Merbau Deck - Quality issues short after installation- surface cracks and peeling off

[Neil_k]

Team,

We have used Specrite 140mmx19mm Merbau decking in the past with no issues.

Last year in November/December we started our deck extension, approximately 80 sqm, all around the house - meeting up with the already existing Specrite Deck. See below setup:

- Base is concrete slab around the house

- Builders Edge Pedestals (140-210mm)

- 90x45 Joists with cross bracing

- 140x19mm Specrite Merbau with 4mm (yellow) spacers

- All materials have been purchased from Bunnings

The majority of the main deck is fully covered by a roof. The deck installation was carried out over two stages - one before Christmas (the main deck below the roof) and the rest in January.

We discovered cracks and peel off timber on the decking of stage 1 in early January - that's about eight (8) weeks after installation. We then continued stage 2 and finished this by end of January. Again short after installation we noticed surface damages.

We have reported the case to Bunnings Trade and are in discussion with the team - however, it is very disappointing to receive a feedback from the supplier advising us that the issues are caused by 'incorrect installation' and 'poor maintenance'.

To get one thing clear here, Bunnings has reacted in timely manner and the staff is really great - it is the manufacturer who is not responding as I would have expected. Hence, I am putting this case out to the Community to comment and maybe gain more support from members with similar issues.

The supplier is advising that the issue is caused by incorrect installation and poor maintenance - the recommendation is to top coat after max 8-12 weeks - sorry but the issues occurred already after less than 8 weeks! That's the point I am making here.

Please see attached images from the deck and from the major issues we encounter.

 Thanks for looking int this case and proving feedback.

Cheers, Neil

[JacobZ]

Hi @Neil_k,

I am sorry to hear of your experience.

I will privately message you to get some details so I can follow up.

Jacob

[Neil_k]

Dear members,

I am reaching out to out to everyone who has created a low-level deck - which is outside the 'manufacturer advice' of having a minimum height of 400mm and not covered at the deck edges - allowing sufficient ventilation - I assume you did not observe any of the shown issues (refer to the photos attached to the initial post). Note, those issues occurred within less than eight (8) weeks after installation.

Unfortunately, I am not getting anywhere with my issues - the manufacturer (and to make it clear, the Bunnings Team is great and super helpful) rejects any discussion and purely lays the claim to bed with simple stating 'the observed issues are caused by incorrect installation and poor maintenance'.

If my deck setup causes those issues, I cannot imagine how a low-level deck would perform.....

Thanks for your help.

Cheers, Neil

[Jason]

Hi Neil (@Neil_k)

I can understand your disappointment. 

I've now been told that the issue has been resolved. 

Please don't hesitate to post anytime you need a hand or have something to share. We're here to help.

Jason

[Neil_k]

Sorry Jason,

the issue has not been resolved - at least the explanation do. I make sense!

I have just one question:

how does Bunnings go about the multiple various posts about projects for LOW LEVEL DECK OVER CONCRETE???

As far as I understand, based on the feedback I received from the Customer Relationship Team, a low-level Merbau deck over concrete is NOT complying with the manufacturer installation advice.

How does this stand up against the advice I received in regards to my issues???

I would like to get your view on this.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers, Neil

[Jason]

Hi again Neil (@Neil_k)

As per our guide How to build a low-level deck, low-level decks can pose a range of potential design and installation challenges that might lead to a reduced lifespan. The Bunnings Workshop team work to educate customers about these problems, suggest the best approaches to mitigate the risks, and warn whenever appropriate if a proposed design doesn't comply with the manufacturer's guidelines. We try to educate so people can make informed decisions. If you feel there are any occasions where the team has missed the mark, please let me know. 

Thanks,

Jason