Browse Forums Outdoor Living 1 Jun 02, 2010 5:10 pm Hi Everyone, I have been trying to get quotes for a deck that I would like to have built, but trying to find a reliable tradesman to start and complete the job has been hard. I have a property that I'm currently living in and will rent out at EOY, so I have a limited budget of $3500.00 for complete works to be carried out incl. materials and labour. As this will be an investment property I'm not looking for something too flash. I have done some research and I'm not interested in Merbau or Batu timber. I know these are top quality and also very $$$. I have looked into Treated Pine or normal Hardwood timber and would prefer either as its a cheaper alternative. I've currently had 2 quotes and both tradesman wont do it unless its Merbau???? There is a currently a deck there which I'm happy to remove and clear the area for works to be carried out. I live in Jacana Northwest of Melbourne 3047. Approx.. measure on current deck is about 6mx5m. Does anyone know of a Bob The Builder? Cheers Re: Need a new outdoor deck! 2Jun 02, 2010 6:24 pm Hi there. The reason that the builders are insisting on good quality materials is that they don't want to get a phone call from you in 3 or 4 years saying that the hardwood has rotted out or that the pine has warped. I am a builder and it is my experience that a lot of owners forget about insisting on the cheap materials when it all goes pear-shaped, and are often of the opinion that the builder should not have done the job if it will not last a reasonable time. It's hard to win sometimes. What sort of life are you expecting from the job? Cheers, Dennis Re: Need a new outdoor deck! 3Jun 03, 2010 9:50 am In My experience, Batu can move way more than CCA pine. I cant see why a deck built out of CCA pine wont last for many many years. I can show you decks I've done that are over 10 years old and are still holding up well, and they weren't even oiled or finished by the owners after completion. As long as the construction is sound and all pieces of deck are double fixed per joist timber movement should not be to big a problem. Accessible Carpentry & Cabinets accessiblecarpentry@gmail.com accessiblecarpentry.com.au https://www.facebook.com/pages/Accessible-Carpentry-Cabinets/583314911709039 Re: Need a new outdoor deck! 4Jun 03, 2010 10:02 am dennis restoration Hi there. The reason that the builders are insisting on good quality materials is that they don't want to get a phone call from you in 3 or 4 years saying that the hardwood has rotted out or that the pine has warped. I am a builder and it is my experience that a lot of owners forget about insisting on the cheap materials when it all goes pear-shaped, and are often of the opinion that the builder should not have done the job if it will not last a reasonable time. It's hard to win sometimes. What sort of life are you expecting from the job? Cheers, Dennis Hi Dennis, Thanks so much for that information. It certainly helps. I do agree that there are consumers out there who expect more for less and when things dont go to their liking, they are the first to point finger. This isn't the case in my situation. I would like to think that a deck made from hardwood or treated pine would last approx 3-6 years if looked after and before and care instructions are followed. I'd be happy with this. Re: Need a new outdoor deck! 5Jun 03, 2010 10:08 am chippy In My experience, Batu can move way more than CCA pine. I cant see why a deck built out of CCA pine wont last for many many years. I can show you decks I've done that are over 10 years old and are still holding up well, and they weren't even oiled or finished by the owners after completion. As long as the construction is sound and all pieces of deck are double fixed per joist timber movement should not be to big a problem. Hey Chippy, I would have to agree with what you say. I have done a lot of reading on decks via the internet, on the materials used, design concepts, structural designs, weaknesses, joint before and aftercare, so Im happy to go with pine. But finding someone who will start and finish the job in another thing. At most it's probably 2 days work. Re: Need a new outdoor deck! 6Jun 03, 2010 11:52 am Seranay. I'm a carpenter that has built lots of decks and I can assure you that CCA pine is fine. It may not look as good and the odd board may want to warp but with most timber types you will get some warping. Surely you can find a chippy who is happy to build to your requirements. Accessible Carpentry & Cabinets accessiblecarpentry@gmail.com accessiblecarpentry.com.au https://www.facebook.com/pages/Accessible-Carpentry-Cabinets/583314911709039 I've just built 3 stairs off a landing out the back and been told by the private certifier I need hand rails sorry tried to attach a pic but couldn't mine don't have sides… 5 5692 Surrey Hills, Vic 3127 Garage is being built with metal, 3m distance away from my cover deck. It is parallel to my cover deck, living room, family room and kitchen,… 0 9593 So I'm just reading up on this ecosystem of lights. I'm planning on putting deck lights along the outside edge of a large deck. Will need about 3 packs (18 lights) plus… 0 23012 |