Types of Hardwoods You Can Consider For Your Deck

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Types of Hardwoods You Can Consider For Your Deck

14 September 2016
 Categories: , Blog


When selecting timber for your decking, it is not simply about opting for the cheapest option species that you come across. Every single type of timber has its own innate characteristics. These characteristics are what will dictate how functional it will be for the various applications that the wood will be used for. As such, it would be prudent to familiarise yourself with the different types of timber decking, while still considering their price, to establish if they would be the right choice for your decking.

What is hardwood timber?

Hardwood timber originates from trees that are characterised with broad leaves. This type of timber tends to be much more resilient than its softwood counterpart. Hence, you will find that hardwood timbers are higher priced. Some of the hardwood timbers that you could consider for your decking include:

  • Merbau timber: This hardwood is characterised by a deep reddish-brownish colouring. It is one of the more durable hardwoods that you could consider, as it is resilient to an array of pest infestations and moisture. It should be noted that that this type of timber will initially bleed out its tannin, but this will stop after a while.
  • Kapur timber: This is one of the more affordable options you could consider when it comes to hardwood timber decking. One of the reasons for it being economical is that it is not as durable as other hardwoods. However, if your deck is going to be protected from the elements, then it would be a viable option for your construction needs. Kapur timber is also one of the more aesthetically appealing timbers as it has an attractive grain. Additionally, it looks similar to Merbau timber as it has a reddish-brown hue to it.
  • Spotted gum timber: If you would like decking with a unique grain, then spotted gum timber would be an ideal choice. The grain of this wood is wavy, which makes it stand out from other types of timber. It has a light brown hue, which makes it blend in with homes that have a neutral colour pallet.
  • Blackbutt timber: Despite its name, this type of hardwood has a golden yellow hue to its appearance. You may even find some Blackbutt species that have a pinkish tinge to them. Blackbutt is a strong and resilient wood, making it great for decks that are exposed to the varying weather elements. An added advantage is that this type of hardwood does not burn fast, making it an ideal option for homeowners living in areas susceptible to bush fires.