A deck is one of the best features you can add to your backyard. It adds value to your home and makes it more functional. Since your deck will be exposed to harsh weather conditions from time to time, you should choose a material that is durable, weather-resistant, and long-lasting.
With the variety of decking options out there, you might find it difficult to decide on which one to choose.
One of the most preferred hardwoods because of its versatility, natural beauty, and durability is Merbau timber. Let us discover what a Merbau timber is and its benefits!
What You Should Know About Merbau Timber
Merbau is a well-known hardwood that is used in a variety of applications such as construction and outdoor furniture. It is harvested in tropical regions such as Southeast Asia, Northern Queensland, Pacific Islands and Papua New Guinea.
Merbau has a rich yellow-orange brown colour. It is perfect for outdoor use because of its resistance to termites, resilience and little shrinkage or movement. It has different grains but it usually has a wavy grain with a coarse texture.
5 Benefits of a Merbau Timber Decking
Let’s take a look at the benefits of using Merbau timber for your deck.
Natural Aesthetics
No one can deny how appealing and beautiful a Merbau timber looks. It has a rich and natural colour—making it easier to blend in every style and design.
It is Versatile
Compared to other types of timbers, a Merbau is the easiest to work with. The main reason is that it is much softer than others. Many homeowners choose this because it can easily be cut into various shapes.
This makes it a perfect material for marine construction, flooring, and decking!
Can Withstand Any Type of Weather
Your deck is exposed to the sun, rain, hail, dirt, dust, and other elements every day. That’s why you should opt for a weather-resistant material. And Merbau is a great option because it is stable and doesn’t shrink when exposed to heat, moisture, and water.
Long-lasting
Merbau has an undeniable strength. Its timber durability has a C1 rating—which is the highest timber durability rating available.
Fire-resistant
Do you live in a bushfire-prone area? Then, consider using Merbau. It is one of the most commonly used timbers in bushfire prone areas in Australia.
How to Maintain a Merbau Timber Decking
Merbau timber is a low maintenance material but you have to know how to properly maintain it to preserve its natural beauty.
In case you don’t know, Merbau timber is rich in natural oils. When exposed to moisture, it bleeds reddish or brownish tannis. This happens during heavy rain or dew. Most people let it bleed naturally, while some hasten the process using a deck wash.
Oiling should be done every six to twelve months to keep it in good condition and maintain its look.
Conclusion
Are you still undecided on which material to choose? Hire a professional to give you advice based on your needs and preferences. At Mackay Carports, our team is highly-skilled and experienced in building and installing deckings. We only use high-quality materials to guarantee durability.
