The origins of Deck Master are in the hardwood sawmilling,
planing
and building
materials supply industry in Gatton, Queensland.
As a sawmiller, we had developed extensive knowledge of the properties of different species
and what applications they were best suited to. With access
to a wide variety of species we were able to be selective in what species were
supplied for different applications eg internal framing, flooring subframe,
decking subframe, roof battens, solid timber flooring and solid timber decking.
Some species which
would not have been suitable for exposed conditions such as in decking
or
decking
subframe, were able to be directed towards use under roof such as
in internal framing, flooring subframe or flooring
As a building materials supplier we had also developed extensive knowledge of the
different materials and different qualities available and we were able to provide advice on
the most suitable materials for each application.
As a supplier of timber and other building materials to retail and trade
customers, we had a direct and close relationship and responsibility to
our clients to provide quality materials and good advice on how to use
those materials to ensure that our clients were happy with their project
on the day of completion and that it performed well over its life.
This relationship and responsibility was greatest when
it came to structures exposed to the weather, such as exposed decks, which are
subjected to extremes of heat and wetting from rainfall. Inappropriate material
selection or construction techniques can lead to a number of problems
including excessive shrinkage or distortion of structural timber and decking,
fixings working out, joists being split from incorrect fixing method or low
durability subframe and decking timbers suffering from premature deterioration.
By taking a "project" or "system" approach we were able to
provide suitable information and appropriate materials for each element of a
project, ensuring that the whole project was effective and performed well over
its life. It was most satisfying to receive feedback that the timber and
other materials and advice given had performed as an effective system and that
the deck was performing well.
This system approach has now formalised into the Deck
Master Decking System, an integrated set of good practices in design;
construction and finishing materials; and construction, installation,
finishing and maintenance practices, developed to deliver a decking project
which performs well over a long life, avoiding the problems of poor
performance or premature deterioration.
