Merbau is perfect for a range of uses; it’s a versatile timber that can be used for outdoor decking, flooring, cladding, and furniture. Merbau is durable, easy to work with and resistant to insect infestations.

Is merbau decking any good?

In the past, merbau was one of the most popular decking timbers and was even used to build house frames. It is still a popular decking timber and is less expensive than most other decking timbers. Merbau has a high durability rating of 2 and is rot and insect resistant.

Does merbau decking need to be treated?

Whilst most timbers need to be meticulously treated after harvesting, merbau’s strength comes from the abundance of natural oils contained inside the wood. These oils offer powerful protection against natural forces and prevent the timber from shrinking, cracking and splitting.

How long does merbau decking last?

Overall, Merbau decking has been known to withstand up to 40 years of life in a home before becoming susceptible to decay. In some cases, decay may start around 15 years, which considering that the timber can be used untreated—is a long time.

Which is better merbau or treated pine?

Merbau decking is the more premium material of the two. … Treated pine decking is the alternative option for decking. It is a decay and termite resistant timber that has proven time and time again to be the most economical choice for the construction of a deck.

Does Merbau go GREY?

Answer: Merbau decking won’t bleed on its own. … The alternative is to leave the decking for some months so the tannin can wash out naturally, but in the process it will start to lose its colour and turn grey.

Do termites eat Merbau?

Merbau is so tough even termites hate it and want nothing to do with it whatsoever.

How often should I oil my merbau deck?

To extend this for as long as you can and give your deck the utmost love, care and attention, you can make sure that you continue to oil your deck at regular intervals, spread out over appropriate time frames. We recommend you do this at least once every 12-18 months.

Why is Merbau so expensive?

Unsustainable logging practices over the years have made Merbau and other timbers expensive, on your wallet and on the environment.

Is kwila and merbau the same?

Kwila, also known as Merbau, is a tropical timber which naturally grows in various regions throughout the South East Pacific rim, such as Northern Queensland, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Malaysia and Indonesia.

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What is the best stain for merbau?

Haymes Woodcare Dexpress deck and timber stain is the best decking oil for Merbau timber. It’s formulated for a long lasting finish that protects decking and weatherboards. Dexpress will enhance the look and the longevity of Merbau whilst protecting it from the harsh Australian climate that it can be exposed to.

Does merbau decking warp?

Unlike wooden decks, capped composite boards aren’t susceptible to mold, mildew, insect infestation, or general decay. This also makes capped composite decking the safer choice as they do not splinter or warp.

Can I oil merbau straight away?

Merbau is a very resinous timber. In other words, timber finishes work best when you allow the timber to weather. … However, there is one exception to this where Preschem would recommend oiling the timber straight away, and that’s if the deck has been completed in the middle of a heat wave.

What timber is best for decking frame?

In general, pressure-treated timber is one of the best options for decking frames due to its cheap cost. Softwoods, such as Cedar and Redwood, are good choices for framing as well, especially if you want a more sustainable and safer option.

What is the best wood for timber decking?

The most prevalent choice of decking wood for many purists is cedar and redwood. Although they are both softwoods, they’re often preferred for their natural beauty and rich colours.

What is the best decking timber to use in Australia?

Hardwoods Hardwoods are a great option for Australian decks – they’re extremely durable, highly resilient and can look, feel and even smell great. Popular hardwoods include Jarrah, Spotted Gum, and Merbau, which is the most common timber decking in Australia.

What wood do termites prefer?

Most home-invading termites prefer wood with high moisture content and the presence of decay. Subterranean termites are not picky and will eat many of the common types of wood found in homes, including pine and oak.

Is Merbau good for fencing?

It is a termite and fungal resistant wood, so it is used for fencing and other purposes. …

What is merbau used for?

Merbau is a South East Asian rainforest hardwood that is also known as Kwila. It is a durable, dark reddish brown timber that is high in tannin content. Merbau may require repeat applications of Intergrain UltraPrep Timber Cleaner prior to coating. It is commonly used for decking, fences, flooring and panelling.

When should I oil my new merbau deck?

Re: Oiling a new merbau deck You are correct 6 to 8 weeks of full sun to weather a new deck. Otherwise the tannin from the wood will just bleed the oil out and you would get a spotty finish on your deck.

Should you oil the underside of a deck?

Decks that will not be accessible from underneath after completion should be coated with a minimum two coats of penetrating oil prior to installation. … The oil will penetrate the timber and protect the structure of the board long after the surface has lost its colour.

Does Merbau timber rot?

The combination of its unusual density and strength make Merbau more durable than most other timber used to make outdoor decking and furniture. These attributes result in minimal shrinkage, resistance to rot and insect attacks, and great performance in extreme weather and even saltwater.

Is it cheaper to build your own deck?

For basic deck designs using the least expensive lumber, you can expect to pay from about $8 to $10 per square foot (depending on the material) of deck area if you do the work yourself or pay about $30 per square foot if the material is professionally installed.

What is the cost of installing a deck?

The average price range of building a new deck in the United States can be anywhere between $4,000 and $11,000. Including materials and labor, a standard deck will cost roughly $30-$60 per square foot. That means, for a standard 14 x 20 foot deck, you can expect to pay around $6,000.

What is the best decking oil?

1. Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Oil. …
2. Cuprinol UV Guard Decking Oil. …
3. Osmo 2-in-1 UV Protection Decking Oil. …
4. Manns Premier UV Decking Oil. …
5. Everbuild Lumberjack Wood Preserver. …
6. Barrettine Decking Oil. …
7. Liberon decking oil.

Is water based or oil based decking oil better?

While there are water-based treatments that claim similar durability, oil-based treatments are recommended for decking exposed to harsh elements. An oil-based decking stain penetrates deeper into the timber, giving maximum resistance to abrasive impacts.

How long should you leave decking before oiling?

If your decking is newly laid, we recommend leaving it to weather naturally for about six months before being stained or oiled. This helps to make sure that any existing treatment has eroded, allowing the new paint or stain to properly sink in and stick to the deck.

How much does merbau decking cost?

Paal estimates you can expect to pay: $280 to $320 per square meter for Merbau decking .

Is Merbau native to Australia?

Merbau grows naturally in South East Asia, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Papua New Guinea and is imported to Australia from these countries. Merbau grows in Australia in a specific region by the Johnstone River and in the Daintree area of Far North Queensland.

Is merbau flooring good?

The Janka scale rating of merbau is 1,925; this rank shows the lumber is well suited to being used in flooring. It is quite a bit harder and more stable then red oak. Additionally, the dimensional stability of merbau is excellent, further qualifying it as a flooring option.

Which is better decking oil or stain?

Whether you should oil or stain will come down to what you want from your deck. A stain will improve the appearance of the deck, but oil will better help preserve its condition. … However, you can bring back the natural look of the wood by using a pressure washer or choosing a decking oil with UV inhibitors.