Stylish Spotted Gum Decking Sydney
Company Info
- Sydney Wide
- Email Us
- 0413 185 735
- Mon to Fri: 8AM – 5PM
- Saturday: 9AM – 1PM
- Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
- ABN 34 620 937 019
High-End Spotted Gum Decking
A deck extends your living space, creates an outdoor entertainment area perfect for conversations and catch-ups, and significantly increases the value of your Sydney home. But there’s a difference between deciding to invest in a stylish and inviting board…and choosing the right decking material for you. Click here if you would like to read some technical details about spotted gum hardwood,
Undeniably beautiful with swirling natural hues, wavy grains, and uniquely rustic tones, spotted gum decking is a high-end timber product that suits indoor and outdoor living. It’s as tough as nails and will last up to 40 years, so you’ll have lots of time to enjoy the new focal point of your home.
At UrbanArch Building, we’re a family owned and operated business with over a decade of experience delivering high-quality solutions. With a passion for bridging the gap between form and function, our eye for detail underpins everything we do. That means meeting your budget and design goals from project inception to completion.
We understand that outdoor living is a large part of your lifestyle, and we’re here to help craft a deck you fall in love with every day, even if it ends up making the neighbours jealous.
What are the advantages of this type of deck in Sydney?
You want your hardwood deck to offer structural integrity and a solid foundation whether you’re entertaining friends or enjoying some well-earned downtime for yourself. But let’s be honest…you want your new deck to turn heads, too. And that is exactly what a stunning spotted gum deck will do – turn heads.
There’s no missing this material with its striking visuals and natural variation in colour. With shades from light brown to dark red, spotted gum can include blondes, light browns, and darker browns for a complex finish that complements its setting.
What Are the Benefits of Spotted Gum Decking?
Spotted gum decking is one of the most popular hardwood choices for homeowners thanks to its stunning appearance and natural characteristics that lend themselves to a durable, modern deck.
As one of the most popular deck materials in Australia, the following benefits might explain why savvy homeowners around the country are turning to this material.
Spotted gum decking benefits
- Naturally resistant to decay
- Easy to work with for custom installations
- UV resistant to hold colour for longer
- Less likely to scratch, dent or mark
- A range of striking colours from blonde to deep brown and light reds
- Stands up to harsh weather conditions
- Bushfire resistant (BAL 29)
- Easy to oil or stain
- Managed plantation product - environmentally friendly
- Suitable for high traffic areas
- Minimal tannin bleed compared to most species
With a lifespan of more than 40 years, hardwood spotted gum decks are purpose-built to grow with your family and provide a stunning outdoor space year after year.
How Much Does Sydney Spotted Gum Decking Cost?
It typically costs more than other hardwood timbers due to its naturally durable characteristics.
Compared with jarrah ($75/m2) or blackbutt ($88/m2), the average price lands around $105/m2 for random length 135 x 19 mm boards. If you prefer longer boards that don’t have as many joins, the average price for 5.4 metre to 6 metre long boards comes in at around $150/m2.
That price is for the board only. Don’t forget to factor in all the other associated costs like stainless steel decking screws, substructure timber, and piers, steps if needed, and installation.
With exquisite timber products and competitive pricing across boards of all styles and sizes, call and speak to a member of our team today to organise your FREE onsite decking consultation.
What length does Spotted Gum decking come in?
Most hardwood deck boards come in random lengths. That means that when you receive your delivery, you can expect the boards to vary in length from 1 metre to 5.4 metres.
If you prefer to have longer lengths, you can ask for them to be all 5.4 metre long boards. This is usually regarded as a special order and will have to be made up by the mill specifically for you. It will attracts a premium of up to 50% on the price of the random length boards.
How long does it take to install a spotted gum deck?
The installation time can vary due to a range of factors. These are just some of the things that need to be considered.
- Size
- Style
- Complexity
The larger and more complex your deck is, the longer it will take to install. A properly constructed and positioned deck will look spectacular on its own.
There are a range of features that you can add to your deck that have become popular in the Sydney market that will not only make it more functional and attractive but also add to the installation time.
When you are considering some of these features, make sure that they add to the use and pleasure that you will get from your spotted gum deck as they can add many thousands of dollars to the final price.
This is a short list of some of the custom features that clients have asked us for in the past.
