Browse Forums Outdoor Living Merbau alternatives? 41Mar 05, 2008 11:24 pm We are about to embark on a decking project and while we like Merbau, we are conscious of the fact that its an endangered species. Are there alternatives to Merbau which are friendlier to the environment and has similar characteristics?
Many thanks! Steve Re: DECKING MATERIAL CHOICES 42Mar 05, 2008 11:31 pm Quote: We are about to embark on a decking project and while we like Merbau, we are conscious of the fact that its an endangered species. Are there alternatives to Merbau which are friendlier to the environment and has similar characteristics? Many thanks! Steve Good to hear Steve. I think your answer is answered in the immediate posts above. Steve Re: DECKING MATERIAL CHOICES 43Mar 06, 2008 5:26 pm There is another similar exotic decking around now in a similar colour - Kekatong - I'll try and find some pics not sure of its enviromental 'friendliness' Re: DECKING MATERIAL CHOICES 44Mar 08, 2008 11:15 am Sorry Steve, I didnt make myself clear enough: which euclayptus (I believe there are a few possible candidates?) or even other Australian hard woods would one recommend to have similar properties as Merbau as a good replacement? I dont mind paying a little more for a clear conscience
Any good pointers to sites I can do some reasearch from would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Steve Re: DECKING MATERIAL CHOICES 45Mar 08, 2008 2:56 pm Are you after durability 1 or fire rating 2 ???
Ironbark is a good durability 1 eucylpyt decking choice. Silver-top Ash has a class 2 fire rating Re: DECKING MATERIAL CHOICES 46Mar 08, 2008 7:31 pm Hi Luke,
The closest I can get to Merbau in terms of both durability and fire will be ideal. We were close to selecting Merbau and then we discovered thats its endangered http://www.greenpeace.org/international/news/merbau-s-last-stand. Thanks for your advice. I will follow up on the species you suggested. Steve Re: DECKING MATERIAL CHOICES 47Mar 08, 2008 9:45 pm Best performers
(classified for construction purposes as 'Fire-Retardant-Treated' timbers) Blackbutt Merbau (Kwila) Red Ironbark River Red Gum Silver Top Ash Spotted Gum Turpentine Not so good performers Forest Red Gum Jarrah Tallowwood Yellow Stringybark Re: DECKING MATERIAL CHOICES 48Mar 09, 2008 9:31 pm Thanks Luke - I will follow this up.
For others following this thread, I found this site useful: http://oak.arch.utas.edu.au/tbia/techin ... ea=species (just clickSubmit for a full list) Cheers Steve Hi, as per the subject. Does anyone have any recommendations for the best value decking oil (Bunning is close to where I live) for a treated pine deck? Thanks 0 10971 Different to what others have said but thanks for that insight. 2 5201 Not recommended! The image presented is for a sublevel area. The footings are down deep with a load bearing wall supporting the upper floor level. If you did that drain… 8 10591 |