Best Decking Timber for Melbourne: Merbau vs Spotted Gum vs Composite

Dense, stable and naturally durable, Merbau has a warm red-brown tone and suits most backyard decks. It can bleed tannins when new, so we allow for that around paving and render.

Spotted Gum is one of Australia's hardest decking species, with lovely colour variation from pale grey to deep brown. It's a go-to in bushfire-prone suburbs such as Eltham, Warrandyte and the Yarra Valley fringe.

Capped composite boards resist fading, staining and splintering and never need oiling. They cost more upfront but save time and money on maintenance — ideal for pool decks and busy family homes.

Choose Merbau for classic warmth at a sensible price, Spotted Gum for toughness and bushfire zones, and composite if you never want to oil a deck again. We'll bring samples to your free on-site quote so you can compare them in your own light.