What the Deck?!

Bid farewell to timber and plastic composite decks as HardieDeck's premium fibre cement sets a new tone.

As our lives get busier and backyards become smaller, outdoor rooms are becoming a must-have for Australian homes. Decks, verandas, patios and courtyards are being designed with a new level of sophistication that moves away from traditional timber, to incorporate elegant tones created with modern materials.

With the versatility to be finished in a number of contemporary colours, HardieDeck™ is a timber and aluminium alternative made using premium fibre cement, which is resistant to fire, rotting, splintering, and warping, helping homeowners create a fresh modern look that lasts. Here, James Hardie Product Manager, Christian Hansen, talks on how to cultivate a range of current decking trends including:

Coastal
Drawing on the natural beauty of the shoreline with whites, warm sand and neutral tones, combined with accents of coastal navy or aqua in exterior furnishing and planters, helps to create relaxed outdoor living and the feeling of a holiday at home.

Homeowners can best utilise their outdoor areas by surrounding functional elements into the decking design to create sub-spaces for the whole family to enjoy such as sunken fire pits, and wet spaces that include outdoor showers to wash the salt off after a day at the beach.

"Coastal style promotes relaxed indoor-outdoor living and lets the homeowner use the space as an extension of the home. In the planning stages, think about the colour, style you want and how you will use the space. For example, lighter colours such as the grey hues and contemporary whites reflect both the heat and sun as well as brighten up spaces summing up a perfect coastal look. If you're building a fire pit surround, or an outdoor space set in a bushfire zone, Hardie Deck is a fire-resistant option that you can rely on. It can used in the most extreme bushfire zones thanks to its FZ Flame Zone jointer." says HardieDeck product manager, Christian Hansen.

Modern
The modern look embraces slick, architectural design and largely monochromatic palettes, which are also synonymous with HardieDeck.

A big consideration for any outdoor area is balancing life and style. Features such as inbuilt seating, a deck wrapping around sophisticated planting or a swimming pool, or built as an outdoor lounge maximises space usage in tight, urban settings while promoting the indoor-outdoor style of living - an approach which Australians have eagerly adopted.

"Choose decking that resists damage from moisture and will help create an outdoor space that is not only functional but fits seamlessly with the overall look. A common trend with modern in mind, is to finish decks in in a light grey tinted sealer, or even a clear sealer for the warm grey tonal variation of raw cement," says Christian.

With its increased durability over traditional materials, HardieDeck is a perfect option to get the look and can be finished in a range of colours, making it suitable for any outdoor space whether it be a traditional low-set deck, seating in a fire-pit area, or a modern poolside*.

For further information, technical guides, warnings and warranties please visit hardiedeck.com.au/.