Victorian builders and homeowners still favour Merbau hardwood for its remarkable dimensional stability, natural BAL-29 wildfire resistance and enduring climate resistance.

MELBOURNE, VIC - Outdoor living areas across Melbourne are one of Australia’s most challenging environments. The weather here can change suddenly, from hot and sunny with high UV exposure in the summer to cold and wet in the winter. Because of this, the building materials must be able to show excellent structural properties and must not warp or degrade.

Industry data shows Merbau timber decking remains the most popular hardwood choice for home construction and backyard remodelling in Victoria. Merbau is prized for its high oil content, natural solidity and rich, warm reddish brown colour. It provides a good base that can handle the seasonal extremes Melbourne has to offer.

Adjusting structural performance for the Victorian climate
Merbau (Intsia bijuga) is a timber species that is unique in the Australian building and landscaping industries for its inherent strength and resilience.

Durability Class 1: Merbau is rated Class 1 for above ground use and with correct installation and maintenance it should last in excess of 25 to 40 years.

High dimensional stability : Kiln-dried Merbau boards have low rates of expansion and contraction and will not cup under heavy atmospheric variations, maintaining even deck surfaces.

BAL-29 Bushfire Compliance: Merbau is naturally dense with a Janka hardness rating of 8.5 kN which meets the Australian Standard AS 3959 for bushfire resistant timbers up to Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) 29. This makes it suitable for semi-rural and urban fringe buildings across Victoria.

Natural Resistance to Pests & Decay: The hardwood is naturally rich in tannins and oils that make it resistant to termites, rot and fungal decay without harsh chemical treatments."Outdoor areas in Melbourne are true year-round living areas," says a timber specialist in the industry.

"Homeowners don't want a deck that swells after a wet fall or cracks after a tough summer. Merbau's tightly interlocked grain and high natural oil content provide it with the exact dimensional stability it needs to hold its structural integrity over decades of exposure.

Accommodating modern architecture and sustainability needs

Beyond its performance indicators, Merbau suits changing suburban Melbourne architectural tastes. More and more often we see wide-profile merbau boards 140x19mm in modern architecture, although the standard 90x19mm boards are still the norm. The larger profile minimises joints and creates a smooth transition between interior and outdoor entertainment areas, highlighting the deeper figure of the wood.

Verified sourcing chains also benefit the ethical homeowners and builders. The leading Australian timber suppliers are now focusing on FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC-certified Merbau decking products, as this guarantees the wood is sourced from sustainable, legally managed forestry operations.

Merbau decking provides the ideal combination of beauty, durability and everyday value for builders, landscapers and homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor living spaces with time-honoured timber.