How to Pick the Right Timber for Your Deck in Queensland: A Complete Guide

A deck is more than a few boards nailed together. It’s a place for morning coffee, weekend BBQs, and family gatherings. Choosing the right timber is the most important step before you build. The wood you choose will affect the look, strength, cost, and how much care your deck needs over time.

This guide will walk you through the three main choices — treated pine, hardwood, and composite — and give you clear steps to help you decide.

Treated Pine – Budget Friendly and Flexible

What it is

Treated pine is a softwood that has been chemically treated to resist rot, termites, and decay. In Queensland’s humid climate, untreated pine would not last long, but treated pine is built to survive.

Why people choose it

Affordable: It’s the cheapest decking timber, making it popular for families on a budget.
Easy to work with: Because it’s softwood, it’s easier to cut, drill, and shape compared to hardwood.
Customisable: You can stain or paint pine to match almost any style.

Things to keep in mind

Maintenance: Needs regular sealing or oiling every 6–12 months to prevent splitting and fading.
Durability: While it lasts a long time with care, it won’t outlast hardwood.
Looks: It has a lighter, simpler appearance, which some homeowners love and others find too plain.

Best for

Families who want an affordable deck and are happy to spend time on upkeep.

Hardwood – Long Lasting and Beautiful

What it is

Hardwood comes from slow-growing trees such as Merbau, Spotted Gum, and Blackbutt. These timbers are dense, tough, and naturally resistant to insects and rot.

Why people choose it

Strength: Hardwood can handle heavy furniture, high foot traffic, and even pets without denting easily.
Rich look: Each species has a deep, natural colour that can make your deck look high-end.
Longevity: With the right care, a hardwood deck can last 25+ years.

Things to keep in mind

Price: Costs more upfront than pine.
Weight: Being heavy, it can be harder to install, so skilled builders are recommended.
Care: To keep the rich colour, hardwood needs oiling once or twice a year. If you let it weather naturally, it will turn a silver-grey.

Best for

Homeowners who want a statement deck that will last decades and add value to their property.

Composite – Low Maintenance and Modern

What it is

Composite boards are made from a mix of recycled wood fibres and plastic. They look like timber but behave differently.

Why people choose it

No splinters: Safe for kids and pets.
Low maintenance: Doesn’t need oiling, staining, or sealing.
Resistant: Won’t rot, warp, or attract termites.
Consistent look: Colour is even and doesn’t fade as much as natural timber.

Things to keep in mind

Price: More expensive upfront than pine and often more than hardwood.
Heat: Can get hotter than natural timber in full Queensland sun.
Look: While improved over the years, it doesn’t have the same “warmth” as real timber.

Best for

Busy households who want a stylish deck with very little upkeep.

Other Things to Consider Before Choosing

Picking timber isn’t just about cost or looks. Here are a few extra steps to make sure you’re choosing the right option for your home:

Sun and Shade: Decks in full sun may dry out faster. Composite or hardwood often handle sun better than pine.
Budget Over Time: Treated pine costs less now, but hardwood or composite may save you money in the long run.
Council Rules: Some suburbs have rules about what materials you can use. Always check first.
Maintenance Routine: Be honest with yourself — will you oil the deck every year? If not, composite may suit you better.
Lifestyle Fit: Have kids, pets, or heavy furniture? Go for hardwood or composite for extra strength.

Quick Steps to Get Started

Here’s what you can do today to move forward with your decking project:

Walk around your backyard and decide where the deck will sit.
Take note of how much sun that spot gets each day.
Write down your budget range.
Visit a timber supplier or hardware store and touch the boards yourself.
Take photos of your space to show a builder.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one “best” timber. The right choice depends on how you want your deck to look, how much you want to spend, and how much time you’re willing to spend on care.

At Zilx Building Solutions, we’ve built decks across Queensland that handle our climate and lifestyle. We know what works and what doesn’t. If you’re unsure, that’s okay — we’ll walk you through the options and help you choose the timber that suits your home.

👉 Thinking about building a deck? Contact Zilx today for a free chat. We’d love to help you bring your outdoor space to life.

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