Introduction
Does the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor living space matter to you? Do you dream of a gorgeously constructed, durable wooden deck that elevates your home's overall look? If you nodded affirmatively, chances are you've come across Merbau decking boards in your search for the perfect decking material. This blog post dives deep into the world of Merbau decking boards, exploring their advantages, disadvantages, and everything in-between. We’ll capture the nuances of this popular exterior flooring option and help you decide whether it's the right fit for your home.
Merbau is a hardwood species native to a handful of Indo-Pacific countries. Known for its durability and striking good looks, this timber species has steadily risen to popularity in the decking world. Yet, like most things in life, Merbau decking is not without its drawbacks. Our aim is to arm you with enough information about its pros and cons for you to make an informed decision for your decking project. Let's plunge right in!
Why Choose Merbau Decking?
Merbau decking has attributes that set it apart from other decking materials. First and foremost, its most striking feature is its vivid, orange-brown colour that gives any deck a warm, rich tone. Further, it's a hardwood species which makes it exceptionally resilient and able to withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions. Moreover, Merbau's natural oil content enhances its rot resistance and its high density adds to its durability and longevity.
Additionally, Merbau possesses superior strength and is remarkably resistant to termites. If maintained regularly, Merbau decking can last up to 40 years! Lastly, if sustainability is your key concern, Merbau decking is a fantastic eco-conscious choice as it’s harvested from well-managed, renewable forests.
The Aesthetic Appeal of Merbau
One of the biggest contributors to the popularity of Merbau decking is its visual appeal. Merbau's distinctive combination of reddish-brown hues and golden flecks creates a unique, stunning look that become even more pronounced with exposure to sunlight.
Moreover, as the wood ages, its colour becomes more subdued, turning an elegant silver-grey. This ageing process gives Merbau decking a timeless appeal that only enhances a home's visual appeal over the years. Rounded off with a tight grain pattern, Merbau decking boards add charm, elegance and an undeniable appeal to any deck design.
Needed Maintenance for Merbau Decking
Maintenance is key to prolong the life and maintain the aesthetic appeal of Merbau decking. This includes regular cleaning to prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime, and periodic sealing to keep the boards fresh and hydrated.
So, how often should this maintenance be done? Usually, an annual or bi-annual cleaning and sealing routine will suffice. Also note that it is always best to use products specifically designed for hardwood decking when embarking on maintenance.
The Sustainability Quandary of Merbau
Merbau decking is indeed harvested from renewable forests, but it's worth noting the controversy surrounding the timber trade in the Indo-Pacific region. Irresponsible logging practices, poor forest management and the overall rate of deforestation present environmental challenges. However, when purchasing Merbau, opt for suppliers who source their timber responsibly, or who hold valid certification from a globally recognized environmental body.
Conclusion
From its undeniable aesthetic allure to its impressive durability, Merbau decking boards provide not just a decorative asset but also a long-lasting, hard-wearing outdoor living solution. However, it's always important to weigh its cons, such as cost, susceptible to tannin bleeding and ecological concerns. Maintenance is undeniably crucial, and sourcing from responsible suppliers is a matter of environmental consciousness.
In all, Merbau decking is a fantastic choice for homeowners who are seeking a beautiful, long-lasting, and resilient decking solution. With proper care and consideration for sustainability, you could be just a few steps away (quite literally) from enjoying the robust beauty of a Merbau deck.
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