Merbau Timber – Why is it a Popular Choice on the Gold Coast?

Merbau timber is a versatile hardwood sourced from South East Asia, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. It is very durable and has a high Janka hardness rating of 1,925.

The wood can withstand the harsh Queensland climate. It has a wide range of uses, including decking, pergola construction and bushfire resistant timber.

Longevity

The longevity of merbau timber is one of the main reasons it has become a popular choice for decking, pergolas and other large-scale projects. It can withstand the harsh Queensland climate and can stand up to everyday wear and tear.

Merbau is harvested from tropical forests in South East Asia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji and North Queensland. While this is sustainable, the species is vulnerable to illegal logging and wood originality fraud. Logging practices are also not always environmentally friendly and can lead to habitat destruction.

In addition, logging trees for timber has a high carbon footprint when done in non-sustainable ways. The use of fossil fuels to transport and mill the timber results in high levels of CO2 emissions. To minimise these effects, a life-cycle assessment (LCA) should be conducted to determine how sustainable the use of merbau is. This includes assessing the sustainability of forest management, sourcing, transport and use. The use of glulam, which is a stronger construction method that uses timber beams bonded with urethane foam, can further reduce environmental impacts.

Durability

Merbau (also known as kwila) is a dense hardwood with a class durability rating of 1 above and 3 below ground making it an excellent choice for decks. It is also termite, borer and rot resistant.

Like other hardwoods, merbau can be stained to suit your desired style. It is also very durable and can withstand the harsh Australian weather. This makes it the ideal material for your home’s outdoor entertainment area timber deck.

Merbau is an exotic hardwood that grows throughout South East Asia and Papua New Guinea. While it has a reputation for being a strong and attractive hardwood, there are some environmental concerns associated with its use. Like other imported woods, merbau is often harvested from rainforests where it can cause deforestation. It is therefore important to choose a certified supplier that will guarantee that your merbau timber is harvested from legal and sustainable forests.

Resistant to Moisture

Merbau, also known as Kwila or Ipil, is a dense hardwood from South East Asia and PNG. It is naturally resistant to termites and rot, which means it can last for decades when properly maintained. It is also durable and can withstand heavy weather conditions, including humidity and rain.

The Kwila tree species grows in tropical forests, but can also be sourced from legal or sustainable plantations. Sourcing certified merbau is important, as it will help to ensure the timber has been ethically harvested. Look for a chain of custody system, which will include DNA tracking, to confirm your purchase is from a sustainable source.

Like blackbutt, spotted gum is fire-resistant and has a durability rating of 2. It dries slowly and provides good colour variation. Like merbau, spotted gum can bleed dark brown/red tannins, though it does less so than merbau. Tannin bleeding is a natural process, and is not to be confused with stain bleeding.

Bushfire Resistant

Merbau timber is a good option for bushfire-prone areas, as it does not easily burn. It is also a dense timber and has a low rate of shrinkage, making it durable and ideal for use as cladding or decking. It is also a cost-effective choice.

It is used for a variety of applications including cladding, fencing, flooring, marine construction and outdoor furniture. It can withstand the harsh Queensland climate and is resistant to termites, rot and mould. It also requires less maintenance than other hardwoods.

However, if harvested at current rates, kwila could be extinct within the next 35-40 years due to its slow growth rate and limited habitat. It is important to buy kwila from sustainable suppliers who are logging the trees responsibly. This will help to prevent the deforestation of rainforests and save our natural environment. Also, regular oiling with a clear deck wash is recommended (1-2 times per year). This will protect the wood and help it keep its beautiful appearance for longer.

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