Merbau & Hardwood Decking In Southport

Merbau, or kwila, is one of the most popular decking hardwoods here for good reason. It is dense, hard-wearing and has a warm reddish-brown colour that suits both coastal and hinterland homes, and it offers strong value against other hardwoods. Like all timber it greys under our UV and needs re-oiling roughly every one to two years to keep its colour. The one thing to plan for is tannin bleed when it is new, which we manage so it does not stain paths or walls below.

Some hardwoods such as ironbark are naturally durable, but no timber is termite-proof, and the Gold Coast is a high termite pressure area. What matters most is the substructure, so we can build the frame from treated or durable-class timber or use a steel or composite frame, paired with a sensible termite management approach. We treat this as reducing risk rather than eliminating it, and we will explain the right approach for your block. Getting the framing right at the start is far cheaper than dealing with damage later.

As a guide, roughly every one to two years, but exposure is the real driver. A deck in full sun near the beach weathers faster than one that is shaded or covered, so a north-facing poolside deck may need attention sooner. Re-oiling restores the colour, feeds the timber and helps it resist checking and splintering. We show you a simple routine at handover, and we can take care of the re-sand and re-oil for you through our restoration service.

Yes, hardwood is a popular poolside surface because it looks superb and, unlike dark composite, tends to stay cooler underfoot in full sun. We choose board profiles that give grip and comfort for bare feet and build the deck cleanly around the coping and the pool barrier. Do remember that the pool fence itself is certified to AS1926.1 and is the pool-fencer's and certifier's responsibility, not ours, and we build the deck around it. Splash, sunscreen and chlorine mean a poolside hardwood deck benefits from regular cleaning and oiling.

Left unoiled, all hardwoods weather to a silver-grey under Gold Coast UV, which some homeowners actually like as a coastal look. If you want to keep the original warm tones, regular re-oiling every one to two years is the way to hold the colour. Different species grey at different rates, and we will set your expectations honestly for the timber you pick. Whichever look you prefer, we can advise on the finish that suits it.

Often, yes. Decks above certain height or floor-area thresholds generally need approval through the council or a private building certifier and must meet the NCC and Queensland Development Code, and a raised hardwood entertaining deck can fall into that category. We build to comply and can advise on or help arrange the approval, but the certifier or council issues it, not us. We confirm the requirements for your specific design before we quote, because the thresholds can change.