Merbau Decking – A Complete Guide

Are you planning to build a new deck? If so, selecting the correct materials is one of your most critical decisions. Merbau decking is popular for its strength, durability, and beautiful appearance. 

Everyone wants a Merbau deck!

However, with so many options in the market, deciding if Merbau decking is right for you can take time and effort. That’s where our complete guide comes in! 

In this blog post, we’ll provide all the information you need about Merbau decking, including its advantages and disadvantages, maintenance requirements, Merbau decking prices, and more. 

Merbau Decking: Origin Story

Merbau  is a beautiful hardwood timber species from the Kwila tree.The species is found in tropical climates in locations such as Queensland, Australia and Indo Pacific islands like Fiji, and Samoa, as well as Tanzania, India, and Madagascar. Merbau is used mainly for flooring, outdoor decking, marine construction, outdoor furniture, music instruments.

Pros and Cons of Merbau Decking

Whether Merbau is the right products for you is a debate every homeowner gets into before buying Merbau decking. Its popularity often makes it easy to make the decision. However, there may be more sustainable answers than Merbau decking. Here are some Pros and Cons of Merbau decking to assist you in making an informed choice.

Pros of Merbau Decking

Merbau timber decking Australia is a popular choice for outdoor spaces, and it’s easy to see why so many people buy Merbau decking. It is an excellent option for those looking for long-lasting and low-maintenance material.

A beautiful and distinctive option for outdoor spaces

Can withstand harsh weather conditions and foot traffic

Resistant to decay and insect damage

Cons of Merbau Decking

While Merbau decking wood has many advantages, it has drawbacks too. From sustainability concerns to maintenance issues, there are several cons to consider before choosing Merbau wood decking for your outdoor space.

Merbau decking timber is prone to staining and colour fading.

Due to how it is harvested, Merbau could be more environmentally friendly.

It requires regular cleaning and sealing to maintain its appearance and protect it from weathering.

Merbau Decking Prices

It is important to consider wastage allowance when calculating the cost of Merbau decking. 

Adding 7.5% to 10% extra to your Merbau costs will ensure that you have enough material to cover any unforeseen wastage. 

Additionally, for projects that require many boards of the same Merbau decking sizes, it may be worth considering purchasing boards at a standard suitable length for a slightly increased cost per linear meter. 

While typical pricing is based on mixed random Merbau decking lengths, some suppliers may offer prices for specific lengths. It is advisable to compare pricing and options from different suppliers. 

How much does Merbau decking cost?

There are many types of hardwood timber decking, including Merbau, Jarrah Spotted Gum, Karri, Blackbutt, and Ironbark (grey and red). Narrow deck boards (90mm) are slightly less expensive on a square-metre basis than wider ones (135 to 140mm), and most hardwood decking comes in random lengths.

If you plan to build your new deck using only long deck boards—5.4m to 6.1m—, expect to pay double the listed amounts. Similarly, thick decking materials—up to 40mm—can add more to the per square metre prices listed. Likewise pre-oiled Merbau decking and grooved Merbau decking price per m2 are slightly more expensive.

The price of Merbau decking hardwood timber in Australia can vary depending on several factors, including the supplier, quality, and quantity purchased.

Therefore it’s always a good idea to compare Merbau decking prices from different  Merbau decking suppliers and consider factors such as quality, reputation, and customer service before purchasing. It’s also important to factor in additional costs, such as permits, delivery fees, and installation charges, that can impact the Merbau deck price. 

A great alternative to Merbau

Suppose you find deck Merbau’s cost and maintenance requirements too high or are concerned about the staining process or its deforestation and environmental impact. Consider using a high-quality composite decking material, such as the CleverDeck range from Futurewood. 

High-quality composite decking offers lower maintenance requirements, resistance to rot, insects, and fading, and is environmentally friendly. These advantages make it a popular, durable alternative to traditional Merbau decking boards.

By opting for composite decking material, you can enjoy the benefits of a long-lasting beautiful, and durable deck without the Merbau decking per m2 cost and environmental concerns.