If you are designing the garden of your dream home, the terrace will be an important aspect of the outdoor living space, and regardless of size, you will have to decide whether to use traditional timber decking or have some natural stone laid. In this article, we will look at the pros and cons of both, with the aim of helping you to make the right choice when it comes to patio materials.

Timber Decking

• The Pros – If you take a look at some of the stunning timber decking in Brisbane, it’s easy to see why timber is the most popular choice, and with many different timber species, you really do have a lot of choices. Seasoned timber will last for many years, and yes, you will have to re-varnish the wood every now and then, but that’s a small price to pay for the timeless elegance that seasoned timber brings to the table.

It is very easy to keep timber decking clean, as the slats have small gaps and you simply sweep the deck and end up with a clean floor, and quality timber will stand up to the worst Aussie weather. A mop every week will really make a difference, and staining every winter is a good idea.

• The Cons – The gaps between the decking can be troublesome, especially wide gaps, which can sometimes cause a chair leg to disappear! Maintenance is another thing to consider, which will prolong the life of the decking, and this should be an annual thing – a quick sand down, then you can apply the stain and finally a coat of varnish to seal the wood. It is possible to find composite decking with a faux timber look, which might be an alternative if you are not into maintenance.

Natural Stone

• The Pros – Natural stone is very appealing and is generally cooler underfoot, which is great on those blistering hot days, and such is the range of stone, you can create a unique look. Natural stone is also very easy to keep clean and requires zero maintenance, and as long as the gradient is right, rainwater will drain away.
• The Cons – Natural stone would be more expensive than timber decking, which is certainly something to consider, and some stone like marble would be very costly, plus it needs to be professionally installed. Timber decking is tough to beat, which is why it is still Australia’s favourite after all these years, and with online suppliers of the finest timber decking, sourcing is never an issue.

Timber decking is visually appealing and extremely functional and when you weigh it all up, it is the preferred choice for a patio. If you would like to browse an extensive catalogue of hardwood decking, a Google search is all it takes to find a local supplier, who would have all the accessories and fixings too.

Whatever you decide, make sure you have an experienced contractor to do the work, unless you happen to be a DIY enthusiast, then the project can be on your list of things to do.