Timber Decking Options In Sydney

While sitting on the deck and chilling in the Australian sunshine, you glance at the neighbour’s property.

The first thing that catches your attention is how clean and polished their deck looks compared to your home’s old, worn-out timber deck. So, you decide to clean the deck and restore it to its old grandeur, but wait!

Do you know if the deck is moisture-resistant or can withstand rigorous cleaning? It’s easy to damage an already crumbling structure further.

So, before you do anything else, please read our guide about Sydney’s popular timber decking options before contacting professionals for maintenance or repairs.

Timber Decking Options In Sydney

Sydney has several timber decks based on the type of timber, its features, and the surrounding environment. Here, we have listed the most popular decking options - those native to Sydney and exported from overseas.

A. Native Decking Options

1. Jarrah Timber

Jarrah timber is one of the most iconic decking choices on the Australian market, suitable for several purposes due to its eye-catching grainy characteristics and rich colour. It’s found in areas with a thick cover, which gives the timber a dense and durable nature.

It’s highly resistant to rot, weather, and termite infestations, which makes it ideal for various needs. We also found that this timber retains its colour longer with hardly any tannin leech.

But there are a few downsides since it’s sourced from old-growth forests and is less sustainable than other options. Moreover, Jarrah Timber is a premium product but isn’t readily available, considering its long growing time.

2. Ironbark Timber

Also called Eucalyptus Paniculata, Ironbark timber is found along Australia’s East Coast and is quite popular among builders of this island country for its durability and length. Ironbark has been used for over 200 years in the Australian construction industry as it can withstand the extremes of the Aussie climate.

Since it’s a tried-and-tested product and produces h3 timber, manufacturers have to pre-drill the holes. Best of all is its high resistance to fires, termites, and rot, which makes it the go-to option for people living in bushfire-prone areas.

In short, it’s one of the most reliable options for decking timber.

3. Blackbutt Timber

In the coastal regions of Southeast Australia, you will find Blackbutt timber, a highly sustainable decking solution. This is because it multiplies and regenerates faster, a staple in the forestry industry.

It’s also certified by the Australian Building Commission as one of the seven hardwood decking options suitable for construction in bushfire-prone areas. But the only issue with the timber is the high tannin concentration within the wood decking Sydney, which increases the chances of leeching when left in moisture.

You can also speak to your professional deck builder about tips and maintenance advice to stop your timber deck from warping.

To keep leeching at bay or stop your timber deck from warping, hire a licensed constructor for professional decking while oiling and sealing the wood for proper low maintenance.

4. Spotted Gum Timber

Another type of Australian hardwood prevalent in Victoria, Queensland, and Sydney is Spotted Gum. It has a wavy and grainy texture, interspersed with vibrant colours and markings to make your deck stand out.

Spotted Gum decking is easier to manufacture and carve than other Australian decking timbers due to its lower chances of tannin bleeding. Additionally, the timber is grown on plantation firms, ensuring easy access to the wood throughout the continent.

Manufacturers prefer sustainable sourcing from forestry companies, while the building commission recommends it as a suitable material for repelling bushfires.

Imported Decking Timber

1. Merbau Timber

This is one of the most popular options in Sydney, which comes from Indonesian plantations and is categorised as class one hardwood. This makes it ideal for Australian climates, and it is even termite-resistant, although it has yet to receive FSC accreditation.

2. New Guinea Teak Timber

Instead of other imported timbers, you can use New Guinea Teak Timber, which is beautiful red. It’s highly attractive and presents something different from most Australian decks’ red and brownish hue, making it ideal for any timber deck ideas and designs.

Its durable nature has made it a reliable option for deck builders, as it can last several years. You will find two variants - sapwood slightly susceptible to Lyctid Borers and a termite-resistant heartwood.

3. Fijian Mahogany Timber

People often opt for Fijian Mahogany Timber as it’s possible to work this hardwood by hand and machine. The wood is malleable due to its soft nature, and its tropical origins and reddish-brown colours increase the value of your property.

Best of all, its grains are tightly woven, reducing the chances of splintering and increasing the deck’s lifespan. We have also seen that decks made of Fijian Mahogany are less susceptible to moisture, termite infestations, or decay. And with time, the deck will change colour to an attractive silver.

4. Pacific Jarrah Timber

Apart from native Australian Jarrah Timber, the Pacific variant is sustainably sourced to Australia and surrounding areas. As a result, it’s widely available, and architects or designers always have a steady supply of this reddish-brown wood for construction purposes.

But the Jarrah grain is susceptible to moisture and marine borers, and it’s best avoided in regions that receive a lot of rainfall. It’s also tough and not very malleable, making it challenging to shape the wood for different purposes.

Sydney Timber Decking Options

Choosing a suitable hardwood for decking timber and completing the construction is only half the job.

The real challenge is maintaining the deck through the changing seasons, and an easy way to enhance protection is by creating a shelter. Ensure the hardwood isn’t exposed to elements like rain, sun, or excessive foot traffic.

It will help if you talk to a licensed constructor, like Final Touch Carpentry & Constructions because certain types of hardwood are easier to maintain than others. They will help you choose based on the area and prevailing climatic conditions.

You should also regularly clean the deck and professionally seal the surface before using DIY sealers to maintain the quality of the hardwood finish for several years.