Looking to transform your outdoor space? Hire skilled deck builders Melbourne and choose Merbau timber—a durable and beautiful decking material perfect for creating a stunning Australian backyard oasis.
Merbau timber, increasingly favoured for decking and pergola projects. Renowned for its elegance, durability, affordability, and minimal upkeep, you can never go wrong with this timber variety; it is an excellent choice!
Now, in this article, let’s explore the origins of Merbau timber, learn some maintenance tips, and weigh its advantages and disadvantages.
A Brief Introduction to Merbau Timber
Merbau timber originates from the Kwila tree, also known as the Pacific Kwila tree, which predominantly grows in tropical regions. These trees can reach impressive heights of up to 40 metres, with trunks that can reach a diameter of 60 cm.
The hardwood of the Merbau tree showcases a rich, warm reddish/brown hue, occasionally complemented by golden/yellow flecks. This natural colour variation adds a touch of warmth and depth to any application of this exquisite timber.
One of the remarkable features of Merbau timber is its high tannic acid content and oily nature. These qualities render the timber exceptionally strong, sturdy, stable, and resilient. Merbau is also immune to decay, weathering, termites, mould, and fire. As a result, it demands less maintenance compared to certain other hardwoods.
Merbau wood is used for decking, fencing, flooring, outdoor furniture, marine construction, musical instruments, and various other applications.
A significant portion of Australia’s merbau timber supply originates from managed plantations in North Queensland, Southeast Asia, and the South Pacific. The Kwila tree species can also be found in tropical climates worldwide.
Benefits of Merbau Timber for Decking
Stunning Appearance: Merbau timber’s rich red/brown/gold colour graduations and wavy grain blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
Versatile Material: Unlike some other hardwood varieties, Merbau timber is relatively easier to work with due to its moderate hardness. It can be easily cut, providing more design and shaping options.
Bushfire Resistance: Merbau timber is an excellent choice for areas prone to bushfires. It is one of only seven Australian timbers approved for use in bushfire-susceptible zones. The other six approved timbers are spotted gum, blackbutt, red river gum, turpentine, silvertop ash, and red ironbark.
Exceptional Durability: Merbau timber can withstand various weather conditions, making it an exceptionally durable decking material. It resists shrinkage when exposed to heat, water, or moisture, ensuring stability and suitability for outdoor use.
Long-lasting Material: With its C1 timber durability rating, Merbau timber exhibits the highest level of durability possible. This exceptional longevity ensures that your decking will endure for years.
Drawbacks of Merbau Timber for Decking
Oily & Messy: Merbau timber contains a high tannin content, resulting in oily substances that cause bleeding when wet. This bleeding can stain nearby materials such as walls, concrete, and pavers, creating a messy and potentially unsightly situation.
Eco Considerations: The use of merbau timber, like other timbers, contributes to the deforestation of rainforests. Unsustainable logging practices, predominantly in overseas locations, not only make Merbau timber more expensive but also harm the environment. The current logging rate poses a significant threat to the Kwila tree, which could face extinction within the next 35-40 years. Since each tree takes 75-80 years to mature, their scarcity leads to destructive logging practices, causing destruction to the surrounding forest.
Cost Considerations: While Merbau timber is of good quality, it comes with ongoing costs beyond the initial purchase and installation. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep the deck in pristine condition, requiring staining every 3-6 months. These maintenance costs should be taken into consideration when evaluating the overall expenses of using Merbau timber for decking.
In summary, it’s important to weigh the drawbacks of using Merbau timber for decking alongside its positive attributes. The potential messiness and staining issues, environmental impact, and ongoing maintenance costs should be carefully considered before making a decision.
Caring for Merbau Timber
In wet weather, Merbau timber may release dark brown or red tannins due to its abundant natural oils. You have the option to allow the timber deck to naturally bleed over time or hasten the process using a deck wash.
To keep your Merbau deck in excellent shape and preserve its captivating warm tones, it is advised to oil it regularly (1-2 times per year). This simple maintenance routine ensures the timber remains beautiful and ages gracefully, enhancing its appearance over the years.
Timber Decking Experts In Melbourne's South East
At our core, we uphold a strong commitment to using the finest materials that guarantee resilience against Melbourne’s diverse climate.
Merbau timber continues to be a popular choice among Melbourne property owners. Its endurance against the relentless summer heat, turbulent storms, daily wear and tear, and even constant pool splashes make it an exceptional option.
Our decking Melbourne South East professionals can help transform your vision into a reality – whether this be an entertainment area or pool deck. Browse our design range to gain inspiration and contact our team to get your decking project booked in!