The Pros & Cons of Installing Treated Pine Decking

What is Treated Pine Decking?

Treated pine decking is a popular choice for outdoor spaces due to its affordability and versatility. It is pine timber that has been chemically treated to enhance its durability and resistance to decay, making it suitable for outdoor applications like decking.

The Pros of Treated Pine Decking

Cost-effective

Readily available throughout Australia, treated pine decking offers a cost-effective solution for homeowners looking to build or renovate their decks without breaking the bank.

Visual finishes

One of the advantages of treated pine decking is its ability to be stained or painted. This allows homeowners to customise the look of their deck to match their home’s design and style.

Environmentally friendly

Much of the pine used in Australia is sourced from plantation-grown forests, making it a more sustainable choice compared to some hardwood options.

Treated pine decking workability

Pine is known for being easy to work with onsite. It can be cut, drilled, and shaped without the need for pre-drilling or specialised tools, which can reduce installation time and labor costs.

Durability

Due to the treatment process, treated pine decking is highly resistant to termites and decay. This makes it a durable option for environments where moisture and insects is a concern.

The Cons of Treated Pine Decking

Maintenance

Compared to hardwood decking, treated pine decking requires more regular maintenance. This includes annual staining or painting to maintain its appearance and applying protective coatings to extend its lifespan.

treated pine decking Appearance

While treated pine decking can be customised with stains and paints, it often lacks the natural warmth and visual interest that hardwood decking species offer. This may be a consideration for homeowners seeking a more distinctive look.

Wear and Tear

Although pine is a high strength timber, it is more susceptible to wear and tear than hardwood species. Generally treated pine decking comes with a 25-year warranty against wood rot, insect and fungal attack for above-ground applications. However, with proper care and maintenance, treated pine decking can last just as long as hardwood decking.

Bowens Treated Pine Decking Range

Treated pine decking products are available to order pre-oiled using Intergrain® Industrial Oil to protect and increase the product’s lifespan. Check out our pre-coated timber services page for more information.

For information on timber decking in general, discover our blogs ‘The Importance of Decking Ventilation’, ‘Decking Board Cupping’ or our video, ‘How to Build a Timber Deck that Lasts.’

To shop from our wide range of timber decking, explore the Bowens website, or visit one of our stores in Melbourne or regional Victoria today.