Merbau
Merbau Hardwood for Decking, Screening and Beams
Merbau is one of Australia’s most popular outdoor hardwoods, and for good reason: it is dense, stable, naturally resistant to rot and termites, and it holds a warm red-brown colour that finishes beautifully. It is the go-to for decking, but the range runs much wider, into screening, structural beams, posts, window sills, and door treads. We stock a full merbau range, from thin decking and screening boards through solid F27 sections and GL13/GL17 laminated beams and posts.
Why Merbau for Outdoor Work
Merbau earns its reputation on durability. Above ground it carries a 25-year durability rating and resists termites and even marine borers, which is why it dominates decks, screens, and outdoor structures. One important working note: use merbau above ground. In or under the ground it lasts only around five to ten years, so it is not a substitute for an in-ground treated post footing. It works easily with hand and power tools, and stains, oils, or paints cleanly, though like most dense hardwoods it needs sealing to manage its natural tannins.
Match the product to the job: decking and screening boards for the deck surface and privacy screens, solid F27 sections for structural framing, GL13 and GL17 laminated posts and beams for load-bearing outdoor structures, and finishing pieces like window sills and door treads for the detail work.
What Goes With It
Merbau’s tannins bleed, so fixings and finish matter. Use stainless steel decking screws and fasteners to avoid staining and corrosion, and seal the boards to control tannin leaching onto adjacent surfaces. Comparing decking species? See blackbutt, spotted gum, and the full hardwood range.
Serving Sydney Tradies and Renovators
- Trade pricing and bulk quantities: Competitive rates on volume orders. Call 1300 554 775 for trade and project pricing.
- Delivered to site across Sydney: Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Wollongong, and the Central Coast.
- Full merbau range: Decking, screening, solid F27, laminated beams and posts, and finishing pieces.
- Australian-owned family business: Western Sydney based. Real people, real stock, real advice.
Whatever the deck calls for, we’ve got the merbau.
Call 1300 554 775 or request a quote online and our team will help match boards, beams, and posts to your job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is merbau good for decking?
Yes. Merbau is one of the most popular decking hardwoods in Australia, with a 25-year above-ground durability rating and natural resistance to rot and termites.
Can merbau be used in the ground?
No. Merbau should be used above ground, where it lasts decades. In or under the ground its life drops to around five to ten years, so use a ground-rated timber for in-ground footings.
Does merbau need sealing or oiling?
Yes. Merbau leaches tannins, especially when new, so sealing or oiling the boards protects the finish and reduces staining on adjacent surfaces. Use stainless fixings to avoid corrosion marks.
What is the difference between solid and laminated (GL) merbau?
Solid merbau is a single piece graded F27. Laminated merbau (GL13/GL17) is finger-jointed and glue-laminated for stability and longer, larger sections, used for beams and posts.
Does merbau resist termites?
Yes. Merbau naturally resists termites and marine borers, part of why it is favoured for decking and outdoor structures.