The Top Timber Decking Species for Your Next Project

These Timber Decking Species are Readily Available at Bowens

Choosing timber decking can be a hard decision. Not only does it need to be a durable and stable species that suits the design, it also needs to be readily available. This blog explores some of the top timber decking species available for your next project, highlighting their benefits, disadvantages and suitability for various applications.

Merbau Decking

Merbau is a hardwood from Southeast Asia, highly sought-after for its rich hues and exceptional durability. Merbau provides a resilient yet visually appealing timber decking.

Benefits of Merbau Decking

Durability: Merbau is highly resistant to wear and weathering, making it ideal for outdoor environments. Its natural resistance to termites and a BAL29 rating ensure it can withstand bushfire-prone areas.

Stable: This timber is exceptionally stable, suitable for areas with high moisture or limited subfloor ventilation, ensuring long life in a range of climates.

Visual Appeal: The yellowish-brown tones of Merbau deepen to a stunning reddish-brown, adding warmth and character to outdoor spaces.

Disadvantages of Merbau Decking

While Merbau decking has many advantages, its high tannin content can lead to staining on surrounding surfaces.

Availability at Bowens

Merbau decking is readily available throughout the Bowens network for delivery now.

Spotted Gum Decking

Spotted Gum is a striking Australian hardwood that grows along the east coast, from northeast Victoria to Queensland. Its unique grain and vibrant colours make it a popular choice for timber decking.

Benefits of Spotted Gum decking

Natural Resistance: This timber offers excellent resistance to termites and decay and has a BAL29 rating suitable for bushfire-prone areas.

Stunning Appearance: Spotted Gum features a distinctive wavy grain pattern and colours ranging from light brown to deep reddish-brown, enhancing the visual appeal of any project.

Pre-Oiled Advantage: Available pre-oiled from Bowens, this timber decking comes with a ready-to-use finish that provides 360-degree protection, saving time and increasing durability.

Tannin Content: Compared to other hardwoods, Spotted Gum has a lower tannin content, which means it has a reduced risk of leaching and staining.

Disadvantages of Spotted Gum Decking

Due to its density, Spotted Gum decking requires pre-drilling for installation, which can increase labour time.

Availability at Bowens

Bowens currently stock pre-coated Spotted Gum in large quantities, ensuring timely delivery.

Silvertop Ash Decking

Silvertop Ash is a native Australian hardwood commonly found throughout New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. Silvertop Ash is a versatile and durable decking option that combines strength with an attractive blonde finish.

Benefits of Silvertop Ash Decking

Strength and Stability: Silvertop Ash decking has excellent structural properties, reducing the likelihood of warping and movement.

Easy to work with: Lighter than many other hardwoods, Silvertop Ash is easy to work with. It machines and sands well, accepts coatings readily, and is excellent for nailing and screwing.

Natural Resistance: This timber decking has a BAL29 rating and one of seven hardwood species suitable for home construction in bushfire prone areas.

Visual Appeal: Its light blonde colour features attractive natural characteristics, including pinholes, pencil streaks and noticeable growth rings, enhancing the look of the outdoor space.

Disadvantages of Silvertop Ash Decking

Silvertop Ash is not naturally resistant to termites and can be prone to surface checking if not dried correctly.

Availability at Bowens

Currently, Bowens has a good supply of 86x19mm Silvertop Ash lengths available for delivery.

Timber Alternative: Modwood® Composite Decking

For those looking for a low maintenance alternative to traditional timber decking, Modwood® composite decking offers a modern solution that withstands harsh environment conditions.

Benefits of Modwood® Composite Decking

Low Maintenance: This composite material requires no painting, staining, or sealing, making it easy to maintain and clean.

Resistance: Modwood® is engineered for superior performance, resistant to fading, scratching, and splintering, and is unaffected by chlorine or saltwater.

Safety: It features a P5 slip resistance level, making it safe for all outdoor areas, including the perimeters of pools and spas.

Variety of Styles: Available in a wide range of colours, Modwood® can easily complement any design.

Disadvantages of Modwood® Composite Decking

While Modwood® offers many benefits, it has a higher initial cost compared to traditional timber decking.

Availability at Bowens

Bowens has a high quantity of stock across our network, however certain colours may have low stock levels available.

Bowens Decking Options

Bowens have a wide range of timber decking and composite decking to select from online or in-store. We currently have a large quantity of Merbau decking, Spotted Gum decking in a pre-oiled finish and 86x19mm Silvertop Ash decking available for delivery straight to site. For an alternative to timber decking, our Modwood® composite decking range has large stock levels across the Bowens network, yet subject to colour choice.

Want more timber decking options? Read our blog, “Deck out the Deck” for a breakdown of decking species and their timber properties.