- multi-level decks with separate areas for dining & entertaining
- planter boxes
- storage boxes with hydraulic struts
- custom designed fascia (surrounds)
- bleacher steps (extra wide)
- inbuilt barbeque with power, hot and cold water, beer/wine fridge, and drainage
- deck lighting
- enclosed steps
- handrails and balustrades
- custom designed deck privacy screens
- outside showers
- custom-designed stairs linking a balcony deck to a lower-level deck
and many more features
As custom builders, we can take into account countless design variables as part of the deck design services that we offer clients. This ensures that your deck not only satisfies all your functional requirements but that it also mirrors the way you want it to look and feel – a central part of your families life that will serve you for many happy decades.
Typically, you can expect to have your deck completed within 2 to 4 weeks of commencement. larger and more complex decks can take a little longer to complete, before you find yourself sitting on your new outdoor furniture with a drink in hand.
What is this material suitable for?
These are more than just the type of industry buzzwords our installers talk about at parties. They’re the full range of applications for versatile spotted gum decking.
With minimal imperfections and a naturally oily texture, this material lends itself to saw and machinery work, allowing you to benefit from endless shapes and styles. And as a hardy and durable material, spotted gum deck boards accept oil, stain, and polish to keep your deck looking brand new.
Your new board retains that “just installed” feel for longer, and with regular maintenance, you’ll have the neighbours thinking you’ve installed a new deck year after year.
How Strong Is Spotted Gum Decking?
Your choice of material can’t just be made on the ‘eye test’ alone. Choosing materials from a catalogue or on Google is a great way to fill a lazy Sunday, but the shortcut to choosing a material that isn’t suited to your needs.
Thankfully, this material doesn’t offer that problem. Rated Class 1 on the durability scale (the highest possible score) for above-ground use, spotted gum decking will last for 40 years or more with strength and durability that can handle the wear and tear of your family.
Able to support the weight of your favourite outdoor furniture, your BBQ, and the guests who will inevitably want to be invited to your house for every holiday, Christmas and Sunday get together, this type of hardwood provides proven strength no matter how you plan to enjoy your deck.
Will My New Spotted Gum Decking Need Oiling?
Like any other hardwood, a spotted gum hardwood deck needs to be acid washed and reoiled every 9 to 12 months to keep it looking fresh and vivid. This doesn’t mean you’ll be spending every other weekend doing hard yakka, but knowing how to care for any type of timber is important to keep your deck’s lustre for the long term.
Oiling timber should be done to highlight the unique colour of the wood (with no two boards looking identical). Instead of using a clear oil (which won’t last long under the Australian sun), opt for the oil with some degree of pigmentation.
Yearly oiling with a high-quality oil is the simple secret to maintaining a handsome spotted gum hardwood deck that looks like the premium timber it is. We recommend the Cutek range of oils.https://www.cutek.com.au
A few tips to help extend the life of your deck
Oiling the bottom and sides of the deck boards before installation gives the added benefit of more even coverage and it gives the product a better chance of penetrating and sealing the grain before being exposed to the weather and will increase the life of your hardwood deck. Cutek wood preservative is one of the best options available.
We recommend that the ends of the deck boards are also oiled, as the end grain is the most vulnerable to moisture absorption & retention, which can lead to the growth of bacteria and eventually rot.
A Final Note: New wood is milled smooth and often has a mill glaze which can greatly restrict the absorption of oil into the deck board. Better results can be achieved by creating a rougher surface and preparing the wood using Cutek Proclean or by giving the top surface of the board a light sand with an 80 grit sandpaper.
Does Spotted Gum Decking need weathering before oiling?
Weathering depends on how you would like your timber to look. For a more worn-in, weathered look, it is recommended to leave the timber exposed to the elements for a few weeks. Weathering the Spotted Gum for around 6 weeks will give the timber the chance to excrete some of the excess tannins and natural oils.
Once the timber appears to have greyed and dried somewhat, you should wash it with a quality timber cleaning product and clean water. We suggest Cutek Quick Clean or Cutek Proclean.
Once dry, you can apply your oil of choice. If you choose an oil that has no colour pigment, the deck boards will take on a greyer or silver look over time.
If you want to keep the rich, fresh look of the timber, we recommend you oil your deck either before or immediately after installation. Doing so ensures the prevention of excess moisture penetrating the timber, which can cause several issues in the long run, even leading to the timber requiring replacement.
How do I Oil my Spotted Gum Deck?
We often get asked this question. “My deck was installed about a year ago and it’s probably time to re-oil it. How do I do it?”
There are several answers to this question.
