With a durability class of 2, you can expect your decking to last for 15 to 40 years without decay. The combination of its unusual density and strength make Merbau more durable than most other timber used to make outdoor decking and furniture.

Is merbau a strong timber?

Merbau is categorised as a hardwood, and to be honest—it is one of the hardest and most sturdy timber species available on the planet. It is so durable and rugged, that in order to harvest, process and manufacture it, special machinery is required.

Is merbau a softwood?

Merbau is a hardwood. Literally. It is one of the hardest and most durable timber species available. It is so tough and durable that special machinery — and a lot of saw blades — are needed to harvest, process and manufacture the timber.

What is the best grade of hardwood?

What Does a Lumber Grade Mean? Grades are based on the amount of usable clear material in a board. The highest grade boards are FAS and Select, followed by #1 Common and #2 Common.

How long does untreated Merbau 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.

Why bleeding merbau timber is important!

26 related questions found

Is Merbau better than treated pine?

Some woods are better than others for that purpose. For instance, Merbau is classified as a hardwood and if taken care of properly, Merbau will last longer as well as stand up to dents and scratches far better than treated pine. 3. Look: Building a deck that looks good and matches your home can be quite a challenge.

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 merbau wood waterproof?

Merbau / Kwila Timber is Very Durable

The durability is attributable to its natural oils, which allows it to endure harsh temperatures and climates, saltwater and other extreme conditions. This means that it can withstand outdoor use as well making it a perfect product for your outdoor timber decking.

What class of timber is merbau?

With a durability class of 2, you can expect your decking to last for 15 to 40 years without decay. The combination of its unusual density and strength make Merbau more durable than most other timber used to make outdoor decking and furniture.

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. ... Natural oil in Kwila makes it extremely durable.

Is Merbau good for garden edging?

Lift the look of your outdoor living space by adding SpecRite Merbau Garden Edging, the perfect solution for separating your garden beds and lawn areas. Merbau timber is an extremely durable, long lasting, tannin rich hardwood. Perfect for use outdoors, it looks great and lasts provided it is properly maintained.

Is Merbau good for fencing?

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

Is Jarrah darker than Merbau?

Jarrah is an Australian hardwood. It is heavy, tough with a distinctive dark red colouration. ... 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.

How long does a merbau tree take to grow?

A main factor in this is the lengthy maturity rate of the tree, about 75-80 years, and even in wealthy woodlands with merbau, individual trees are scarce and difficult to get through. Therefore, logging merbau without harming the surrounding area is very hard.

Is Spotted gum more expensive than Merbau?

The spotted gum is an Australian timber, more expensive, however it doesnt bleed as much as merbau. Merbau on the other hand is cheaper, comes from indonesia, and does bleed.

Is merbau a composite?

Experts in composite in Australia for over 20 years.

We were the first company to bring composite into Australia. meaning expert advice and we have outlived our warranty on most of our products.

What is the best decking timber to use?

The 7 best timbers for decking

• Treated pine. Nothing beats the look of natural timber. ...
• Jarrah. Some homeowners won't settle for anything less than jarrah. ...
• Blackbutt. Blackbutt is another highly fire resistant timber. ...
• Spotted Gum. ...
• Merbau. ...
• Stringybark. ...
• Ironbark.

Is Pine cheaper than Merbau?

The cost of timber decking will depend on a few different variables. Merbau and treated pine differ in price, with Merbau costing slightly more.

What is the best wood for decking 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.

Can you bleach Merbau?

Bleaching Merbau is the only way you can do anything to change the color of this wood. The transformation is amazing. Removing the color with LiteniT, add a limewash/whitewash and it looks as though the floor has been replaced.

How long does Merbau take to weather?

Merbau is a very resinous timber.

It is preferable to allow it to weather for 6-8 weeks, or wash it regularly with fresh water if under cover for about the same period. It's the water that bleeds the resins out of the timber. In other words, timber finishes work best when you allow the timber to weather.

What is the lifespan of a deck?

A deck made of untreated wood can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Decks made of treated wood and composite materials can last as long as 50 years. Many composite decks come with a 20-year warranty – and often a lifetime guarantee.

How do I stop Merbau staining?

There are few things that we can recommend.

1. Wash the timber 3-4 times before installation to help flush the tannins out.
2. Let it weather for 6-8 weeks.
3. Seal the wood on all sides with a high-quality decking oil or sealant and trimmed ends before installation.