Is Spotted gum good for decking?
Spotted gum is well-suited for decking because of its durability and superior wood properties, which include hardness, high density and strength. It shrinks and moves less than some other timber decking options thanks to its remarkable density. Spotted gum is also naturally resistant to termites, stains and fire.
How long will a spotted gum deck last?
40 years
You can expect a Spotted Gum deck to last for more than 40 years if it is well maintained, as this timber has a Janka rating of 11.0 and a Class 1 natural durability rating. Spotted Gum is also relatively fire resistant, meaning it doesn’t need to be treated with any further fire retardants during processing.
Does spotted gum decking go grey?
Over time, spotted gum decking will fade to grey. Homeowners and builders are often drawn to the wavy grain in spotted gum decking which produces a characteristic “fiddleback” look.
Is Blackbutt or Spotted Gum better?
Black Butt Flooring – Classic choice We can consider the following points. Janka Test: Spotted Gum timber has a hardness rating of 11 whereas Blackbutt timber is 9.1. This makes Spotted Gum the harder of the two, but both rating level is very acceptable.
Should you oil new decking straight away?
So what should you do? Leave your deck to weather or oil it straightaway? The professionals say that you should leave it exposed for three to six months as this will give the timber time for the tannins to leach, which will prevent staining caused by extractive runoff when you oil it.
Does Spotted Gum decking shrink?
If you coat the boards all-round this may be adequate as when you consider that high density hardwoods, such as those commonly used for decking like spotted gum, blackbutt, ironbark and tallowwood can shrink, in the drying/manufacturing process between 6-7% then there is a possibility they can expand that much when …
Does Spotted Gum twist?
If used as decking, Spotted Gum may be best treated with a decking oil. At Coach House Timbers, we generally recommend finishing / coating the material before, or straight after, installation to prevent moisture absorption / reduction, which can cause swelling, cupping, warping, twisting and splitting.
Does spotted gum decking shrink?