Thread: Building a deck costs - timer posts, frame and decking verses metal and timber

We’re about to renovate and replace because the old wooden deck is crumbling. We’re going to go for steel and recycled Composite decking. Don’t have prices yet but I don’t want to be replacing everything again in 10 years time.

It’s the limited lifespan of wooden decking that’s influenced our decision.

Steel framing, hardwood decking, the composites in your location will move considerably in the temperature variations between day and night and contrary to the claims it doesn't like those harsh conditions and don't ever try and walk on it in bare feet, it has the same effect as meat on a B-B-Q plate

BernMc The composite decking, whilst being maintenance free, is not very user friendly, when it gets hot, it buckles like a barstid, some boards go up while others go down. I’ve seen it buckle that much that your foot can get caught between the two! Also, being dense plastic, it retains heat for a lot longer than wood, it also grows when it buckles, to the extent where I’ve seen it snap the screws off at the joists. I advise my clients to look at Merbau, oiled, or treated pine with a water based finish, and we always screw the decks down with stainless screws.
just my experience.

I am not a fan of the composite boards either
I have just done two decks using steel joists and blackbutt boards. I think you are best to stick with Aussie hardwoods. Merbau bleeds profusely plus it is not sourced environmentally so I avoid it where I can