Deck Construction - Component Suggestion

Hi All - Long time viewer, first time poster.

The Subject at hand is a deck, much like Newbie deck (see his post). Approx 25sqm.However after gathering alot of information from the gathered intelligensia I seek some further clarification.

Dome Head Nails are what is "desired" though I see that for sanding this *may* be a challenge - so I am after a short list of wood material that can be sealed and oiled (irregularly) so that we can retain the Dome head nails - obviously hoping to not need to sand. Let's at this stage go with the "cost is no object" train of thought, though of course it will be - I just need to get the material short listed and costed.

If someone has horror stories on dome heads, please share and also please suggest your preferred material for the deck. The base will be stirrups and treated pine etc, so after the top material.
Many thanks in anticipation, and I will post as I go along with some pics. Hopefully not too many cries for help..... G

Hi G

just finished the BIL's deck. We used dome nails driven just proud of the surface. No need to sand, just organoil and thats it.

cheers

dazzler

Well ....in my opinion, for what its worth ......use hardwood joists instead of treated pine, the cost may be slightly cheaper but it will provide a better grip for the nail..(titadeck).....although some may say 50mm is good enough, I use 65mm......and predrill all holes first to prevent splits ....then punch the nails in about 3-4 mm .......I would not worry about filling the holes, natural dirt and dust will do this ....give it a light sand .....use a good quality decking oil and apply 3 good coats in the first yr....and once a year after that (assuming its in the open).....choice of timber to use for the top is either merbu or jarra .....I seriously would not bother with treated pine top,unless you plan to stain it ......sell up and move .....its life span is much shorter .....

oh as far as costing it out .....well lets start by seeing the pics of where its going ......and measurements .....shape etc ....my crystal ball broke ages ago....

Why punch the nails in 3-4mm :?

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Originally Posted by dazzler

Why punch the nails in 3-4mm :?

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the deck will move with the change of seasons ....swelling will occur and drying out will also occur ....during this time the nails will move also.....punching them in does a few things ....provides just a tad more grip......gives a buffer zone during the expanding and contracting from seasonal change ......and is more pleasing to the eye than looking at nail tops ....dirt and dust will eventually fill in the holes anyway .......but wont if you can "see" them..

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Originally Posted by manoftalent

the deck will move with the change of seasons ....swelling will occur and drying out will also occur ....during this time the nails will move also.....punching them in does a few things ....provides just a tad more grip......gives a buffer zone during the expanding and contracting from seasonal change ......and is more pleasing to the eye than looking at nail tops ....dirt and dust will eventually fill in the holes anyway .......but wont if you can "see" them..

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But you are also providing a perfect entry point for water entry, the biggest enemy of timber.............

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Originally Posted by Big Shed

But you are also providing a perfect entry point for water entry, the biggest enemy of timber.............

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yep your right mate ....thats why I suggested three coats of good quality decking oil for starters .....:2tsup:

Hi goyougoodthings

Everyone has a different take on the question at hand ..makes for good reading.... Get the photo's coming.....

Cheers Utemad

www.dialadeck.com.au