Timber Decking: Treated Pine Decking vs Merbau Decking Timber

Everybody loves relaxing on a deck basking in the summer sun. If your home doesn’t have one, then it’s time to seriously start thinking about building one. Constructing a deck is one of the best ways to add more living space to your home in a unique and exciting way. You have heaps of options when it comes to building a deck. What shape, size, colour, type and material. A lot of factors to think about. In this guide we are going to compare two of Australia’s more popular decking timber types, so you can make an informed decision before you begin. The two types are treated pine decking and Merbau decking timber.

In this article we will compare the appearance, installation, maintenance and cost of these two common decking timber types, so you’ll have all the information you need to get started.

Treated Pine Decking

Treated pine decking is quite new in terms of decking timber. It has exploded in popularity and is one of the most plentiful options on the market. This is due to it being a relatively inexpensive option that can produce a great looking deck.

Treated pine decking can take stain and paint really well, so customising the colour and look of your deck is super easy with treated pine decking. Make sure you check the hazard rating on the treated pine decking as this will tell you if it is suitable for outdoor use.  

Appearance

Treated pine decking isn’t very attractive in its natural state, especially compared with some of the other decking timber types on offer. What you can do with treated pine decking however, is stain or paint it whatever colour or shade you want. It takes on paint and stain very well.

Installation

Treated pine decking is super easy to work with. It is very lightweight and completely versatile which makes it a great choice for those looking for a DIY job as well as professional installation.

Maintenance

If you go ahead with treated pine decking you’re going to want to commit to some yearly maintenance. Oiling the deck yearly will produce lasting results.

Cost

Treated pine decking is on the cheaper end of the spectrum compared to some of the other decking timber types. This makes it the best choice for those looking to build larger decks or have less to spend on a tight budget.

Merbau Decking Timber

Merbau decking timber was once the reigning champion timber of choice for most decks in Australia. Although it is no longer on top it is still a very popular choice.

Merbau decking timber has a very high durability rating meaning you can throw anything at it and it’ll keep performing. It also benefits from being rot and insect resistant. Try and look out for sustainably harvested merbau decking timber as a lot of Australia’s supply comes from southeast Asian rainforests. It can cost a little more than usual but is a positive for the environment.

Appearance

Merbau decking timber is a type of hardwood which is known for its looks that help enhance any outdoor space. Merbau decking timber has an enticingly warm red-brown tone that looks great under any circumstances. With the right care these good looks can last for years to come.

Installation

Due to the dense nature of hardwoods, they can be a bit harder to install. Drilling and nailing can be a problem for those looking to DIY but can be achieved with the right tools and patience.

Maintenance

Merbau decking timber needs regular maintenance to maintain it’s look and to keep it from rotting. Make sure you apply a yearly cost of timber finish or oil to ensure your deck lasts.

Cost

Merbau decking timber is on the cheaper side but is still more expensive than treated pine decking.

Each of these decking timber types have their pros and cons and your decision will most likely come down to your budget and personal preference. Get in touch with the team of your local timber supplier if you need some more information to help you choose. The sooner you start the sooner you could be relaxing on your brand-new deck.