The Best Timber for Decking – Our Expert Advice

When selecting the best timber for decking, there are several important factors to consider –

One of the most crucial considerations for selecting the best timber for decking is how well the timber will hold up outdoors. Look for options with high durability ratings and natural rot, decay, and insect resistance. Some premium choices include:

Ironbark

As a Class 1 Australian Hardwood, Ironbark is considered one of Australia’s hardest and strongest timbers. This makes it an ideal choice for high-volume applications.

Spotted Gum

Spotted Gum is a native Australian hardwood with the highest durability level. It is also suitable for bushfire-prone areas.

Merbau

As a Class 1 Hardwood, it is very strong and durable and does not warp or twist in extreme temperatures if fixed correctly to the underlying substrate. It is also ideal for coastal areas with high moisture levels if maintained correctly.

Consider your local climate, environmental conditions, and the position of your deck when choosing the best timber for decking,

Fire-Prone Areas

Blackbutt, Spotted Gum and Jarrah are three timbers are classified as “bushfire-resisting timbers” (BRTs) according to Australian Standard AS 3959-2009 for construction in bushfire-prone areas. They have been extensively fire-tested and found to have inherent natural bushfire resistance due to their high density and other properties.

Warping & Shrinking

Choose timbers that resist warping and shrinking in humid regions such as Spotted Gum, Ironbark, Blackbutt and Jarrah. Remember that while these timbers naturally resist warping and shrinking, proper care and maintenance are still essential for optimal long-term performance.

Poolside Decks

For poolside decks, very durable options like Merbau and Ironbark are best. When selecting timber for poolside decks, consider these factors:

• Use Class 1 hardwood timbers for best durability and longevity
• Ensure proper sealing and maintenance to enhance performance
• Consider the timber’s resistance to moisture, rot, and insects
• Factor in the timber’s ability to withstand exposure to pool chemicals and saltwater

The visual appeal is also important for many homeowners when deciding upon the best timber for decking:

• Jarrah offers beautiful red-brown tones.
• Spotted Gum has an attractive pale to chocolate brown colour.
• Blackbutt provides a consistent pale brown hue.
• Merbau has a unique reddish-brown colour and is lighter than Jarrah, with fewer grain characteristics.
• Ironbark is unique in its colour variation, ranging from light browns to dark reds. This gives the timber and finished deck character. We can offer both Red and Grey Ironbark.

Some timbers require more upkeep than others, so it’s important to consider the maintenance requirements when selecting the best timber for decking:

• Treated pine needs regular staining or painting.
• Hardwoods like Jarrah and Spotted Gum generally need less maintenance.
• Iron Deck and Park Deck are two unique options derived from reclaimed timber exposed to the sun for several weeks. The face of the wood is wire brushed, and the finished product offers a unique, weathered look that requires virtually no maintenance.

Timber prices can vary significantly:

• Treated pine is one of the most affordable options
• Merbau is an attractive hardwood option typically less expensive thanIronbark, Jarrah and Spotted Gum.
• Jarrah and some other hardwoods tend to be more expensive.

For eco-conscious consumers:

• Look for sustainably harvested timber options
• Recycled and reclaimed timbers are also a great eco-friendly option
• Consider plantation-grown varieties like some Spotted Gum

For DIY projects, consider how easy the timber is to work with:

• Merbau is known for being easy to cut and fasten
• Dense hardwoods like Ironbark can be more challenging

By carefully weighing these factors against your specific needs and preferences, you can select the best timber for decking in Perth and Western Australia.

When you contact us, you’ll deal directly with the owner. Craig will take the time to understand what you want from your outdoor structure and provide expert advice on the best timber to suit your individual requirements. At WA Timber Decking Professionals, we don’t just build; we collaborate to create eye-catching timber decks and structures that are stylish, functional and stand the test of time.

Don’t just take our word for it; here are some of our recent customer reviews –

“We recently had our upper and lower decking replaced and extended by Craig and his team. We are extremley happy with the end product and found the whole process stress free due to Craig’s attention to detail and professionalism. We will definitely have them back for future projects and highly recommend WA Timber Decking Professionals.”

Kristen Powell

“Craig and his team built us a pergola. A very professional job was done , it looks great and they paid attention to the little finishing touches and also cleaned up after . I would highly recommend them”

John Chandler