If you aren’t sure that it’s something you want to do – contact us and we’ll organize a quote for you. It’s a good way to keep the natural beauty and durability of your hardwood deck without the worry about whether or not you got it right (as well as spending money on materials and then deciding to have it re-done professionally).
If you’d like to tackle the job yourself, we have put together a Hardwood Deck Sealing Guide that will show you how to successfully tackle the project yourself. The guide is very comprehensive and covers what you really need to know to get the job done properly. Contact us and we’ll be only too happy to send you a copy. It covers areas such as:
- How do I know when my deck needs re- oiling
- Do I need to acid wash the deck
- Do I have to sand the deck boards first
- Will a power washer (karcher) damage the deck boards
- What oil should I use
- How do I know when I have applied enough oil
- Is it best to use a brush or a woolen fleece applicator
Spotted Gum Decking vs. Composite Decking
On the fence when it comes to spotted gum vs. composite decking?
Although this decision may seem simple, it’s actually quite complex. But don’t worry, we’ll unpack the pros and cons of each material to help you find the right option for your needs and your budget.
Is This Right for Your Home? (Hint: Yes)
You’ve been comparing builder companies on Google. Researching the right hardwood material for your new board. And maybe even pictured where you’ll position your new outdoor furniture to catch the best sun on those hot, sunny afternoons you’ll be spending outside.
So take the next step and organise a FREE consultation with a member of our friendly team. At UrbanArch Building we are fully licensed and can bring your vision to life while exceeding your expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sydney Spotted Gum Decking
Is spotted gum good for decks?
Absolutely. As a strong, hardy, and aesthetically striking timber spotted gum decking is one of the premier timbers available to you. You couldn’t ask for better decking material for our diverse Australian climate.
How long do these boards last?
A properly built and maintained spotted gum deck will give between thirty and forty years of service. And it will keep its beautiful hues and tones for all that time.
Spotted gum decking and termites - Is it a problem?
Spotted Gum is considered a naturally termite-resistant timber species.
Hardwoods usually get harder over time, and so the timber becomes more resistant to termites. Depending on long-term treatment, moisture content, age, and condition, the timber can become more vulnerable.
It is recommended that you maintain your deck regularly and also have it periodically checked for termites.
Will spotted gum turn grey?
It does take on a greyish colour over time (which many homeowners love). If you’d prefer to maintain your favourite swirling caramels, browns and reds, you can use oils to maintain lustre.
Where does spotted gum grow?
Eucalyptus Maculata (the other name for this material), grows along Australia’s east coast from Victoria to Queensland. It is often plantation grown in Australia, making it a good choice from an environmental standpoint.
Is spotted gum decking suitable for bushfire prone areas?
Spotted gum decking, like jarrah and blackbutt, is a good choice for bushfire-prone areas. Arguably one of Australia’s most bold native hardwoods, it has a naturally high bush fire resistance rating of Bal 29.
What size do the boards come in?
Spotted gum deck boards come in a number of sizes. The most common sizes are 65 mm wide x 19 mm thick, 86 mm wide x 19mm thick, and 135 mm wide x 19 mm thick. The length of the boards ranges from 1 metre up to 5.4 metres.
Can you stain spotted gum boards?
Yes. It can be stained, textured and oiled to ensure a consistent visual appearance.
Why Choose UrbanArch Building?
Quality
We understand you are investing your hard-earned funds - so we invest our skill, patience, and energy to deliver your finished vision using quality materials - not second-hand or auction sourced.
On-Time & Within Budget
We arrive on time, and we will stick to the budget agreed upon. You’ll receive a schedule of work, explaining the workflow and schedule for your project.
Attention to Detail
We do the job the way it is supposed to be done - no shortcuts and we pay attention to the small details - every single time!
Family Owned
We are a locally and family-owned business. That means, we know exactly what every home and business owner deserves.
Custom Design
We offer a custom design and if you want something a little or a lot different - we can help you out.
We Genuinely Care
We genuinely care and we are committed to our clients with exceptional levels of customer care.
Responsive
We are fast and responsive. If you ring us, we will answer you straight away.
Customer-Focused
You are our client - we will always look after you.
Benefits Of Choosing UrbanArch Building
12 Years Of Experience
8 Years Warranty
Family Owned & Operated
Personalized Services
Excellent Local Reputation
Exquisite Timber Products
Fast and FREE Quotes
On-Time, Within-Budget Project Completion
Competitive Pricing
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