Reclaimed Borneo Ironwood decking

Complete Guide to Building a Wooden Deck: Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to creating an inviting outdoor space, nothing compares to the charm and warmth of a wooden deck. Whether you want a place for entertaining guests, enjoying a peaceful retreat, or adding value to your property, a wooden deck is a versatile and beautiful solution. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about wooden decks— from understanding the basics, choosing the right materials, to construction, maintenance, and costs.

Understanding the Basics

What is a Wooden Deck?

A wooden deck is an outdoor platform constructed primarily from timber or other natural materials, designed to enhance outdoor living spaces. It is typically used for lounging, dining, or entertaining. At our Bali workshop, we specialize in crafting reclaimed wood decks, made from ulin ironwood, a highly durable, eco-friendly material that can withstand tropical climates and the elements.

What’s the Purpose of Having a Deck?

Decks extend your living space to the outdoors, offering a versatile area for BBQs, family gatherings, morning coffee, or simply soaking up the sun. By using reclaimed wood, such as ironwood, we combine rustic charm with eco-consciousness. This not only provides a beautiful design but also minimizes environmental impact.

Is a Deck the Same as a Patio?

No, they’re quite different! Decks are elevated platforms, often made of wood, designed for outdoor use, and typically built above the ground level. Patios, on the other hand, are ground-level spaces made of materials like concrete or stone. Decks are perfect for uneven terrain, sloped backyards, or locations above gardens, where patios may not be ideal.

Why Do People Install Wooden Decks?

Wooden decks create a welcoming outdoor space that blends nature with modern living. Reclaimed wood decks offer a sustainable option, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of natural materials without compromising the environment. People install decks to enhance their homes, increase property value, and create versatile spaces for entertainment and relaxation.

Where Can I Install a Wooden Deck?

You can install a wooden deck in many locations:

• Backyards: Create a dedicated area for entertaining, relaxing, or dining.

• Front Yards: Add curb appeal and a place to relax outside your home.

• Balconies: Elevate your urban living with a cozy, outdoor retreat.

• Around Pools: Decks are ideal for poolside areas because of their durability and aesthetics. Our reclaimed wood decks, like those made from ulin ironwood, are particularly suited to humid environments, such as Bali, due to their natural resistance to moisture and pests.

Is a Wooden Deck Suitable for All Types of Homes?

Mostly, yes! Whether you have a modern city apartment, a traditional house, or a tropical villa, a wooden deck can complement the aesthetic of any home. Reclaimed wood is especially beneficial in regions with high humidity, like Bali, where tropical hardwoods like ulin perform better than pine or cedar. A wooden deck can even be installed in more challenging terrains like hillsides or beachfronts.

What Does a Wooden Deck Typically Look Like?

A wooden deck often features warm, textured planks with natural grain patterns. Our reclaimed ironwood decks develop a stunning grayish-brown patina over time, adding a rustic charm that blends seamlessly with nature. You can customize your deck with railings, built-in benches, or even multi-level platforms to suit your style.

Materials & Types of Wood

What Types of Wood Are Commonly Used for Decks?

Some of the most common woods used for decking include:

• Pressure-treated wood (economical but requires maintenance)

• Hardwoods like teak, cedar, and ironwood

• Softwoods like pine (affordable but more prone to wear and tear)

• Composite decking (made from wood fibers and plastic)

Our favorite choice is reclaimed ironwood—specifically ulin wood. It is naturally durable, resistant to rot, and ideal for tropical environments.

What is the Best Wood for Building a Deck?

The best wood for building a deck depends on your location and maintenance preferences. Reclaimed ironwood (ulin) is one of the best options for areas like Bali, as it resists rot and insects, is incredibly durable, and ages beautifully. Teak is also a great choice but can be costly and difficult to source sustainably. Pine is affordable but requires regular maintenance.

What’s the Difference Between Pressure-Treated Wood, Hardwood, Softwood, and Composite?

• Pressure-treated wood is affordable but treated with chemicals that may pose environmental concerns and need regular maintenance.

• Hardwoods (like ironwood, teak, and cedar) are more durable and resistant to rot, but they can be expensive.

• Softwoods (like pine) are affordable but require more frequent upkeep.

• Composite decking combines wood fibers and plastic, offering low maintenance but a synthetic appearance.

Is Cedar Better Than Pine? What About Redwood, Ipe, Teak?

• Cedar is softer and more prone to scratches than ironwood but resists insects naturally.

• Teak is durable but often harvested unsustainably, making reclaimed ironwood a more eco-friendly choice.

• Ipe is dense and durable but can be hard to source sustainably.

Will the Wood Splinter, Rot, or Warp?

High-quality hardwood, like ulin ironwood, is resistant to splintering, rotting, and warping. Regular maintenance, like resealing, helps maintain its longevity and prevents damage from exposure to the elements.

Is the Wood Used Sustainably Sourced?

Yes! We pride ourselves on using reclaimed wood sourced from old Indonesian structures, preventing the need to cut down new trees.

What’s the Lifespan of Each Wood Type?

• Reclaimed ironwood: 30-50 years with proper care.

• Teak: 25 years, depending on the source.

• Cedar: 15-30 years with maintenance.

• Pine: 10-20 years, requiring frequent maintenance.

Are There Eco-Friendly Wood Options?

Absolutely! Reclaimed wood is the most eco-friendly option, as it repurposes existing materials, reducing the need for new timber. We specialize in reclaimed ulin ironwood, sourced from old structures.

