Which Timber Is The Best For Decking In Perth?
Ipe and Teak are the best materials for maximum endurance when used in timber decking, but they are also very expensive. Merbau, pressure-treated pine, and cedar are suitable substitutes if you're searching for something more reasonably priced but still quite durable for your Perth deck. The ideal timber for your timber decking project in Perth is determined by several variables, including Perth's environmental conditions, durability requirements, and aesthetics. The debate over Wood vs Composite Decking often comes down to these factors. The following are some of the best wood choices for timber decking, keeping the Perth climate in mind:
Ipe, or Brazilian walnut
It is naturally resistant to rot, deterioration, and insects, making it one of the most durable hardwoods available, well-suited for varying conditions in Perth. It is very dense and, with the right care, can live for at least 50 years as durable timber decking. Ipe has an opulent appearance because of its rich, dark brown colour and delicate grain patterns. But sometimes, due to its density, it can be difficult to deal with and is quite expensive. Availability in Perth may vary.
Teak
Another extremely resilient hardwood that is impervious to rot, dampness, and insect damage is teak, making it an excellent choice for the outdoor environment in Perth. Its inherent oiliness aids in its ability to ward against moisture and keep its integrity. If teak is not treated, its golden brown hue will weather to a silver-grey over time. It is durable, low-maintenance, and moisture-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor timber decking. At the same time, it is pricey and needs to be oiled frequently to keep its golden colour.
Cumaru (Brazilian Teak)
Like Ipe, Cumaru is a solid hardwood with exceptional durability, suitable for demanding applications in Perth. It is not easily damaged by weathering, rot, or insects. It has a deep reddish-brown hue with pronounced grain patterns. Highly durable and less expensive than Ipe. Because of its density, installation may be challenging.
Merbau
Often used in Australia and Southeast Asia, Merbau is a hardwood with a high degree of durability. It resists deterioration and termites by nature, a valuable trait for decks in Perth. Merbau's appearance is a deep reddish-brown colour that changes with time. It has a low cost and is resistant to termites and the elements, making it a popular choice for timber decking in Perth.
Cedar
Although a softwood, cedar is nonetheless comparatively robust for timber decking. Because of its inherent oils, it resists rot and insects, offering good performance in many Perth settings. The smooth texture and gorgeous reddish-brown colour of cedar are striking. It is lightweight, simple to handle, and impervious to insects and rot.
Redwood
Redwood is another softwood that has an innate defence against insects, moisture, and rot. While it lasts a long time, it is not as strong as hardwoods like teak or ipe. If not cared for, the rich reddish-brown colour of redwood might eventually turn grey. With redwood timber decking, you can expect good moisture resistance, easy to work with, and attractive appearance. To maintain its colour, it needs to be stained and maintained frequently, especially considering the sun exposure in Perth. The Deck Staining Cost should be factored into the long-term budget for this wood type.
Pine, Pressure-Treated
Chemicals are applied to pressure-treated pine to prevent rot, deterioration, and insect infestation. Although it isn't as strong as hardwood, it lasts a long time considering the cost for budget-friendly timber decking in Perth. When new, it has a pale greenish-brown appearance, although it can be painted or dyed. Frequent care is necessary to keep it from warping and splintering.
Balau (red or yellow)
Known for its resilience to severe weather, Balau is a dense hardwood that is widely used in Southeast Asia. Balau has a fine grain and smooth finish and is available in red or bright yellow tones. It is very durable and reasonably priced in comparison to other hardwoods, making it a viable option for timber decking. In certain areas of Perth, it may be challenging to source.
Jarrah Durability
Jarrah is an extremely resilient Australian hardwood that is impervious to weathering, rot, and insects, making it an excellent option for Perth's conditions. It's frequently utilised for timber decking and outdoor furnishings. Reddish-brown in hue, with a beautiful grain that deepens over time. But it could be pricey and sometimes difficult to locate outside of Australia, though some suppliers in Perth may stock it.
Stung Gum (Spotted Gum)
Another Australian hardwood, spotted gum, is resistant to termites and severe weather. It has a beautiful spectrum of hues, from pale brown to dark chocolate, and frequently has a wavy grain. Termite resistance, long-lasting, and exquisite beauty make it suitable for high-quality timber decking in Perth. There might not be as much availability outside of Australia, but specialized timber suppliers in Perth might carry it. For finding local suppliers or installers of these timber types in Perth, ServiceTasker can be a useful tool as it connects customers and businesses based on location and service, even for unrelated needs like finding out a Duct Leakage Test Cost.
