Frequently asked questions

Polymer and wood fibres are blended to create our decking material. The best composites are those manufactured with the finest wood flour so that the polymer can protect (encapsulate) each fibre. Composite products combine the best features of both wood and polymer. Our Composite Decking Melbourne uses recycled Oak fibres, This means that the core is much denser and more stable compare to the other composite decking boards that uses recycled mixed flour. We are the only company in Australia that sells the best on the market Oakio composite decking.

There is a massive difference between Standard and 3rd Generation Co-Extrusion decking:
1) Co-Extrusion decking has a special polymer sleeve backed all around for protection.
2) 3rd Generation decking is much more durable
3) Premium Co-Extrusion composite decking is more scratch resistant
4) Co-Extrusion composite decking wood grains are indented into the planks, when in Standard composite decking they are printed on and may wear off depending on the traffic.
5) 3rd Generation Premium decking is reversible so you can have it with wood grains pattern or flat surface on top.
6) Premium composite decking has a better more realistic look and colours.
7) Co-Extrusion composite decking doesn’t heat up as much as the Standard one.
8) 3rd Generation composite decking has 25 years warranty.

The main difference between 3rd generation Co-Extrusion and 4th generation 3D decking:
1) Co-Extrusion decking has a special polymer sleeve backed on top for protection, when the 4th generation 3D composite decking is made entirely out of that material.
2) 4th generation Premium composite decking is more scratch resistant.
4) Premium 3D composite decking wood grains are much more prominent and look very realistic.
5) Co-extrusion is reversible so you can have it with wood grains pattern or flat surface on top, when 4th generation is not.
6) 3rd generation has more colours (Silver Grey, Charcoal, Redwood, Walnut and Spotted Gum), when the 4th generation comes only in 2 colours (Smoke White and Charcoal).
7) Premium 3D 4th generation composite decking doesn’t heat up as much as the Co-Extrusion 3rd generation one.
8) Both have 25 years warranty

Yes – as the materials used are virgin polymers and recycled Pure Oak wood fibres from the timber mills.

We have 2 types of clips. Using the clip system the space is automatically set at 3mm or 5.5mm. You can choose, but we highly recommend to use a bigger gap.

Just like wood, our Composite decking can be cut to size with normal drop saw. It has a unique concealed fastener system, so there are no visible screws or nails protruding from the board.

The standard rate of expansion or contraction for Oakio Composite decking is 2mm for every plus/minus 6 degrees C at the time of installation (Max. of 6mm). Melbourne Composite Decking recommends to install it not on the hottest days. Best temperature of installation is 20-25 degrees c.

Anywhere you would previously have used timber (subject to Local Government Regulations and Council approval if required) – such as decks, around pools and spas, marinas and pontoons, boardwalks, school play areas, etc.

Composite Decking Melbourne that sells only Oakio product is ideal for applications such as marinas, boardwalks, etc. With the unique hidden fastener system, the Composite decking has the ability to flex and prevents the boards from warping, splitting or tearing away. It is also ideal for around swimming pools and spas.

As Oakio Composite decking is an extruded blend of wood and polymers, the polymers component in the product gives it excellent resistance from the elements, making it far more water resistant than natural timber. However, it should be noted that Oakio Composite decking is not designed to “live in water” – this will eventually lead to moisture absorption and can cause the product to swell.

Yes, like timber, it is important to provide adequate ventilation to ensure Oakio Composite Decking is able to dry out after being wet.

Most warping in timber is related to moisture absorption. Oakio Composite decking will not warp provided it is used and fixed in line with fixing instructions. The polymer component of Oakio Composite decking is sufficiently stiffened by the wood component to ensure that it will not warp or buckle under the harshest of climatic conditions. Composite Decking Melbourne will warrant again any warping or splitting or cracking.

No. This is ideal for small children.

Oakio Composite Decking is “non-combustible” but as with all materials, it is damaged by fire.

Oakio Composite decking is “non-combustible” but as with all materials, it is damaged by fire. We are working on testing it for BAL rating and will update it in the near future.

No! It has a textured surface and is very good for use around wet areas such as spas, pools, marinas etc. It has the highest R12 slippery resistant rating.

Oakio Composite Decking is ideal around Pool areas and have a R12 slip rating to match. Composite Decking Melbourne recommends the adequate ventilation when installing on wet areas.

Oakio Composite Decking is ideal in a marine environment, being unaffected by salt air.

Our Composite decking is relatively maintenance free. Sweeping and cleaning with normal household cleaners.

