The Allure of Stunning Jarrah Timber Decking in Adelaide, Australia

The Beauty of Jarrah Timber Decking in Adelaide

Jarrah timber has long been prized for its rich red tones and hardwearing properties. This iconic Australian hardwood is the perfect choice for decking in South Australia, especially in the Adelaide region where sunny days mean outdoor entertaining areas see a lot of foot traffic.

The Allure of Jarrah

Native to western Australia, Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) is a readily available and renewable timber that offers great versatility for decking boards, posts, and beams. Its high density and natural oils give it excellent weather and insect resistance, with the potential to last over 40 years even in full sun exposure.

Jarrah has a distinctly Australian character with varying shades of deep reds and chocolate browns. When freshly oiled, it has a rich glow that enhances any garden or patio area. The contrast between the lush green vegetation of Adelaide and the burnt red hues of Jarrah is spectacular.

Ideal Properties for Decking

With a high hardness rating, Jarrah is very resistant to scratching and marring, important qualities for flooring in high foot traffic areas. Yet it still has some flexibility to handle temperature changes without cracking or warping.

Its oily and resinous nature makes it difficult for moisture to penetrate the wood, reducing swelling and shrinkage issues. When properly treated, Jarrah has very good dimensional stability and can be used in structural applications.

Finishing and Protection

Although the natural oils help protect Jarrah from weathering, regular maintenance is advised to keep it looking its best. Light sanding followed by cleaning and oiling every 6-12 months will protect the wood while allowing its texture and grain pattern to show through.

Top quality penetrating decking oils like #Cutek offer UV resistance, water repellency and guard against mould and fungi. They deeply soak into the wood pores without leaving a plastic-like film on the surface. This maintains the natural slip resistance of Jarrah, an important safety consideration for outdoor steps and decking.

Designing Jarrah Decks in Adelaide

The adaptable nature of Jarrah makes it suitable for all types of decking designs. As a dense hardwood, it can span gaps between joists for seamless flooring all bound together with hidden fixings. Or it can be used for attractive raised grooved decking with visible fasteners.

For contemporary style, wide sleeper boards laid in contrasting directions create bold lines. Or for a more traditional deck use narrow tongued and grooved strips. Mix things up by bordering the decking with decorative feature screens made from brushed Jarrah.

Climate Considerations

Adelaide enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. WhileJarrah is adaptable to these changing conditions, allowances should be made for expansion and contraction gaps between boards.

Good ventilation and drainage under the deck is important to prevent build up moisture. Positioning the decking to make the most of Adelaide's ample sunshine will reduce dampness issues and show off the timber's rich colourations.

Maximizing Enjoyment

The ideal way to appreciate a Jarrah deck is barefoot with a glass of South Australian wine in hand! Providing comfortable seating, outdoor kitchens or dining furniture will ensure the space gets used regularly.

Consider adding a pergola covered in drought hardy vines for shade in summer. Locating external power points nearby makes stringing festoon lights easy for the perfect ambience on balmy evenings.

A well-designed Jarrah deck expands your home's living space outdoors. With the right oiling regimen it will provide an enduring platform for entertaining and relaxing for decades to come.

FAQs

Why is Jarrah good for decking?

Jarrah is dense, hardwearing, weather resistant, and has natural oils that help protect it from the elements. Its rich coloration and grain patterns also make it visually appealing. When maintained properly, Jarrah decking can last over 40 years.

What is the best way to protect Jarrah decking?

Applying a high quality hardwood decking oil like Cutek every 6-12 months will protect Jarrah decking. The oil soaks deep into the wood grain to repel water and prevent damage from the sun and weathering while still allowing the natural texture to show through.

Should Jarrah decking be sealed?

Jarrah should not be sealed with a surface coating, varnish or shellac. These sealants will crack, peel and flake off relatively quickly. They also obstruct the natural breathing and expansion/contraction of the wood. Oiling allows moisture release while protecting the timber.

What is the best time of year to install Jarrah decking in Adelaide?

It's best to install Jarrah decking in Adelaide during the cooler, drier months of late autumn to early spring. Avoid summer installation as the heat and UV exposure can cause excess drying. Proper acclimatization and sealing of the ends after cutting is important.