Merbau Decking

Intsia bijuga, commercially known as Merbau, is a premium tropical hardwood ideal for outdoor decking. Native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific, Merbau is prized for its reddish-brown color, high natural oil content, and extreme durability. Its dimensional stability and resistance to rot make it a top-tier choice for high-end residential and commercial outdoor spaces.

Common Decking Sizes

Metric (EU/Export):
19 / 21 mm — 90 / 120 / 140 / 145 mm — 1200 to 3000+ mm

Imperial (U.S.):
0.75″ / 0.83″ — 3.5″ / 4.7″ / 5.5″ / 5.7″ — 47″ to 118″+

Standard Profiles: Smooth, Reeded, E4E, S4S
Custom profiles and sizes available for bulk orders.
Boards are kiln-dried, defect-sorted, and graded for export.
Available in fixed or random lengths depending on project requirements.

Technical Specifications

• Botanical name: Intsia bijuga (Kwila)

• Density (Dry): ~860 kg/m³

• Durability Class (EN 350): Class 1 (very durable above ground)

• In-Ground Durability: Class 3 (moderate durability)

• Hardness (Janka): 8.6

• Use Class (EN 335): Class 4 (above-ground or ground contact use)

• Shrinkage (tangential): ~0.30%

• Fire Resistance: Group 3 – Refer to AS3959

• Termite Resistance: Naturally resistant

• Machining & Gluing: Good workability, gluing may require surface preparation

• Sustainability: SVLK certified; FSC® available on request

Processing & Installation

• Drying: Requires kiln drying for dimensional stability

• Machining: Cuts cleanly; pre-drilling is recommended due to hardness

• Fixing: Use stainless steel fasteners to avoid staining

• Finishing: Accepts oils and coatings well; natural finish develops into silver-grey if left untreated

Advantages

• Excellent resistance to decay, fungi, and termites

• Very stable under extreme moisture variation

• Ideal for pool decks, seaside installations, and luxury builds

• Naturally rich tones enhance any architectural setting

• FSC® available on request for green building compliance
  

📞 Need a custom format or large-volume quote?

[→ Contact us for tailored specifications or export pricing.]

FAQs

Is your Merbau sustainably sourced?

Yes. All our Merbau decking is SVLK verified and available with FSC certification. We prioritize traceability and only work with mills that uphold strict environmental and legal standards.

Does Merbau decking change color over time?

Yes. Freshly installed Merbau has a rich red-brown tone that can deepen with oiling. Left untreated, it will gracefully weather to a silver-gray patina, a natural aesthetic transformation that doesn’t impact durability.

What sets your Merbau apart from cheaper alternatives?

We only supply kiln-dried, export-graded Merbau from our trusted mills. Our quality control ensures consistent color, smooth milling, and structural reliability — suitable for professional-grade builds and high-end clients.

Is Merbau decking resistant to termites and decay?

Absolutely. Merbau is naturally rich in oils and tannins, making it highly resistant to termites, fungi, and rot. It’s one of the best hardwoods for long-term outdoor exposure without chemical treatment.

How does Merbau perform around water/humid climates?

Exceptionally well. Merbau’s dense grain and high oil content make it highly water-resistant, ideal for pool decks, seaside installations, or high-traffic public spaces.

Why is Merbau considered a premium decking option?

Merbau is prized for its deep reddish tones, high density, and natural oils. It offers exceptional dimensional stability, slip resistance, and lifespan, even in extreme weather and heavy-use areas.

Can it be used for commercial or public decking projects?

Yes. Due to its strength and resistance to heavy foot traffic, Merbau is frequently used in resorts, boardwalks, public parks, and high-end commercial developments.

What installation practices are recommended?

Pre-drilling is advised to prevent splitting, and stainless steel fasteners are recommended for durability. Boards can be surface-fixed or hidden-fastened depending on the design preference. Regular cleaning and occasional oiling maintain visual appeal.