90x19 vs 145x19 merbu boards

[oohsam]

Hey all
I was about to buy my merbu for my decking, and i was gonna get the 90x19 but I quite like the 145x19. Looks great in my opinon but I have heard they warp and cup.

Is this true? I wouldnt mind getting 145 wide deckboards....could someone offer some advice for or against?
thanks

[Larry McCully]

Wide boards look great, but you need to screw fix. 2x stainless steel square drive type 17, 8 gauge 50mm long. 20mm in from each edge.

[oohsam]

I was told that I would 3 screws per board?

I think I wil get the 140mm boards...the 145mm are 22mm thick, I already built my deck for 19mm thick boards.

I already bought all the nails too...looks like they are going in the shed...

[dazzler]

How did they go :?

[oohsam]

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves....They look absolutley immaculate...need to oil it, I've been lazy....

I'd go 140mm over 90mm or 70mm any day of the week.

http://woodworkforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=59897&d=1194675740

[Larry McCully]

Be quick with oiling your deck. Get a deck wash and wash it down then use FEAST WATSON decking oil. Roller coat 3 x coats.MMMMMMM yulll love it
Or better still, get a pro sander in to run over it with 100 grit , you coat it. Sanding it will cost yo 100 bucks or so. I do it all the time it is a better way to go

[oohsam]

100 bux for a sander? Really...I might have to look into that...

Why do i have to be quick LOL...its been ages since I laid that decking....

[Ashwood]

Sanders are typically $50 - $60 per day of rental, plus consumables of about $8-12 per sheet of sandpaper. So $60 plus 4 sheets = $100 which is fairly typical.

[Larry McCully]

The timber will start to get sun damaged. The top layer dries out and starts to dry out and darkens. It looses its natural timber colour. Sanding it will return its natural colour. It you oil it when the timber is darkening , it will look terrible. Also it is easy to stain from oils and other substances droped on to the top. Oiling it not only preserves it, but protects it. I would not do the sanding yourself, get a professional in.

[Loki429]

oohsam

I agree with Larry about the timber colour, however don't be afraid to tackle the sanding yourself.
Your deck is new and in good condition so it won't require a drum sander (which sound like they need a lot more skill to operate). From what I've just done to my deck I suggest you get hold of an orbital floor sander, do it yourself and see how you go. Should take you less than a day.
It did however cost me $100 to hire for the day so if you could get a professional to do it for that price then go for it!

[Larry McCully]

Yes that is true, I remember a couple of weeks ago that i sanded a deck with my machine, but i had to leave it because there was a directors meeting just about to start in the office next door to the deck. I planed to come back the next day to complete it. I had done all the sanding , all i had to do was to coat it. But over night it rained and when i went back to the deck it was water stained. S instead of dragging my 130kg sanding machine out all over again, i decided to put 80 grit on the random orbital sander, (We use a festool 150mm rotax) and hand sanded it down, i was impressed at the results. And it was relatively quick. So i would say that you could do the same, It might take a little longer , but at this early stage , you will get the results. use a good quality 80 grit, ring a floorsanding supplier in your area and purchase what you need . If you need help with anything let us know , glad to help.

[munruben]

Great job oohsam looks terrific

[oohsam]

Thanks...The timber hasn't started to darken yet...Im gonna have to see if I can get a sander in. Im a bit worried to stuff it up. I've come this far. I once tried buffing some porcelin tiles with a buffer machine thingy....IT was hard has hell to control If its the same contraption..I'll getsomeone..

Anyone know the cost involved in getting a proffesional to come and do a 'quick' sand for me?