The Best Timber Decking For Australia

Ahh, the Australian summer... Days spent lounging by the pool and barbecuing on the deck at night. 

Timber decks have become a central part of the Australian lifestyle, providing a unique space both to relax and to entertain guests.

If you’ve started looking for inspo for your new deck, you’ve probably noticed that there’s a huge range of timbers you can use, each with their own unique colourings and characteristics. So what should you choose? In this post, we’ll take you through our top 7 favourite timbers for decking in Australia.

7 AMAZING TIMBER DECKING OPTIONS FOR YOUR DECK

TREATED PINE

Treated Pine is the most cost-effective option and has quickly become one of the most popular timbers for decking in Australia. Being a softwood, it has a shorter lifespan than hardwoods like Merbau and Jarrah. 

Treated pine has a very light colour, so you have a huge range of options for different coloured stains. Decks made from Treated Pine usually need a yearly application of stain and sealant to keep them looking great.

Not all Treated Pine is alike though, you'll need to check the hazard rating to ensure your decking, joists, posts and other components will last.  

MERBAU

Merbau is another affordable hardwood decking timber, with a high durability rating and rot and insect repellent nature. 

Merbau is well-known for its rich reddish colour. The colour looks fantastic, but it has been known to leech onto light coloured tiles and pavers. We recommend pre-oiling Merbau twice before installing to reduce leeching. 

Unfortunately, much of the Merbau used today comes from South-East Asian rainforests. You should always check with your timber supplier to make sure its sustainably harvested, certified and sourced from a legitimate supplier. 

JARRAH

Jarrah is another popular hardwood for decking. Its more expensive than other timbers, but its beautiful deep brownish-red colour makes it a popular choice. 

If left unsealed, Jarrah turns a very pleasing grey colour over time. 

Jarrah has a high durability rating and is termite and fire-resistant. 

BLACKBUTT

Blackbutt is a very durable, low maintenance decking timber. An Australian native, Blackbutt has a lovely pale brown colour. 

Decks made of Blackbutt can crack if left unsealed, so be sure to seal the timber as soon as possible, and reseal it every-so-often. 

Blackbutt can take on a yellowish or pinkish tinge once oiled. We recommend using oil with a silver tint to ensure the timber is protected and the beautiful colour is maintained. 

SPOTTED GUM

Spotted Gum is a popular choice for decks, featuring beautiful grain structure, knots and growth lines. Spotted Gum has more colour variations than Blackbutt, ranging from pale to chocolate brown. 

Its a very tough, durable and fire-resistant timber. It performs well in the unpredictable Australian climate and is less prone to bleed tannins than other timbers.  

We recommend using a natural timber oil without any coloured tint to treat Spotted Gum decks, so you don’t detract from the natural beauty of the wood. 

STRINGYBARK

Stringybark is another excellent choice for decking. It comes in three colours, white, yellow and red. 

Most builders will use yellow Stringybark because its the most cost-effective and durable. 

Stringybark often has lots of wormholes and gum veins, giving it a very unique appearance. If you prefer a more consistency, you might want to opt for a different wood instead. 

IRONBARK

If you want a deck that will last forever, Ironbark is for you. Its a very dense hardwood, making it highly fire, termite and rot-resistant. 

Ironbark a difficult timber to work with, but it has the highest possible durability. It comes in a wide variety of colours, ranging from pale brown to deep red. 

Ironbark is also a great option for pool decking. 

Still not sure which timber to use? 

We know how hard it can be to make the decision what timber to use for your new deck. Squarepegs Handyman is here to help. Whether you’re a Treated Pine or a Blackbutt kind of person, we’ll give you the right advice to help you maintain your deck and keep it looking its best. 

Squarepegs Handyman will build your dream custom timber deck, with all the space you need for your ultimate Aussie summer sanctuary. Contact us today for advice and a free quote. 

SQUAREPEGS HANDYMAN DOES DECKING

Whether your project is big or small, Squarepegs Handyman is here to help!

Contact us here to organise a free, in person estimate with Handyman Sean.

WHERE WE WORK

You’ll find Squarepegs Handyman in and around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, the Hunter and beyond. Contact us to find out if we service your area. 

We cannot wait to work with you!

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