Aug, 2024 | Design Inspiration

The Best Timbers for Decking

If you’re planning to upgrade your outdoor area, a well-designed timber deck is one of the most effective ways to add both lifestyle and value to your home.

From affordable treated pine to premium Australian hardwoods, each decking timber has its own strengths, maintenance needs and visual appeal. Understanding these differences will help you select the best option for your home and how you like to live.

Treated Pine — affordable & versatile

Best for: Budget builds, subframes, above‑ground decking

Treated pine is an economical and widely available decking option that performs well when properly treated and sealed. It’s softwood enhanced with preservatives to improve resistance to decay, termites and rot.

Australian timber is graded using hazard classes (H1–H6) — for decking above ground, H3 is the minimum recommended treatment level to protect against weather, insects and fungi. Treated pine also takes paint or stain nicely, allowing flexibility in matching your home design.

Tip: Always choose timber with an appropriate hazard rating for your application and reseal it regularly to prevent warping and extend its life.

Jarrah — rich colour & great longevity

Best for: Premium hardwood decking with striking colour.

Jarrah is a classic Australian hardwood with rich reddish‑brown tones that mature beautifully. It’s naturally durable and termite resistant, with a Durability Class 2 rating suitable for external decking.

When left unsealed, Jarrah weathers to a silver-grey patina, though sealing will help preserve its vibrant colour. Jarrah is also fire-resistant, making it suitable for homes in bushfire-prone zones.

Blackbutt — durable & fire‑resistant hardwood

Best for: Bushfire‑prone areas or warm climates.

Blackbutt is a pale brown timber with excellent fire resistance and structural stability. It’s suitable for external use and has Durability Class 1–2, making it highly resilient in harsh Australian climates.

While Blackbutt can be stained, it should be sealed early and resealed periodically to protect against surface cracking.

Spotted Gum — a versatile Australian hardwood

Best for: High durability and aesthetic variation.

Spotted Gum is a dense, durable hardwood known for its beautiful colour variation — ranging from light to deep brown. With low shrinkage and high fire resistance, it’s a popular choice for both performance and style.

It has a Durability Class 1–2 and is particularly well-suited for bushfire zones, making it an excellent long-term decking option in coastal or inland areas like Armstrong Creek.

Merbau — strong & weather‑resistant

Best for: Durable decking with a rich finish.

Merbau is a tropical hardwood prized for its durability and resistance to pests and rot. With a Durability Class 1–2, it’s commonly used in decking across Australia.

Merbau’s red-brown tone ages well, but the timber can bleed tannins, so it’s important to wash and seal it before installation. Look for sustainably harvested Merbau to reduce environmental impact.

Stringybark – for custom colour options

Best for: Specific visual effects or custom timber combinations.

Stringybark is available in three main varieties — white, yellow, and red. Of these, yellow stringybark (Durability Class 2) is suitable for decking. White stringybark is not recommended for outdoor use (Durability Class 3), while red stringybark is rare and more expensive.

Be sure to confirm the exact species and durability before purchasing if you choose stringybark for your deck.

Ironbark – the toughest hardwood

Best for: Long-lasting decks and heavy-traffic areas.

Ironbark is one of Australia’s densest and most durable timbers. With a Durability Class 1, it offers outstanding resistance to decay, insects and fire.

Its rich colour palette, from pale brown to deep red, gives it a premium appearance, though it can be harder to work with due to its weight and density. Still, for those wanting a deck that will last decades, Ironbark is an exceptional choice.

Build the outdoor lifestyle you want at Ashbury

Timber decks are a fantastic way to maximise outdoor living in Ashbury, where wide open spaces and community parks invite time outdoors.

Whether you’re building a new home or updating an existing outdoor area, choosing the right timber ensures your deck will remain functional and beautiful for years to come.

Looking to make a fresh start in a growing community?

Explore available land lots at Ashbury Estate and plan your dream home with a deck to match your lifestyle.

Ashbury streetscape in Armstrong Creek