Specification points

About merbau timber

Merbau, botanical name Intsia bijuga, is one of the world’s finest timbers, possessing excellent physical and mechanical properties. It is highly weather-resistant and durable, and is a highly stable timber with a high oil-resin content, similar to teak. However, merbau offers greater hardness, durability and stability.

Colour

Light brown, reddish-brown to dark brown with various shades. Colour variations between individual planks are natural and common. The wood darkens when exposed to the air and, over time, changes colour to a grey-silver hue. The time taken to turn grey depends on the method of treatment, the local climate, and the exposure of individual planks to rain and other weather conditions.

Substance content

Merbau wood contains a natural dye which, over time, will leach out of the wood – for example, due to rain – in the form of a brown liquid. Therefore, avoid contact with plaster, bricks and other cladding or flooring materials that could become stained. Ensure rainwater is drained away via a pipework system or the mains drainage system if the installation is carried out on upper floors or balconies. Use only special high-strength stainless steel screws for installation. Avoid contact between the wood and iron objects, which cause blue-black stains, as well as substances and objects that cause corrosion. Over time, this type of timber will develop a greyish discolouration due to UV radiation from sunlight. This phenomenon occurs in all types of timber. If you wish to restore the timber to its original colour, use Saicos de-greying agent in accordance with the technical data sheet. Then treat the surface with a suitable protective oil-based finish.

Properties

Very low degree of dimensional change in the wood, very good stability; decking boards may exhibit a moderate degree of warping; a tensioning key must be used during installation; minor growth defects. It is necessary to pre-drill holes for screws. Wood exposed to outdoor weather conditions changes in volume, shrinking or swelling in response to changes in the climate. There may be slight variations in the width of the floorboards due to differences in the expansion of the timber as moisture levels equalise between the radial and tangential growth rings. Furthermore, the timber may develop cracks, particularly at the ends of the planks, due to shrinkage, which varies depending on relative humidity or changes in climatic conditions, as well as small holes caused by wood-boring insects. The wood may also exhibit cupping and warping. Fine golden veins are present in the wood; these golden, hair-like veins with a yellowish resinous content are a characteristic feature of Merbau timber.

Knots and other natural features of the wood

Knots and eyes, whether sound or partially fused, cracks around knots, medullary streaks, resin canals, marbling and other natural features are an integral part of the timber. Although tropical timber species in particular usually have a low number of knots, the presence and occurrence of the above-mentioned features is permitted.

Storage

When storing timber before and during installation, ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight, rain, snow or other external influences. It should be well covered or, ideally, stored in covered, unheated areas, where the relative humidity is the same as the outdoor humidity. At the same time, ensure that the timber is adequately spaced with spacers to allow for air ventilation and prevent the formation of mould. Failure to follow these recommendations may result in warping, deformation or other changes to the timber during storage.

Care

Clean the decking regularly to remove dirt, soil, deposits and pollen. This will prevent dirt from penetrating the wood’s macropores. Items such as parasol stands, plant pots, bowls and mats, under which water and moisture accumulate, prevent the wood from drying out quickly and naturally. Stains may form beneath these items due to prolonged exposure to damp and dirt. You should therefore move these items around on the decking from time to time, or ensure that the area beneath them is allowed to dry out naturally and is well ventilated. This will prevent dark stains from forming on the wood. You can find more information on caring for wooden decking here.