Licensed carpenter · Sydney
Merbau decks in Sydney
Merbau is a dense, reddish-brown hardwood and the timber on our recent hardwood decks. Here are decks we have built in it, and what to expect from the timber over time.
- Google reviews
- 5.0 from 33
- NSW licence
- 276621C · Carpenter
- Trex, since 2024
- TrexPro® partner
- Licensed
- Since 2014
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About merbau decking
Merbau is on most of our timber decks.
In Lane Cove we built a raised merbau deck across the back of the house, with a boxed stair down to the yard clad in the same merbau boards. Cladding the stair and deck edge in matching boards makes the whole structure read as one piece.
In Lane Cove West the merbau deck runs under a timber pergola with translucent roofing, so the boards stay drier and the space can be used in the rain while still getting light.
In Wahroonga the block falls away into bush, so the deck is raised and built on two levels, with a wire balustrade that keeps the outlook open.
Merbau suits jobs like these because it is dense and stable, takes oil well, and its even colour sits easily against brick, render and bush. It does need looking after: new boards bleed tannin in the first rains, and the colour fades without oil.
Merbau options
- 01
Board widths
Merbau decking is commonly sold in 90 mm and 140 mm widths. Wider boards cover faster; narrower boards give a finer pattern.
- 02
Oiled
A decking oil deepens the red-brown colour and slows weathering. It needs re-coating as the colour fades.
- 03
Left to weather
Bare merbau fades to silver-grey. The boards stay hard, but they lose the colour most people choose merbau for.
- 04
Stairs, fascia and cladding
The same boards can clad stairs, steps and the deck edge, like the boxed stair in Lane Cove.
- 05
Under a pergola
A roofed pergola over a merbau deck shades the boards and slows fading, as at Lane Cove West.
Deck designer
Design your deck
Choose the kind of deck, the boards and the colour. We bring real boards to the measure, and your choices go straight into your quote request.
Board sample
Oiled
Screen colours are a guide. We bring real boards to the measure.
Your deckRaised on a slope · Merbau · Oiled
Before we price it
What to know before choosing merbau
Tannin bleed
Fresh merbau releases brown tannin when wet. Think about pale paving, render or a pool coping below or beside the deck.
Raised and sloping sites
Merbau is heavy and strong, but the frame, footings and balustrade decide how a raised deck works. Our Wahroonga deck steps down in two levels with the slope.
Upkeep
Plan on a wash and a fresh coat of oil when the colour starts to fade, sooner on a deck in full sun.
Supply
Merbau is imported, so lengths and grades vary between timber yards. We confirm what is available before we quote.
Our work
More merbau decking we’ve built
Each job with its suburb and what we built. Open one for the full set of photos.
What customers say on Google
Google rating
5.0
From 33 reviews on Google
“The boys nailed it! Built my deck out of engineered timber and the quality of work was fantastic. Job was done quick, site was left clean, etc. Would recommend!”
How long does merbau tannin bleed last?
It is heaviest in the first few weeks of wet weather and eases as the boards weather. Washing the deck with a deck cleaner before the first coat of oil takes some of it out.
Does merbau need oiling?
Not to stay sound, but yes to keep its colour. Without oil it fades to silver-grey. Re-oil when water stops beading on the surface and the colour looks dull.
Can merbau be used on a raised deck?
Yes. Our Lane Cove and Wahroonga decks are both raised merbau decks. Higher decks need a balustrade and often stairs, and may need approval, so we plan those with the deck.
Will new merbau match my existing deck?
Not straight away. New merbau starts redder than weathered boards. After a few coats of oil and some months in the sun the difference eases, but it won't match exactly at first.
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Planning a deck? Tell us about it
A few details and a photo or two of the area are enough to start. We'll be in touch to talk it through.
- Send a few details and a photo or two
- We call you back to talk it through
- We measure on site and price the job