Why Choose Merbau Timber Decking? Quick Facts You Should Know

Fact 1: Merbau Showcases Natural Beauty

The colour is one of Merbau’s biggest drawcards. New boards range from warm yellow-browns through to deep orange shades. As the years pass, that surface darkens into a bold red-brown. The grain often carries flecks of yellow that resemble a golden hue when hit by light. You get:

• A look that works with both modern and classic homes
• Timber that doesn’t need heavy staining to shine
• A deck that develops more character as it ages

Fact 2: It Lasts for Decades

Merbau sits in the highest durability class for hardwoods. Put simply, it holds up. Heavy traffic, shifting temperatures, and even long wet spells won’t wear it down easily. That usually means:

• A deck that handles crowds without sagging or splintering
• Boards that keep their shape and stay straight
• Decades of use without the need for early replacement

Fact 3: It Stands Strong Against Termites and Rot

Australian conditions mean you always think about termites. Merbau’s natural oils work against them, and they also make it harder for fungi to set in. What you gain is:

• Timber that’s naturally more pest-resistant
• Less chance of moisture turning into rot
• Reassurance whether you’re in coastal zones or suburban blocks

Fact 4: It Meets Bushfire Safety Standards

Bushfire threats can make you reluctant to spend on decking. However, with Merbau, you can leave that worry. It has a BAL 29 rating, which means you can lay it in bushfire-prone areas without breaking compliance.

Fact 5: It Requires Care

Merbau does require regular care and maintenance like any other hardwood. Fresh boards can bleed tannins that stain on light concrete or paving. Though timber suppliers pre-wash and seal the wood before installation, regular oiling (preferably every 6 months) is required to refresh and lock the colour. Also, it provides protection against moisture damage. In addition, you must:

• Keep the deck free of leaves, dirt, and standing water
• Avoid harsh chemicals
• Add shade sails, pergolas, or partial coverings
• Check for cracks, loose nails, or water damage regularly

Fact 6: It’s Heavier but Still Workable

Merbau is dense, and you feel it when lifting or cutting it. That density is part of why it lasts so long, though it can be tougher on tools. Builders still like working with it because once it’s in, it stays put. What that brings is:

• A deck that feels sturdy underfoot
• Boards that handle weight and pressure better than softer timbers
• Installation that, in skilled hands, proves reliable

Fact 7: Sustainability Matters

Merbau has an edge over other timber boards, which increases its demand. Over the years, there has been a significant rise in people seeking it, which has also led to heavy logging. Although wooden deckings are great to have, we must also realise that abusing forests can have a long-term impact on the human race. So, when you seek Merbau deckings, look for suppliers who are certified and sell sustainably sourced timber.

This ensures your wood comes from forests that are managed to maintain biodiversity, soil quality, and regeneration. Here, the number of trees cut/harvested is way lower than the ones that are planted/naturally grown. This cycle safeguards timber varieties for future generations, too.

Fact 8: It Delivers Value for Money

Merbau isn’t the cheapest timber, and it’s not meant to be. The trade-off is its lifespan. While softer timbers may need replacing and composites don’t have the same natural charm, Merbau strikes a balance between premium looks and longevity. That often results in:

• A deck that adds genuine value to your property
• Fewer repairs or replacements down the track
• A long-term solution that works out cost-effective