5 best timbers for decking
If you’re looking to build an outdoor oasis to sit back and enjoy those warm summer evenings or cool winter mornings, consider a quality timber deck. Building a deck not only provides extra living space - it also adds value to your home!
In Australia, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to timber decking options. Luckily, it’s not that difficult to find what’s best for you. Keep reading to learn about the 5 best timbers for decking.
Treated Pine
Treated pine has grown to become one of the most popular timbers for decking – and not just because of its natural look and feel! Treated pine also offers sheer reliability and affordability, in addition to dependable protection against both decay and termites, making it the perfect choice for those looking to build a budget deck.
There are different types of treated pine available for decking. When choosing, make sure to keep your needs and uses in mind. This can help to maximise the durability and life expectancy of your timber deck!
Merbau
Although Merbau is a contentious choice for some, it remains a strong candidate for timber decking. Not only is it less expensive than most other decking timbers, but its distinct red-coloured hardwood provides an unforgettable aesthetic to timber decking.
If you’re looking for a reliable timber decking option, Merbau’s natural strength makes it highly durable and resistant to rot and insects. Its natural oils enhance its durability, which also allows it to endure harsh temperatures and climates, saltwater and other extreme conditions.
One of the main reasons Merbau has become controversial is that there’s a lot of Merbau being sold from forests that forgo ethical and sustainable harvesting. At Narangba Timbers, we go to great lengths to ensure that all of our Merbau timber has been sourced from sustainable, ethical sources.
Blackbutt
A native species to Australia, Blackbutt is a very durable and functional choice for timber decking that provides great resistance to fire. If you live in a fire zone that has approved hardwoods, Blackbutt should be your first choice.
Despite the name, Blackbutt also comes in a variety of hues and colours – from golden yellow to pale brown. Sometimes light shades of pink may even seep into the grain. While Blackbutt can be painted, polished, and stained, it’s a timber that is susceptible to surface checking, especially if left un-oiled!
As soon as you lay Blackbutt decking and build your deck, be sure to seal it as soon as possible – and re-oil every one or two years.
Ironbark
One of the best timbers for decking is Ironbark. Not only does it give you everything you want in a deck – it’s tough, strong, hard and heavy – it’s also extremely resistant to bacteria, fungi, and termites.
While its hardness can make it difficult to work with, and it may require some extra care in the building process, the finished product is a solid deck with a long service life!
At Narangba Timbers we source our Ironbark from local QLD sawmills giving you direct access to the resource. Ironbark ranges from red to light brown with some pale tan colours, especially in the Grey Ironbark variant.
Spotted Gum
Spotted Gum is another Australian hardwood with a distinctive look. It’s known for its strength and durability, making it a popular choice for external applications – especially decking.
Its sawn-back structure boasts an array of attractive colours and markings, ranging from a pale brown to chocolate brown. Spotted Gum’s density makes it resistant to shrinkage, while its low tannin content means that it doesn’t “bleed” like other native timbers.
At our timber sales facility, we have a display deck that can help you select the best timber for your decking project. You can experience the finished product yourself and decide which timbers and finishes are right for you.
To learn more, call us today on 1300 477 024.