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.
Contents
- 1 Is merbau decking any good?
- 2 How long does merbau decking last?
- 3 Is Merbau better than treated pine?
- 4 Does merbau decking need to be treated?
- 5 Do termites eat Merbau?
- 6 What wood is best for decking?
- 7 Does Merbau go GREY?
- 8 Why is Merbau so expensive?
- 9 How often should I oil my merbau deck?
- 10 Is Pine cheaper than Merbau?
- 11 Is Spotted Gum better than Merbau?
- 12 What size timber is best for decking?
- 13 What is the best stain for merbau?
- 14 Is kwila and merbau the same?
- 15 Can Merbau get wet?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do termites eat Merbau?
Merbau is so tough even termites hate it and want nothing to do with it whatsoever.
What wood is best for decking?
What is the Best Wood for Outdoor Decks?
- Cedar. Using Cedar for decks is one of the most popular options because of it’s durability and resistance to moisture.
- Redwood. Redwood is another western soft wood that is frequently used in outdoor deck builds.
- Pressure Treated Wood.
- Tropical Hardwoods.
- Composite Wood.
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.
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.
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.
Is Pine cheaper than Merbau?
Merbau and treated pine differ in price, with Merbau costing slightly more.
Is Spotted Gum better than Merbau?
Spotted gum is a grade below merbau, so it isn’t quite as durable, but still very worthy of decking.
What size timber is best for decking?
The frame The key to constructing a good decking area is the frame. If the decking is being built on a low level it should be built of C16 graded treated joists 45 mm by 95mm (4×2 approx.). However if you are building a raised deck you should use 45mm x 145mm joists.
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.
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.
Can Merbau get wet?
Weathering your deck So what should you do? Tropical woods such as Merbau are prone to excessive leaching which is why the weathering process is so important. During these ‘weathering’ months your deck should receive a good mix of sun and rain or water so the tannins can properly leach out of the wood.
