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Due it its natural durability and termite resistance Australian Cypress is widely used as decking. The heatwood of Australian Cypress is highly durable and is designated in Australia as Class One, the highest durability rating available, and defined as lasting 50 years above ground without treatment.
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The reality is, however, that the most widely used decking is made from 4” x 1” (100 x 25mm) which is generally sawn from the edge of the log as a by-product of the production of larger dimension timber. And this wood contains a high percentage of sapwood, which is not particularly durable, perhaps having a life of 7 to 10 years, depending on the way the deck is constructed and the local climate. Another issue that detracts from the suitability of Australian Cypress as decking is that it contains many knots, a few of which may fall out after the deck is made. |
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| We deal with these problems in a number of ways. We provide the facts to our clients and ensure that their purchasing decision is well informed. We always kiln dry our decking so that movement is limited and knots are less likely to fall. We also treat treat knots in the factory to prevent the ingress of water and to prevent them from coming loose. Most importantly we limit the amount of sapwood and classify our decking according to strict grading rules so that clients can make decisions based on price and quality.
For a deck where traffic is expected to be heavy, especially if the application is a public project or park, it is advisable to use a heavy guage deck, normally 33mm or heavier. This will contain less sapwood and also be stronger and more durable than decking used in domestic applications.
Finally, it is always advisable to use a good decking oil. Nobody wants a deck that is impregnated with chemicals and that is one reason that people prefer cypress, but a good deck oil will keep your deck looking good and will ensure that is remains serviceable for many years. We recommend that you use a mineral based oil, not a natural (organic oil) based product. The reason for this is that the organic oils will be broken down by bacteriaand will turn your deck very dark grey or black over time. Also the maintenance interval for these oils will be shorter than with a good mineral-based oil product. |
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