Merbau vs Composite
In a world full of innovative decking options, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of new technologies and materials. Many homeowners are considering composite alternatives, but when it comes to timeless beauty, durability, and long-term value, one material has stood the test of time – merbau timber.
Comparison Table
| Merbau |
Composite Alternatives |
|
| Naturally resistant to rot, decay and termites | Y | Y |
| Design to last | Y | Y |
| Tried and tested for generations | Y | N |
| Naturally bushfire resistant (BAL 29 rated) | Y | N |
| A natural, renewable resource | Y | N |
| Naturally degrades at end-of-life | Y | N |
| Contributes to wellness through biophilic design | Y | N |
| Lower purchase cost | Y | N |
| Easy to fix when scratched | Y | N |
| Can cause static shock | N | Y |
| Tendency to overheat under the hot sun | N | Y |
| Can release microplastics into the environment | N | Y |
Tried and Tested
A deck is a long-term investment, so you want one that’s built to last. Merbau is rated Class 1 above ground for durability, meaning it can last over 40 years with the right care and maintenance. Its natural resistance to rot and decay ensures superior performance compared to many other decking materials. When properly installed and maintained, your merbau deck will remain sturdy, reliable, and beautiful for generations.While composite materials are also built to last, many composite products have shown to fade over time leaving them lacklustre and unable to be restored. Updated composite designs that claim to be colourfast are still relatively new to the market and their performance over time in the Australian climate have yet to be seen.
Environmental Factors
Choosing SpecRite Merbau doesn’t mean sacrificing sustainability. Not only does timber store carbon that it absorbs from the atmosphere, it is a natural and renewable resource that when harvested responsibly, has a positive impact on the environment. SpecRite Merbau is FSC®-certified, supporting responsible forestry practices. The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) is a positive force for change that supports biodiversity and climate resilience. When you choose FSC-certified products, you’re helping to take care of forests for future generations.Composite decking raises concerns about non-biodegradability and environmental pollution. It is often made from a combination of wood sawdust, and both recycled and virgin plastics. Because of this mix of materials, composite decking boards are not as straight forward to repurpose or recycle and in many instances will end up in landfill. And like other plastic products they don't always fully decompose - instead, they can break down into smaller pieces called microplastics, which can persist in the environment for long periods of time.
At the end of its life, merbau decking can be sanded down and repurposed or alternatively can be disposed of and will naturally degrade over a relatively short period of time.
Suitability to Australia's Climate
Merbau is one of the few timbers approved for bushfire-prone areas in Australia. It is rated to BAL-29 offering an advantage over many other outdoor timbers and standard off-the-shelf composite options. Merbau doesn’t cause static shock and stays cooler underfoot compared to composite materials, which tend to retain more heat under Australia’s hot sun.
Wellness enhancing
Surrounding ourselves with nature isn’t just good for the soul – it’s also backed by science. Biophilic design, the practice of integrating natural elements into our living spaces, has been shown to reduce stress, enhance creativity and improve overall wellbeing. Composite decking mimics wood but often lacks the depth and texture of real timber. Incorporating Merbau into your garden or backyard helps create a calming, natural retreat where you can truly unwind. The simple beauty of timber offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Value
For consumers valuing natural beauty, durability, and cost-effectiveness, Merbau remains a superior choice when sourced responsibly and maintained properly. It has a lower upfront cost compared to composite decking which may fade or warp over time. If scratched composite boards are not as easy to repair as timber, potentially requiring full replacement.
And while timber requires occasional re-oiling, the maintenance narrative is often over-exaggerated by composite brands spruiking zero-maintenance, whilst in reality, annual cleaning to any exposed decking area is unavoidable.
Re-oiling your timber deck is simple and has only one extra step. When your coating shows signs of wear, simply scrub it down with a decking cleaner and a stiff bristle brush. Once dry apply one or two coats of your chosen finish and you’re all set. To minimise maintenance frequency, choose a high-end water-based finish like Intergrain Ultradeck, which lasts up to three times longer than traditional oil-based finishes. If you prefer a more rustic look for your outside space, you can let your merbau grey off for a low-maintenance alternative.
FSC certification requires periodic review and you can check the FSC status of our SpecRite Merbau supplier at any time at info.fsc.org. Licence Code: C128536