness. In theory grooves reduce the surface area and increase the weight per unit and thereby increase friction, but grooves also have an unintended consequence.  In a wet climate frequent rain enables algae to grow in the grooves of the decking, and these algae will swell up when they get wet, making the surface slippery. The only way to get rid of them is regular cleaning of the decking with a hard brush and/or with water and bleach or a pressure hose.

 The question is, if a grooved profile is necessary at all, and whether or not a simple planed profile with rounded corners would work as well - assuming the boards were kept mould-free.

 An option is to keep the surface of the decking fine-sawn rather than machined. This ensures a certain roughness, but it requires a good quality of sawing, and this cannot always be guaranteed. Back To Top

Inserts

For situations in which slip resistance is a necessity, for instance, for access ramps or other sloping areas, the only way to guarantee this is by using inserts made out of a suitable slip-resistance material. There are several products on the market. Through our sister company, Engineered Wood Products, we can supply an insert with a resin base and a hardwearing abrasive coating or a rubber insert for situations such as swimming pools or children’s playgrounds. Back To Top

Decking Project Examples: