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Structural Information

Timber and Decking - Woodwork finishes - Handrails - Stairs - Roofing Materials - Permits and Planning

Timber and Decking

Mr Verandah offers the following information and guidelines to assist you in making the best choice of timber and roofing materials

Selection of timber size

Mr Verandah will determine the size of the timbers required. The maximum structural performance is calculated with strict reference to the Victorian Timber Framing manual and Engineer Design Principles published by the Timber Promotion Council.

Selection of Timber

The lifespan of a timber structure is determined by the type of timber used, the maintenance provided and the degree of exposure to which it is subjected. All outdoor structures should have a paint or stain finish regardless of the timber used or the level of exposure to the weather.

Components	Suggested Timbers
Posts concreted into ground	CCA Treated Pine, Cypress, Bloodwood
Posts supported by galvanized metal brackets	CCA Treated Pine, Cypress, Oregon
Exposed Roof Structure	CCA Treated Pine
Protected Roof Structure	CCA Treated Pine, Oregon, Pine

 

Durability	Availability of Timbers
Highly durable	CCA Treated Pine * Ironbark / Bloodwood Jarrah Merbau Cypress
Durable	Cedar Victorian Ash Australian Hardwoods
Moderately durable	Oregon **
Protected Roof Structure	Pine

 

* CCA preservative treated 'Aus-Pine'

Is a plantation grown timber specifically produced for structural applications that is kiln dried after treatment for increased stability. It has proven to be more durable than Australian hardwoods and popular imported timbers and has been used continuously as a structural timber in Australia for nearly 40 years.

As with all exposed timbers CCA treated pine must be painted or stained to prevent cracking, shrinkage, or twisting. With proper maintenance it can be expected to last for more than 30 years without significant rotting or termite damage. It comes in a 'microline' semi smooth finish ideal for a paint or stain finish and, although it is slightly more expensive than oregon it is ideally suited for all exposed or semi-exposed applications.

The cheaper option of using wet treated pine in structural applications is now illegal.

** Oregon

Is a popular timber that may be successfully used in the structural component of pergolas and decks that are protected from the element. However it is not recommended for use where there is long term exposure to weather due to its moderate durability characteristics. (See durability chart.)

Decking	Description
Wet Treated Pine	Fair
Kiln Dry Treated Pine	Very Good Plantation Timber
Jarrah	Excellent Aussie timber, however the quality is now questionable due to alot of sapwood present along the grain of the boards.
Merbau	Excellent imported hardwood, deep red/brown in colour, a high quality timber