Hit The Deck

Outdoor decking is the ideal addition for an al fresco experience. Choose the right timber and you will enjoy a seamless indoor-outdoor feel, but choose the wrong one and you could end up with an endless – and sometimes costly – maintenance schedule. Find out how to make the right choice from these experts.

“The right outdoor deck should be tough and durable, and be able to perform in all weather conditions,” says Gary Koh of Wood and Wood.

Taking key factors into consideration will ensure a longer-lasting installation, easier maintenance and an enduring love for your outdoor space, says Joyce Tan of Absolut Outdoors.

First, the weather. “Given Singapore’s hot and wet weather, outdoor decking is exposed to high temperatures and wet conditions frequently,” Joyce says. “Sometimes, heavy rain comes right after a bout of very hot weather, resulting in a lot of physical stress on the outdoor decking as it will go through quick bouts of expansion and contraction.”

Secondly, durability is a must. “Not all timber is suitable for outdoor use,” says Suzane Tan of Timplex. “Outdoor timber has a durability factor that protects [wet] timber against fungal attack.”

It also makes for an easier lifestyle. “Unless you are very conscientious about maintenance (polishing and varnishing natural wood decking), it is best to choose composite wood decking,” says Eileen Wong of Chip Lee Timber.