can you help with decking ideas?

[mic-d]

Casting this out to the hive mind to see what comes back. I have to quote on refurbishing two identical picnic tables at an apartment complex. Here's a photo of one.
IMG_4641 2.jpg

Currently it's topped with treated pine 140x35. The metal frame is 1220x1220 angle iron with diagonal supports to a central pier.

Here are my thoughts (each table):

1) Replace with a composite deck 140x23 with a 25 year warranty against stain and fade @$320 for the deck component. I would have to weld four intermediate supports to meet max span requirements (I have a MIG so no outsourcing).

2)Replace with a Kwila deck 140x25 @$175 for the deck component. I would have to weld four intermediate supports to meet max span requirements. I would possibly have to use a deck finish requiring ongoing maintenance. Timber would bleed and stain for a period of time.

3)Replace with MGP12 H3 treated pine 140x35 like existing @$530 for the deck component. I would possibly have to use a deck finish requiring ongoing maintenance.

Any other options you can think of?

[mic-d]

The composite deck I was looking at has no availability in Qld. Poop. But I'm also investigating acetylated radiata aka Accoya as an option. Think it will be pretty expensive but with an above ground warranty of 50 years it's worth looking at.

[r3nov8or]

What composite is available in Qld? You'll need a solid version unless you plan on framing it with mitres. I used Modwood for a pool deck and have been very impressed for about 8 years now. It faded somewhat but I'd expected that and not concerned

[r3nov8or]

Accoya looks interesting. 50 years! How long ya got left?

[mic-d]

What composite is available in Qld? You'll need a solid version unless you plan on framing it with mitres. I used Modwood for a pool deck and have been very impressed for about 8 years now. It faded somewhat but I'd expected that and not concerned

Duralife was the one I looked at. Cheaper with a better warranty and flat bottom and edge boards available. Anyway, body corporate's feedback was no to composite.

If Accoya is not too expensive I think it is the go. It will see me out by a long margin.

[havabeer69]

personally... I would find the patterned aluminium.


the first person who comes down with a hot plate, or scratches the hell out of it with cutlery or anything and the composite won't look great, and its not like you can just sand it nice again.... Aluminium will probably be more expensive but is a heck of a lot more durable as a table surface (how many public park benches and tables are composite??).


the alumiunium will be able to come with plastic or aluminium end caps etc so no rough or pointy bits and will last for years and years. I garuntee the instant you try and claim ANY of those composite warrantys and you send them a photo of it as a table it will be null and void as you "didn't use it as intended"

https://www.oxworks.com.au/slats-and...m?gad_source=1
big_VS5010RC.jpg

[mic-d]

personally... I would find the patterned aluminium.


the first person who comes down with a hot plate, or scratches the hell out of it with cutlery or anything and the composite won't look great, and its not like you can just sand it nice again.... Aluminium will probably be more expensive but is a heck of a lot more durable as a table surface (how many public park benches and tables are composite??).


the alumiunium will be able to come with plastic or aluminium end caps etc so no rough or pointy bits and will last for years and years. I garuntee the instant you try and claim ANY of those composite warrantys and you send them a photo of it as a table it will be null and void as you "didn't use it as intended"

https://www.oxworks.com.au/slats-and...m?gad_source=1
big_VS5010RC.jpg

You might be right about the composite. Though as I said in my subsequent posts, we ruled it out already. I'll follow up the ally idea tho. thanks!

[r3nov8or]

the alumiunium will be able to come with plastic or aluminium end caps etc so no rough or pointy bits and will last for years and years. I garuntee the instant you try and claim ANY of those composite warrantys and you send them a photo of it as a table it will be null and void as you "didn't use it as intended"

https://www.oxworks.com.au/slats-and...m?gad_source=1
big_VS5010RC.jpg

I don't see anything on that website which suggests this product is made for trafficable surfaces. It's for fences, screens etc

[havabeer69]

I don't see anything on that website which suggests this product is made for trafficable surfaces. It's for fences, screens etc

Yeah was more of an example, probably not the exact product.

These are the ones we have at our local foreshore area.

20250224_100926.jpg

[mic-d]

Yeah was more of an example, probably not the exact product.

These are the ones we have at our local foreshore area.

20250224_100926.jpg

Can you get a brand name on that? I found this company but that one looks nicer https://babaluminium.com.au/product/...ettings-t4000/

[havabeer69]

I didn't really grab the brand, or a good picture. But i'm pretty sure the logo says SF

so gonna go out on a limb and say its the "street furniture" brand as these pretty much look like them
https://streetfurniture.com/product/aria-bench/

[r3nov8or]

Saw this today... Just out of interest... https://www.replas.com.au/
20250224_130423.jpg
20250224_130430.jpg

[droog]

I don't see anything on that website which suggests this product is made for trafficable surfaces. It's for fences, screens etc

This one advertised as a decking material
https://www.knotwood.com.au/decking/