Thread: Replacing treated pine deck with Merbau

Originally Posted by chipwell71

Some things to note, I am able to get high quality Merbau cheap through a friend that imports it.
So to clarify my questions are,<o></o>
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1. Should I replace the existing deck with Merbau
2. If I decide to keep the treated pine deck how long should i expect it to last given its 13 years old but still in reasonable condition?<o>></o>>

My unpainted treated pine decking celebrates its twentieth birthday this year. The wood has dried totally and now seems a little brittle - two planks actually broke - I just moved them to the edge of the deck where no one walks and moved two unbroken planks to the middle.

I estimate that I have about five years more life in that decking. The framing, posts and joists all appear sound and good for another 20 years. The posts are on stirrups.

Having the entire deck of merbau/kwila will certainly look better. But still $$$'s.

Fastening a (very hard) hardwood to a pine is the reverse of the recommended practice. I think I would consider slightly longer and slightly heavier gauge screws to compensate.

Even in pine I found it best to pre-drill the decking, but not the joists, and to lubricate the screws with cooking oil. I just tied a bit of sponge to the electric screw driver, moistened it with cooking oil, and then touched each screw before driving.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Graeme