Timber iQ October - November 2018 // Issue: 40 | Page 34

FEATURES
wanted from the deck, the right decking material is easier
to specify. Most popular timber decks are related to their
maintenance side as well as outlook and price.” “Shortcuts in installation such as incorrect fasteners,
poorly designed supporting structure, wider than specified
joists are some of the problems encountered. The top two
problems are: wider or poor joist installation and skipping
fasteners to try and save money,” notes Robb.
TRENDS AND CHALLENGES LONG LIVE SUSTAINABILITY
Kisten says in the decking business the hype is to use
composite decking due to its maintenance free lifespan.
Kisten highlights that the industry has become more
environmentally conscious and want something new.
“Thermally treated decks are growing in popularity as
they are more dimensionally stable, and less cracking
compared to untreated hardwoods and other timbers. In
addition, thermally treated decks are very lightweight with
a unique and consistent dark colour.”
Robb says SA pine remains a favourite decking as it is
economical, sourced from sustainable plantations, and
when correctly treated and maintained it has a comparable
lifespan to other decking products. “When choosing
hardwoods, garapa and jatoba from Brazil and balau from
Indonesia are very popular. It is vital that the consumer
purchases legally sourced hardwoods where a certificate of
legality can be supplied.”
Robb says challenges creep in when one chooses an
inexperienced installer which is sure to result in problems. Timber decking boasts exceptional sustainable attributes.
“Solid timber decking is a natural product. Unlike
composite or plastic decking, it has not gone through a
chemical process which results in a greener footprint. If
purchased from reputable suppliers who supply legal
timbers, the buyer can be assured that by choosing solid
timber they are choosing the greenest decking option,”
says Robb.
Kisten says apart from it being the only decking material
that is renewable, timber’s most sustainable attributes
really come into play when, “we look at how the timber
deck is manufactured, from where it is sourced and what is
the lifespan/maintenance requirements. Fully sustainable
timber deck is sourced from 100% PEFC or FSC certified
forest, is manufactured using energy efficient processes
and requires less maintenance in order to serve a lifespan
of 15 to 20 years or more.”
Continued from page 30
We have been supplying quality timber products
to the building and DIY industry for 27 years.
Our fleet of vehicles and trucks deliver
throughout the Cape Town and Boland areas.
We stock large quantities for quick supply.
Our key products are:
Structural treated pine in all dimensions and lengths.
Laminated beams in Pine, Saligna and Red Grandis
Exterior Hardwood decking in Balau, Garapa, Jatoba and Red Grandis
Interior flooring and ceiling in pine and Oak
Pine interior and exterior mouldings.
Pine poles, laths and droppers.
Our strengths:
10ha site in the Helderberg with 6000 square metres undercover storage
housing approximately 2000m 3 of stock.
Dedicated machining and moulding department.
Laminating plant for counter tops, posts and beams.
SABS Pressure treatment facilities for CCA treatment and Clear Vacsol Azure.
021 845 8713
257 Broadlands Road, Strand
Western Cape, South Africa
See more on page 34
www.somtim.co.za