What Is The Best Timber For Decking?

If you don’t have a timber deck in your yard yet, now is the perfect opportunity to give it some thought. Choosing the best timber for decking can add extra living space to your home while providing a great place to relax on the weekend and it’s one of the easiest ways to boost your property’s value.

Mr Verandah is an experienced building company specialising in the design and construction of all outdoor structures. The company is pleased to provide the following information on decking products. We’re frequently asked, “What is the best type of decking timber?” This blog reviews the pros and cons of several timber varieties. 

1. Hardwood Decking

When it comes to timber decking Melbourne locals love the most, many stop their search at the various varieties of beautiful hardwoods. Merbau is a popular choice with deep red/brown colours. Spotted Gum and Jarrah are also common types of Australian hardwood timber for decking both provide a rich and wonderful colour and appearance. All are known for their durability and strength as well as a great style choice!

Pro: Durable hardwood decking lasts for decades, looks and feels great, and is easy to maintain.

Con: The density of hardwood makes it a little more challenging to install, but it’s definitely worth the effort. You’ll also need to add a timber finish so it withstands the test of the Australian weather.

Each hardwood has it’s own characteristics, so lets take a deeper look at the best hardwood timber decking options.

2. Merbau decking timber

Merbau is a hardwood imported from Southeast Asia, but can also be supplied from North Queensland. Make sure you know your Merbau’s origin, as some imported versions aren’t as eco-conscious. 

It’s strong, dense, and will easily last decades. The colour shifts beautifully from yellow-brown to red-brown as it ages. Just keep in mind, tannin bleed can stain concrete nearby. This is a hardwood that Mr Verandah uses frequently on all types of decking and is an excellent choice. 

Pro: Extremely durable and long-lasting. Attractive colour that deepens with age. Available in both imported and Australian-sourced options

Con: Tannin bleed can stain surrounding surfaces. Heavier weight makes handling and installation more challenging. Higher upfront cost compared to softwoods

3. Spotted Gum decking timber

Spotted Gum comes from sustainably managed plantations across Australia. This popular hardwood is durable, dense, and releases very little tannin. It starts with a light colour that deepens to golden light brown as it matures. The final shade depends on which of the four species is used.

Spotted Gum features an attractive wavy grain that adds visual appeal. It is also one of the hardwoods best for decking in bushfire-prone areas.

Mr Verandah states that Spotted Gum, a sustainable hardwood well-loved in Australia and exported overseas, can last as long as 30 years. Over its lifespan, Spotted Gum will display surface cracks and has a higher chance of movement and cupping.

Pro: Sustainably sourced from Australian plantations. Durable and dense hardwood with low tannin release. Long lifespan of up to 30 years.

Con: Higher risk of movement and cupping compared to some hardwoods. Requires ongoing maintenance to preserve appearance and stability.

4. Silvertop Ash decking timber

Silvertop Ash decking timber is a type of Eucalyptus grown in sustainable native forests across the cooler parts of Australia. This timber attracts attention with its defined growth rings. It provides medium density and can last 20 years with proper care.

Its colour starts white to light brown and matures into a pink-brown shade over time. Silvertop Ash does not last as long as other hardwoods and often develops cracks and splits. These Australian hardwoods are environmentally friendly and suitable for use in bushfire-prone areas.

Pros: Sustainably harvested from native Australian forests. Suitable for bushfire-prone areas.

Cons: Shorter lifespan compared to other hardwoods. Requires regular maintenance to prevent deterioration.

Read more: https://mrverandah.com.au/best-timber-decking/