Hardwood Decking Installation in Hobart
Decking Hobart Specialist
Expert Hardwood Decking Installation Services in Hobart
Look, we’ve installed enough hardwood decks around Hobart to know what works in Tasmania’s climate and what doesn’t. There’s nothing quite like the warmth of real timber underfoot when you’re sitting out on a sunny winter afternoon with a glass of wine – and that’s exactly what our hardwood decking installation gives you.
We work with premium Australian hardwoods like merbau, spotted gum, blackbutt and ironbark. These aren’t just beautiful timbers – they’re naturally built to last in Hobart’s wet conditions. We’re talking Class 1 and 2 durability ratings, which means they’ll resist rot and insects without needing chemical treatments. And yeah, they cost more than treated pine, but you’re getting a deck that’ll still look stunning in 20-30 years.
Our team’s been building decks across Greater Hobart for years now. We know the specific challenges here – the moisture, the coastal salt air in some suburbs, the way different timbers react to our climate. That local knowledge makes a real difference to how your deck performs long-term.
Hardwood Species We Install
Merbau is probably our most popular choice. That rich red-brown colour looks incredible, and it’s extremely durable in Hobart’s wet climate. It does have some natural oils that can leach out initially, so we factor that into the installation.
Spotted gum is a beautiful Australian native with varied grain patterns – no two boards look exactly the same. It’s got high durability and performs really well here. The colour ranges from light brown to darker tones, and it ages to a nice silver-grey if you don’t oil it.
Blackbutt gives you those pale honey tones if you’re after a lighter look. It’s naturally termite resistant and sits in that sweet spot of being a cost-effective hardwood without compromising on durability. Really popular for Battery Point and Sandy Bay heritage homes
Ironbark is your premium option. Exceptionally hard, incredibly long lifespan, but it comes at a price. If you want a deck that’ll outlast you, this is it.
Tasmanian Oak is our local option. Lighter colour, beautiful grain, but it does need more regular maintenance than the others. We’re upfront about that.
Jarrah comes from Western Australia – deep red colour, termite resistant, another premium choice that performs brilliantly in our climate.
Hardwood Decking Installation in Hobart
Look, we’ve installed enough hardwood decks around Hobart to know what works in Tasmania’s climate and what doesn’t. There’s nothing quite like the warmth of real timber underfoot when you’re sitting out on a sunny winter afternoon with a glass of wine – and that’s exactly what our hardwood decking installation gives you.
We work with premium Australian hardwoods like merbau, spotted gum, blackbutt and ironbark. These aren’t just beautiful timbers – they’re naturally built to last in Hobart’s wet conditions. We’re talking Class 1 and 2 durability ratings, which means they’ll resist rot and insects without needing chemical treatments. And yeah, they cost more than treated pine, but you’re getting a deck that’ll still look stunning in 20-30 years.
Our team’s been building decks across Greater Hobart for years now. We know the specific challenges here – the moisture, the coastal salt air in some suburbs, the way different timbers react to our climate. That local knowledge makes a real difference to how your deck performs long-term.
Decking Hobart Specialist
Our Hardwood Decking Service
Here’s what you get when we handle your hardwood decking installation in Hobart.
We source quality timber from reputable suppliers – none of that dodgy imported stuff that splits within a year. Then we properly acclimatize the timber before installation. This is massive. Hardwood needs time to adjust to Hobart’s humidity levels, otherwise you’ll get gaps or buckling later on.
Our joist spacing is correct for hardwood – different timbers have different spanning capabilities, and we match the frame to suit. We only use stainless steel fixings because standard galvanized screws will rust and leave ugly stains on your beautiful hardwood. We can also install hidden fixing systems if you want that clean, screw-free surface.
Proper ventilation under the deck is non-negotiable. Hobart’s damp climate means we need serious airflow underneath to prevent moisture buildup. We can do pre-oiling before installation or finish after – both methods work, just depends on your timeline and budget.We’ll sort out council permits if needed, provide full insurance coverage, and the carpentry and craftsmanship speaks for itself once you see the finished product.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hardwood Decking Installation Services
Honestly, merbau and spotted gum both perform brilliantly here. Merbau’s got that gorgeous red colour and handles moisture really well. Spotted gum’s a bit lighter, native Australian, and just as durable. We’ve installed both across Hobart for years with great results. The “best” one really depends on the look you’re after and your budget – we’ll talk through both options when we quote your job.
You’re looking at 20-30 years minimum with proper maintenance, and even longer with premium species like ironbark. We’ve seen merbau decks in Hobart that are 25+ years old and still going strong. The key is that regular oiling every 1-2 years and keeping the sub-floor ventilated. Treat your hardwood deck right, and it’ll outlast most other outdoor structures on your property.
Yeah, it does. You’ll want to oil it every 1-2 years to keep the colour and protect the surface. Takes a Saturday morning, couple of hours work depending on the size. If you don’t oil it, the timber will turn silver-grey (which some people actually like) but the surface can get rougher over time. We can arrange maintenance for you if you’d rather not do it yourself, or we’ll show you exactly how to do it properly.
Hardwood decking installation typically costs 2-3 times more than treated pine for materials alone. So if treated pine’s sitting around $65-80 per square metre for materials, you’re looking at $150-200+ per square metre for hardwood depending on species. But here’s the thing – that treated pine deck will need replacing in 10-15 years, while your hardwood’s still looking great at 25 years. When you factor in longevity and the fact you’re not rebuilding in a decade, the cost difference narrows quite a bit.
Absolutely. We install heaps of hardwood decks on heritage homes around Battery Point, South Hobart and Sandy Bay. Blackbutt and spotted gum work really well with weatherboard cottages – they’ve got that natural Australian character that complements period architecture without looking out of place. We can also advise on any heritage overlay restrictions if your property’s in one of those areas. The goal is making your deck look like it belongs with your home’s style and era.
Hobart Considerations for Hardwood Decking
Tasmania throws some specific challenges at hardwood decks that mainland builders don’t always understand.
Moisture management is the big one. We get 600mm+ of rainfall annually in Hobart, so water’s always going to be around your deck. The sub-floor ventilation we mentioned? That’s not optional here – it’s what stops moisture from sitting under your deck and causing problems.
We acclimatize all hardwood to Hobart’s humidity before installation. Timber shipped from Queensland or Western Australia needs time to adjust to our conditions, otherwise you’ll see movement once it’s down.
Stainless steel fixings prevent those rusty streaks that ruin the look of your deck. We see plenty of decks around Hobart with rust staining because someone used cheap fixings.
Regular maintenance – oiling every 1-2 years – keeps hardwood looking good and protects the surface. We can organize this for you if you’d rather not do it yourself.We’re in a moderate termite risk area, so proper barriers and using naturally resistant species gives you peace of mind. And if you’re near the coast – Sandy Bay, Battery Point, anywhere with salt air exposure – we adjust our approach to handle that corrosive environment.
