Thread: Decking Timber suggestions.

The major consideration in your choice should be durability. Bangakiri is also known as Red Balau and is only durability class 4 - DO NOT USE.Confusingly, the name Bingakirai is also used for Yellow Balau which is durability class 2 (OK but not the best). This timber is often harvested unsustainably from its' parent tropical forests in S.E Asia. Blackbutt is durability class 2 but may have a reduced service life if sawn from younger trees. Spotted gums' durability is the subject of debate. It was rated as class 2 but it has been reassessed as class 1 for above ground use. Very importantly you MUST lay down a bituminous felt strip along the tops of your joists to act as a moisture barrier otherwise rot will prematurely set in between decking boards and joists. Might I recommend Tallowwood as the the prime decking timber in Australia, a little more expensive but very good for the purpose. The following link and parent website should prove invaluable. http://www.outdoorstructures.com.au/pdf/etdn_2.pdf

Cheers Tim

Terry, the timbers you have nominated are class2 at best. When it comes to decking it is well worth the extra to go class1. There are some good hardwoods that fit the bill; Ironbark, Greybox, Turpentine, Red mahogany, Tallow wood, Greygum. For imported timber Merbau/kwila.

timboz - thanks for posting that link, lots of useful info there

I'm in a similar position, having to re-clad a deck built by a "professional builder" about 7 years ago.....

G'day. The only specie we run Decking from is White Mahogany.
It is a durability class 1 specie and has minimal natural feature.

It is a yellow/olive colour and will outlast any other specie used for decking.