What Is The Best Timber For Decking?
Building a timber deck is the perfect compliment to the great Australian lifestyle. Although it’s important you choose the best timber for the job – one that is suited to your unique climate and conditions.
And unfortunately, there are builders out there that won’t use the best timber for your project. This can result in damage, deterioration or spending thousands more on repairs! Thankfully, we’ve created this guide to help you choose the best timber decking, so you can make an informed decision.
Merbau
This hardwood is renowned for its beauty, and it’s perfect for hot climates like Perth. Merbau is very stable, and does not warp or twist in extreme temperatures. It’s also highly resistant to termites, weathering and fire – so you can enjoy peace of mind that your decking will last for years to come.
When building a deck with Merbau, it’s important to note that it has a high tannin and oil content, which means that your decking can occasionally bleed when wet. This can be prevented with good quality deck oil.
Ironbark
Ironbark is known for its strength and durability, which is why it’s a popular choice for commercial jobs and high volume areas. It is fire, rot and termite resistant, which is ideal for WA homes. If sustainability is important to you, Ironbark is an excellent choice as it is often recycled.
Ironbark can be hard to work with as the boards will need to be predrilled, although given it’s one of the hardest and strongest timbers on the market, the extra effort will be worth it.
Spotted Gum
With its wavy grain and vibrant colours, Spotted Gum is the perfect choice to “wow” the guests to your home. Its function is as striking as its appearance, due its long lasting, fire-resistant and eco-friendly properties.
Construction of spotted gum decking can be timely as predrilling is required – although it’ll be worth the wait once you catch a glimpse of it’s stunning colours in your backyard!
Jarrah
Not only does Jarrah host a beautiful colour, but it is also strong, durable and easy to work with. It is resistant to rot and termites and has little tannin leach, making it a popular choice for Perth homeowners.
While Jarrah boasts a vibrant mahogany colour that is harmonious with the WA landscape – when it is exposed to the harsh sun the colouring can bleach. Because of this, regular maintenance is essential. The boards will also require predrilling during construction.
Composite
Composite timber is a blend of wood fibres, plastic and binding agents. Here at WA Timber Decking Professionals, we use Dekorators Voyage Duralife™ – which are all low maintenance, strong and mould resistant. It is also an environmentally friendly option, as the materials used to make it are often recycled.
As composite decking is a combination of materials, it does not have the unique grain, colours, and appearance that you would find in pure wood.
Blackbutt
Blackbutt has a unique appearance compared to other Australian timbers, as it has a straight grain, even colour and even texture. It’s known for its strength and durability, and it’s readily available due to its quick growth rate.
Blackbutt timber looks great when stained and polished, although it can be prone to surface checking when painted. It also does not react well to adhesives, so it’s best to get professional advice to make sure you chose the right product.
New Guinea Teak (Vitex)
New Guinea Teak, also known Vitex or Pacific Teak, is a pale, yellowish brown with blonde characteristics. The colours are a unique alternative when compared to the dark red tones of Merbau and Jarrah.
This stunning choice of timber is particularly durable and the heartwood is termite resistant. Surprisingly, it is also more affordable than Spotted Gum and some other Australian hardwood timbers.
Our Experts Can Help You Choose The Best Timber For Decking
So there you have it – each type of timber has its advantages and disadvantages, and we hope this guide has helped to make your decision easier. But remember, making the right choice for your home will depend on environmental factors like climate, sun exposure and moisture levels. It also depends on your budget and what you want to use your deck for – whether it’s a pool, relaxation or entertainment.
Do you need more help choosing the best timber for decking? The friendly team at WA Timber Decking Professionals have been working in the industry for more than 25 years, and we are proud to offer honest and expert advice.
Contact Paul today for a customised timber decking solution.
