Siberian larch decking

[sumo2001]

Hi
Has anyone got any experience of using Siberian larch decking please? If so any tips pro's and cons at all please and how easy is it to work with
Cheers

 

[Beau]

Not used it for decking but used it for floor boards inside. Nice hard timber for a softwood. It can split easily if screwing near the ends so carful piloting would be a good idea. I have also used it for T&G on external doors and surprised by the amount of seasonal movement so worth baring that in mind.

 

[sumo2001]

Cheers might stick to pressure treated softwood

 

[Beau]

Didn't mean to put you off. I would use it again without a doubt as its very hard for a softwood with nice close growth rings. Cuts nicely and should last a good long time.

 

[sumo2001]

That and the fact that I can't lay it all In 1 weekend worried that the boards will twist and warp in the sun. Also thought about the subframe that will still rot so decking might be OK but subframe will be rotten!. Got me worried about the stainless steel screws snapping with the tension and movement as there very hard and are easily snapped. Still not decided yet

 

[DeanN]

I laid mine during last summer, and is was fine to work with. Used stainless deck screws and piloted first. It's greyed over the 12 months it's been down, and a few splits have appeared but that adds to the character.
I've just spent 3 weekends sanding the boards back and applying osmo decking oil.
The subframe I coated with a liquid waterproof membrane before the laying the boards.

 

[DeanN]

After 1st coat of osmo decking oil

Stages...grey, sanded, oiled

 

[sumo2001]

What size screws did you use please?

 

[DeanN]

Hi, I used Spax A2 5x80. T25 head. Lovely screws, and only 2 duff ones out of the boxes I used.

 

[sumo2001]

Cheers what gap did you allow for movement please?
Cheers

 

[DeanN]

5mm. During the winter the boards closed up and with the hot weather now they have opened up.

 

[sumo2001]

Cheers did you treat the boards with anything please

 

[DeanN]

Just the osmo decking oil mentioned above.