1.     Garapa Decking

Garapa’s origins are in South America, native to Malaysia. It is a tough (and naturally toxic to termites), dense wood with a soft, satiny grain.  It has become a favourite amongst contractors and installers as it is one of the most easy-to-work-with timber decking materials.. Classed as a hardwood, it is reliable, durable, and stable as a timber decking option. It has an average Janka Hardness Rating of 1650.

Garapa has a golden yellow to light brown/ brown-yellow colour, it also has a unique reflective streak within the grain. The colour generally weathers to a grey tone if left untreated. The grain is usually straight with a consistent, medium texture.

Like Balau – it’s hardness and toughness makes it perfect for the South African climate as it won’t warp or twist easily. It has excellent weathering characteristics, giving it long-term protection from the elements and making it an ideal choice for applications exposed to direct sunlight. Can be overcoated or left to weather.

2.     Balau Decking

Taking the climate you live in into account is important when choosing a timber species for your outdoor deck. Red Balau is a timber which performs very well in warm, dry climates (such as the Highveld), but less so in coastal conditions. It has an average Janka Hardness Rating of 1600, which makes it more suited for projects that require less wear and tear.

However, as with most timbers, if maintained correctly, it will perform well in any climate. Also rated highly against rot and insect attack, Red Balau is one of the most durable decking choices.

A hard, heavy, dense timber, Red Balau is usually a warm, reddish brown with quite a course, interlocking grain pattern. It is a beautiful timber which can really bring a feeling of warmth and comfort to your outdoor living spaces.

Balau is globally harvested and not on the CITES widely available.

3.     S.A Pine Decking

Pine is one of the most used timbers in South Africa, it being utilised for everything from furniture to decking, and so, it is one of the cheapest options for those on a budget, when looking at building a timber deck. Unfortunately, as with most building materials, being the cheaper option means that it’s not as durable as hardwood decking timbers, but if maintained correctly, your pine deck can last from 5 – 10 years, especially when treated with CCA (Copper Chromium Arsenic).

Pine has a very distinct colour with its heartwood being light brown and its sapwood being a paler, yellowish white colour, giving the boards a very distinct look. More commonly used as a sub-structure material, pine is still an option if you would like a cheaper deck.

A great looking timber for outside deck installations. Extra care needed when sealing.

4.     Rhodesian Teak Decks

This timber is well loved in South Africa and as it is not as available as it once was, it has become quite a coveted decking material. Rhodesian Teak has excellent wear resistance and is very durable, making it the perfect choice for decked areas (or internal flooring) with high traffic areas. Considered one of the most beautiful decking timbers available due to its grain,

A dense, strong decking timber, Rhodesian Teak has a very identifiable, rich characteristic colour. The heartwood has black streaks running through a medium, reddish brown base with distinct contrasting sapwood which is a pale, pinkish yellow. The texture of Rhodesian teak is fine and even, with a variable grain which can be straight or interlocking.