The Deck Master Philosophy

Deck Master is dedicated to assist you to gain the lifestyle benefits and satisfaction which you expect from a timber framed deck which performs well over a long life.

We aim to assist you to gain greater satisfaction, performance and longevity from your timber framed deck, by providing extensive information on good practices in design; subframe construction; and installation, finishing and maintenance and a referral service to specialist deck builders, decking materials suppliers, specialty decking products and decking service providers. 

Ideally we would like to see potential deck builders use the information provided here to become aware of the issues involved in building a deck and know enough about good materials and construction practices to be able to discuss their needs and requirements for quality with their supplier, service provider and Deck Master so that they specify and receive quality - quality which will ensure they gain satisfaction from their project over the long term. 

The information is provided free of charge whether you use it to source suitable materials and apply good construction and maintenance techniques to build and maintain your own quality deck as a DIY project or if you prefer to have your deck built for you, to contact design professionals and your local
Deck Master®, a specialist deck builder, who can work with you to deliver a timber deck which will provide satisfying performance over a long life.

The information provided on the site is independent.  

The information we provide and the referral service to product and service providers has the sole aim of delivering quality decking projects which perform well over a long life.  "Building better decks" is our first priority.  We don't compromise by promoting materials or finishes which might be readily available or cheap or construction practices which are easy and commonly used. 

We promote the use of quality materials and construction practices as we believe that you should regard your deck as an investment in lifestyle, and as an investment you should pay an appropriate amount (not too little not too much) for the performance and enjoyment you expect to receive.  If you treat your deck as a cost to be minimised you will likely not gain the performance you expect and will likely take on longer term maintenance costs. 

We do not promote every decking material available or support every construction practice used - there are some which are clearly not of a high standard and produce projects which perform poorly eg we specifically advise against some poor practices such as fixing decking with T-nails and using high shrinkage unseasoned hardwoods for sub-frame timbers. 

In some "grey areas", eg some decking timbers may work well in a moderate climate or under roof but may not perform as well when exposed to the heat and humidity of north Queensland, we emphasise best materials and practices and leave it to the potential deck builder to seek out local information and make their own decision.  This will normally mean discussing with their local timber supplier whether there are any decking timbers available in a local area which are suitable alternatives, for your application and conditions, to those on our list of suitable timbers or more importantly which should not be used.  The starting point in any discussion with your timber merchant, and we would suggest as your key requirement is "I want to build a deck which will perform well over a long life."

Good materials & construction & maintenance practices are likely to cost more ..... but not a lot more.

Remember, that it will cost you "something" to have a deck built, even one which does not perform well.  To obtain quality and performance you are looking at paying an amount "extra" to the minimum you would have to pay anyway.  The "cost of quality" (or "investment in performance") is this incremental amount extra to the minimum you would have to pay anyway). It is up to each deck purchaser to decide if this extra is justified and to specify the quality they require..  

We would suggest that if you are looking at gaining use, enjoyment and satisfaction from your deck over a long period then the investment is worthwhile.  

We wish you enjoyment and satisfaction from your decking project.