If you have an upcoming timber decking project, one of the first decisions you’ll have to make is which timber to use. In Australia, we have access to a wide variety of great timbers so your choice may come down to personal preference. However, you should know that it’s what lies underneath that really counts.
It’s true that some timbers aren’t designed to be used in certain areas or climates, but one of the most popular and long-lasting timbers that continues to be a top decking choice is Jarrah. Grown exclusively in WA’s South West, Jarrah makes an excellent choice for decking. After all, it’s quintessentially Australian.
To find out why so many people turn to the tough-as-nails Jarrah for their decking, keep reading.
What makes Jarrah a good choice for decking?
Here are 7 reasons why Jarrah is the ideal choice for timber decking:
1. Jarrah decking is extremely durable
Jarrah is classified as natural durability Class 2 timber both above and below ground which means, on average, it has an expected service life of up to 40 years in a decking application. This highly durable wood is also extremely dense and hard. However, Jarrah is also soft enough to work with, which is good news for tradespeople as decking regularly requires the timber to be cut and shaped.
2. Jarrah is naturally beautifulÂ
The primary colours of Jarrah range from a light red or brown to a darker brick red. The vibrant and rich colours perfectly match the surrounding Australian landscape. And if your home is in a more urban setting, without much surrounding nature, the Jarrah will help create a rustic look while remaining classically beautiful. Â
3. Jarrah is termite and rot-resistant
We did say it was tough as nails and it’s not wrong. As one of the toughest timbers for decking, Jarrah is resistant to termites, marine borers and rot. It’s good to know that if you’re investing your money in high-quality timber and won’t need to worry about it being ruined by insects or rot so long as it is maintained.
4. Jarrah has built-in bushfire resistance
Its high level of density endows Jarrah with bushfire-resistance properties. In a decking application it has been tested and achieved a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating of 29 according to AS3959 applications (note specific design criteria must be followed). Australian Standard AS3959:2018 is the code for building construction in bushfire-prone areas.
5. Jarrah decking is weather-resistant
Its exceptional durability and strength make Jarrah an ideal timber for indoor and outdoor use. Jarrah can withstand extreme weather conditions, from pouring rain to intense heat. Remember timber decking needs good air flow to and ground clearance.
6. Jarrah is sustainably sourced
If you’re concerned about sustainability, then you’ll be happy to know that Jarrah decking is subject to strict legislation in Western Australia. It is only harvested in regulated and managed regrowth forests in WA. Since harvesting Jarrah requires a 40 – 60 year interval, only 1 per cent of the total Jarrah forest area is harvested every year to ensure sustainable supplies of this timber are always available.
7. Jarrah is a versatile timber
Jarrah is not only an outstanding decking material but is also used in a range of applications. It is one of the most popular types of timber used for general house framing, flooring, parquetry, veneer, cabinetry, heavy construction, outdoor furniture, joinery, fencing and turned objects.
How to clean and maintain Jarrah decking
Knowing how to clean Jarrah decking is essential if you decide to use this timber for your project. After all, the proper maintenance of a Jarrah deck is essential to preserving its natural beauty and ensuring its longevity.
General cleaning such as sweeping and the occasional wash with soapy water will keep your Jarrah deck looking good. If you need a deeper clean, you can use a deck cleaning product with oxalic acid. Make sure you check with your timber supplier first to see what they recommend.
Jarrah timber also needs to be oiled to preserve its naturally rich deep red colour. Again, there are a variety of decking oils on the market, so ask your supplier for a recommended supplier or a company that can oil your deck for you.
Where to get Jarrah decking in Perth
If you want high-quality, sustainably sourced Jarrah decking in Perth, see the team at Austim. You can download the product range price list just below or call Austim for a free quote.
If you have more questions about using Jarrah timber for your decking contact Austim today.