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Decking Timber Comparison — Melbourne 2026

By Antonio PrimeScape  |  April 2026  |  63 five-star reviews

Choosing the right timber is one of the most important decisions in a deck build. Different timbers behave very differently in Melbourne's climate. Here's an honest comparison of the main options.

Merbau — The Most Popular Choice

Merbau is the most widely used decking timber in Melbourne for good reason. It's a Class 1 durability hardwood (suitable for in-ground contact), works easily with tools, has a beautiful reddish-brown colour, and oiled well it looks excellent for decades. Cost: $280–$380/m² installed.

The one thing to know: merbau leaches tannin (a reddish-brown dye) for 1–2 years after installation, particularly in heavy rain. This can stain light-coloured pavers below. If you have light paving under or adjacent to the deck, we recommend sealing it before deck installation.

Spotted Gum & Australian Hardwoods

Spotted Gum, Blackbutt, and other Australian hardwoods are premium choices — harder and often more visually striking than Merbau. They're Class 1 durability and handle Melbourne's weather extremely well. Cost: $300–$425/m² installed. The grain variation in Spotted Gum in particular is beautiful.

Treated Pine — The Budget Option

H3 treated pine (for above-ground decking) or H4 (for close to ground level) is the most cost-effective option at $250–$320/m² installed. It performs well in Melbourne's climate when kept maintained and oiled. The limitation is aesthetics — it lacks the warmth and character of hardwood. Also requires staining to prevent greying.

Composite Decking

Composite boards (timber-plastic composite) are growing in popularity for good reason: no oiling, no warping, no splinters. Cost is $320–$420/m² installed. The downside is heat absorption — composite decks can get very hot underfoot in direct Melbourne summer sun. Not ideal for north-facing decks without shade cover.

Our Recommendation

For most Melbourne homes: Merbau — it's the right balance of durability, appearance, workability and cost. For a premium project: Spotted Gum. On a tighter budget: H3 Treated Pine. For low-maintenance priority: Composite (but budget for shade).