Merbau
Overview
Merbau is a durable imported hardwood commonly used for external decking and landscape work. It is valued for stability and a rich, deep colour.
With correct fixing and coating maintenance, Merbau decks provide long service life.
Appearance
- Colour: deep brown with orange-red highlights; may leach tannins initially.
- Grain: interlocked; medium to coarse texture.
- Figure: bold and consistent appearance.
- Finishing: oil or film finishes; clean leachate prior to sealing adjacent surfaces.
Workability
- Machining: dense; use carbide tooling and steady feed.
- Fastening: pre-drill; stainless fixings essential outdoors.
- Gluing: compatible with exterior adhesives; prep surfaces.
- Finishing: wipe down and allow to weather briefly before coating to reduce bleed.
Performance & durability
High durability for exterior platforms and structures. Provide ventilation and drainage to maximise performance.
Structural/grades
Typically supplied as decking boards rather than primary structural sections.
Typical applications
- Decking and steps
- Screens and pergolas
- Landscape features
Key properties (indicative)
- Mass: heavy; high density
- Durability: excellent in exterior use
- Movement: allow for seasonal gap change