Construction & Installation

Can I Build a Wooden Deck Myself?

If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you can definitely build a wooden deck yourself. We offer pre-cut ironwood kits with step-by-step instructions to make the process easier. For more complex designs or larger projects, we recommend hiring a professional contractor.

Should I Hire a Contractor or a Specialist?

If you are new to deck building or have a complex design in mind, it’s best to hire a contractor or a specialist. Our Bali-based team specializes in reclaimed wood decks and can handle everything from design to installation.

What Tools Do I Need for a DIY Deck?

Basic tools you’ll need include:

• A drill

• A saw (with carbide-tipped blades for hardwoods like ironwood)

• A level for accurate measurements

• Screws and fasteners specifically designed for outdoor use

How Long Does Installation Take?

For a basic deck, installation can take 2–3 days. Larger or more intricate decks may take longer, especially with reclaimed wood, which can be heavier and more challenging to work with.

Do I Need a Permit to Build a Deck?

In Bali, large decks often require a permit. It’s the responsibility of the homeowner or contractor to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Budget & Costs

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Wooden Deck?

The cost of building a wooden deck depends on the material. Reclaimed ironwood (Lantai Ulin Bekas) starts at Rp. 799,000 per square meter, making it a mid-range option that balances durability and affordability. Softer woods like pine may be cheaper upfront, but their maintenance costs can add up over time.

What’s the Cost per Square Meter?

Reclaimed ironwood costs around Rp. 799,000 per square meter, a solid option for a durable, long-lasting deck.

What Factors Influence the Total Cost?

Factors that affect the cost of building a deck include:

• Deck size

• Material choice (reclaimed wood, composite, hardwood)

• Customizations (railings, built-in features)

• Labor costs (if hiring a contractor)

Are There Hidden Costs?

Hidden costs may include custom designs, additional features like railings, or the cost of stains and sealing. We include sealing in our quotes, as Bali’s humidity demands extra protection.

Does It Add Home Value?

Yes! A wooden deck, especially a reclaimed wood deck, adds significant value to your home. In places like Bali, outdoor living spaces are a sought-after feature that can increase resale value.

Can I Finance a Deck Installation?

Financing options depend on the contractor and the size of the project.

Maintenance & Upkeep

How Often Do I Need to Maintain a Wooden Deck?

With reclaimed ironwood, maintenance is minimal. We recommend a quick scrub once a year and resealing every 3–5 years. In comparison, softer woods like pine require maintenance every 6 months.

What’s the Best Way to Clean a Wooden Deck?

Use a mild soap and water solution. Avoid pressure washers, as they can strip the wood of its protective oils and damage the surface.

How Do I Prevent Mold or Mildew?

To prevent mold or mildew, keep the deck dry and sunny. Reclaimed ironwood is naturally resistant to mildew due to its oils, but trimming overhanging plants and ensuring proper drainage helps keep your deck in good condition.

What Happens if I Don’t Maintain It?

Failure to maintain your deck can lead to wood degradation, cracking, or mold buildup. Regular maintenance helps prolong the lifespan and appearance of your deck.

🌿 Eco-Friendly Practices We are committed to sustainability by using reclaimed ironwood sourced from old structures, preventing the need for new trees to be cut down. This choice not only provides a unique, beautiful finish but also reduces environmental impact.

📦 Buying & Choosing the Right Product When purchasing a wooden deck, look for high-quality materials, a trusted supplier, and features that match your needs. Reclaimed wood is an excellent choice for eco-conscious homeowners, and our Bali showroom is the perfect place to explore options and see our ironwood decks up close.

How to choose your decking?

When architects design outdoor living spaces, many will look at decking options. It can serve many functions, and improve the appearance of the outdoor living area while being a pleasure to walk on bare feet. This is especially true if the lumber has been through a professional millwork groove-and-groove, staining and sanding process. This feeling will also be enhanced by proper use of hidden fasteners preventing warp.

Another common method of deck construction will use eased edges decking board either wide or narrow with deck screws and framing also preventing warping and cupping.

However, the choice of deck boards must be carefully evaluated in order to ensure the best potential longevity for the decking. As a matter of facts, all decking materials are important for your investment to bring the best rewards, especially when it comes to the time past the original warranties. Other things to consider is to ensure that wood decking installers will pay close attention to plank joist spacing.

With respect to hardwood decking, the choice of timber needs to be looked at according to the surrounding environment. The best decking will be built while keeping in mind the potential presence of termite, rot and insects as well as local weather conditions. A popular choice in North America is the IPE deck, a very dense species, making it one of the most durable woods in the world. His southeast Asia counterpart is Ulin lumber, commonly called Ironwood. Both choices offer a low deck maintenance, thus, an initial cost more than compensated over time. No need of yearly deck cleaner, re-sanding and re-oiling on your decking in ironwood.

Many woods are available both new treated wood kiln-dried or salvaged wood. List include pine, yellow pine, redwood, cedar, red cedar, teak, Douglas-fir, mahogany, chestnut and many other species.

Sustainability should also be a factor influencing choices, especially when installing exotic hardwood. We often think that wood is environmentally friendly by nature, but not all species are respectful of sustainable logging.

Reclaim wood brings that weathered touch to your outdoor living area with hand-hewn beams of old barns or antique wood of buildings left-over. Pergola, rails, stairs, benches, wood siding, table made out of slabs, fences, end-grain tiles and other exterior structure deserve that natural feeling.