Being a wood based product, Oakio Composite Decking may experience a naturally occurring process called Extractive Bleeding. This process may cause temporary discolouration that will fade away with exposure to further weather. In most cases this process takes 8-10 weeks but could vary depending on location and specific application such as a covered porch. Please refer to our care and maintenance section.

Yes, Oakio Composite Decking is generally quite resistant to mould, however if it doesn’t have sufficient ventilation or there are areas where pollen can collect and doesn’t get exposure to sun, mould may appear. Mould and mildew may grow on the deck in some circumstances, especially in damp shaded areas, or if it “sweats” under the plastic cover (especially in rain) before installation. Failure to keep packs dry in storage can lead to the growth of mould spores on boards. Clean as per directions under “Care and maintenance”.

Recommendation is to have 400mm joist centres.

With Oakio Composite Decking products that have hollow sections, it is common to cover exposed ends with the same colour Facia boards (available in all colours). This will avoid potential water /moisture penetration as well as spiders and cockroaches. To give the best effect, it is suggested that fascia board is used.

With Oakio Composite Decking you can use standard power saws and drills. As with using any power tools, safety glasses and face masks should be used when cutting or drilling. The “sawdust” is a coarse, heavy sawdust that doesn’t tend to “float” in the air. This makes it very safe for handling.

Whether at the timber merchant premises or at your own house awaiting installation, Oakio Composite Decking should be stored in a dry, flat area under roof. Failure to keep packs dry in storage can lead to the growth of mould spores on boards. When moving product around, Composite Decking should be carried on its edge.

Yes, please refer to warranty section of our website for more info. All product performance claims are based on Oakio Composite Decking products being used as recommended and installed in accordance with Oakio’s minimum fixing specifications.

Please view our installation guide here 

To view the Oakio installation video please click here.

When building a deck, the construction of the sub-structure can be very time consuming, especially if the suitable installation surfaces (e.g. concrete slabs) need to be adjusted for the deck joist supports.

Our decking pedestals have a movable head to solve this problem.

It is a new product that is already widely used around the world in the building industry. Architects and builders alike love using the Adjustable Deck Pedestal System because of its simplicity to use, its efficiency in the long term, its durability and strength, its ability to be recycled and re-used and its elegance in the way it looks.Our adjustable deck pedestals are adjustable in height from 30 mm to 220 mm throughout our 3 different feet.

✓ The double thread allows for millimetre-accurate height adjustments by continuously turning to the right or left.

✓ Easy Floor Joist support with swivel head.

✓ Approximately 4 – 5 pedestals are required per square metre (depends on the type and dimensions of the sub-structure and the decking boards).

 

With any elevated deck installation using the Deck Pedestal system follow basic load requirements.

We recommend that support pads are placed a maximum of 1000mm apart to eliminate the risk of the timber joists bouncing and weight overloading by too much span if you are placing the joist upright. If you are placing it flat, than the pedestals should be placed every 600mm.

How to use:

1)    Place the feet in the correct arrangements on your existing rigid floor to allow for the joists or bearers for the deck structure above to be placed.  Usually no more then 1000mm apart.

2)    Screw floor joist stopper to the aluminium or wood joist structure

3)    Adjust the height by screwing the adjusting unit to make structure level.

4)    The bearing plate with the bracket can be freely rotated to hold your joists

5)    Anchor the feet to your rigid floor.

Adjustable Pedestals provide a clever solution for architects and builders when designing and constructing raised flooring. They can be used with decking to create raised floors on balconies, roof gardens, and temporary floors.

Adjustable Pedestals are perfect for concealing services under the raised flooring, whilst offering easy access for maintenance of waterproof membranes.

In Australia for the DIY market, they are extensively used for laying decking over existing surfaces such as old concrete around your home.

The price listed is for the pedestal only. Screws or anchors provided at additional cost.

Deck pedestals allow you to create raised timber and composite deck floors on balconies, podiums and roof tops.  

Deck Pedestals can be used around pools and to raise old patios to cover unsightly Pebblecrete or uneven concrete while providing drainage.

Sizes include:

–         Small = 30 – 60mm mini feet:

–         Medium = 60 – 140mm

–        Large = 140 – 220mm

 

Benefits of using Pedestal Feet

–         Easy mounting

–         Easy leveling (using rubber packers)

–         Resistant to UV

–         Weather and heat

–         Allows drainage and air ventilation

–         Recycled Plastic Product

 

Load Ratings

–         AP4 = 800 kgs

–         AP3 = 600kgs

–         AP2 = 400kgs

 

With any construction in Australia seek professional advice with your engineer or with Australia Standards and use a licensed builder for all jobs that require certification. We are a supplier of pedestal feet and not an engineer.