Your Guide to the Best Brisbane Decking Timber in 2025

Narangba Timbers has been providing trades, builders and families the best Brisbane decking timber since 1972 - and we love every second of it!

We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to South-East Queensland and Brisbane timber decking options. We offer a range of hardwood decking locally grown in Queensland or throughout Australia.

Once you’ve selected your quality decking timber, use our Guide to DIY Decking to bring it to life. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about building a deck in your home.

Contents

1. Why the right decking timber is so important
2. What to consider when choosing a decking timber
3. Why choose locally sourced timber
4. Our recommended decking timbers

Why the Right Brisbane Decking Timber is so Important

A well-made and well-maintained timber deck doesn’t just create an incredible indoor-outdoor living space. It also increases the value of your south-east Queensland home and can help make better use of land that’s on a decline.

A deck is a frequently used outdoor space, and it’s subject to whatever the Brisbane climate throws at it. Building a deck with low-quality timber will lead to early decay and a lot of maintenance that costs you in the long run. 

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Timber Decking

Choosing the deck location

Consider where your deck will be built. Will the area be shady or sunny? Is it going to be an elevated deck with stairs, or a single floor deck? How close is it to water?

In Brisbane, we must use timber species that can last in our extreme climate and that are resistant to termites, lyctid borers and other pests. This means that a hardwood high on the durability scale, or a softwood treated with an agent that protects the timber, are the best choices.

Choosing timber for the deck frame, boards and extras

There are many parts of a deck, including posts, framework, joists, decking boards, handrails, balusters and trim. Each part of the deck will be differently exposed to weather, so you should choose different suited timbers for each part.

A dense softwood, such as treated pine framing, is popular for posts and framework – because it is durable and affordable. Pine can also be a good choice for deck boards, as it easily absorbs coloured stains – easily allowing you to customise their appearance.

If you want a hardwood deck, Merbau is often the preferred choice for deck boards – thanks to their longevity, premium feel and luxurious appearance.

Timber durability

Brisbane decking timber goes through both extremely humid and dry seasons. To avoid splitting and damage, decking timber must be stable and have low shrinkage and expansion rates to cope with these seasons. 

The durability rating of a hardwood timber species (represented by “Durability Class #”) refers to the ability of the wood to resist decay and pests. Class 1 and 2 timbers are the toughest, and the only ones that should be used for decking. 

Why Choose Locally Sourced Brisbane Decking Timber?

Readily available timber

When you select local timber, you can get what you need when you need it. There’s no waiting for a shipment from the other side of the world. This means no transportation delays or additional shipping costs.

Eco-friendly timber decking Brisbane

Think about the long-term impact of your decking decision. When you buy locally sourced timber, you know where it’s coming from. You can examine the providers’ forestry policies and make sure that you’re supporting a sustainable operation.

Environmentally resilient timber

A deck made from timber that’s native to the area is more likely to last. Selecting a local timber that’s also bushfire resistant – such as merbau decking timber (kwila), blackbutt, ironbark and spotted gum – can also be an important decision for more rural homes.

Our Recommended Brisbane Decking Timbers

Hardwood decking materials

Hardwood is the most durable Brisbane decking timber and provides natural protection against microbes and pests. We’re partial to merbau (kwila), blackbutt, ironbark and spotted gum varieties.

✅ Durability Class 1 hardwoods are strong and durable
✅ Beautiful natural colours that don’t require staining to appear vibrant
✅ Unique appearance with character, textures and grains
✅ Easy to maintain and less likely to scratch

Softwood decking materials

Softwood – such as pine – is more affordable, but still sturdy. However, it must be treated to protect it against microbes and pests.

✅ Generally more affordable
✅ Superior availability
✅ Pliable and easy to work with
✅ Lighter colour schemes are easier to stain and customise

Composite decking 

Composite deck boards are most commonly made from a combination of wood chips, sawdust and/or plastic fillers. While safe from microbes and pests, composite should only be used for decking boards – rather than framework. 

✅ Best of both worlds for durability and affordability
✅ Easier to install, with pre-cut grooves
✅ Minimum maintenance required
✅ Made from recycled materials

Our recommended decking timber species

Merbau

Merbau is a Brisbane decking timber offers natural resistance to termites, which is crucial in Queensland. It’s incredibly durable and can last over 25 years with proper care. While classified as a hardwood, it is easier to work with than other hardwoods. Its distinctive vibrant-red colour, interspersed with warm brown grains, is highly aesthetic.

Blackbutt

Blackbutt decking timber is very durable, with great fire resistance. If you live in a fire zone, blackbutt should be your first choice. Despite the name, hues include golden yellow to pale brown. While you can paint, polish and stain blackbutt, it is susceptible to surface checking if left un-oiled. Seal your blackbutt decking as soon as possible – and re-oil every year. 

Ironbark

Ironbark decking timber is extremely resistant to bacteria, fungi and termites. Because it’s tough, hard and heavy, it can be difficult to work with. However, the finished product is a deck with an extremely long life. Ironbark ranges from red to light brown, with some pale tan colours. 

Spotted gum

Spotted Gum decking timber has a very distinctive look. Known for its strength and density, spotted gum is resistant to shrinkage. Its low tannin content means that it doesn’t “bleed” like other native timbers and it boasts a wide range of attractive colours and markings – ranging from pale to chocolate brown.

Treated pine

Treated pine decking timber is popular because of its incredible reliability and affordability. As a softwood, treated pine is very easy to work with and stains easily to achieve your desired look. It’s the perfect choice for those looking to build a budget deck.

Ultimately, the timber decking materials you use will be determined by your taste. Discover all the frequently asked decking questions and learn more about decking lengths, hardwood decking sizes & more. Together with our easy-to-use DIY Decking Calculator and expert advice, we can help you select the right Brisbane decking timber to suit your needs and taste.