Forums > Sailing General

Merbau as a Decking Product

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Created by MrMac > 9 months ago, 21 Sep 2018
MrMac
ACT, 49 posts
21 Sep 2018 2:35PM
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Just wondering if anyone has very tried using merbau as a replacement decking product. I have had experience with it in outdoor furniture and recently in building a balustrade on a deck on a property. Generally have found it to be a robust product that has very little expansion and contraction. Interested if anyone has ever thought of using on a boat deck.

UncleBob
NSW, 1199 posts
21 Sep 2018 2:49PM
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MrMac said..
Just wondering if anyone has very tried using merbau as a replacement decking product. I have had experience with it in outdoor furniture and recently in building a balustrade on a deck on a property. Generally have found it to be a robust product that has very little expansion and contraction. Interested if anyone has ever thought of using on a boat deck.


Hi, I reckon that the tannin stains from it when it gets wet would definitely kill that idea.
Cheers Rob.

valo
NSW, 305 posts
21 Sep 2018 4:15PM
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UncleBob said..

MrMac said..
Just wondering if anyone has very tried using merbau as a replacement decking product. I have had experience with it in outdoor furniture and recently in building a balustrade on a deck on a property. Generally have found it to be a robust product that has very little expansion and contraction. Interested if anyone has ever thought of using on a boat deck.



Hi, I reckon that the tannin stains from it when it gets wet would definitely kill that idea.
Cheers Rob.


I second that!

woko
NSW, 1514 posts
21 Sep 2018 7:43PM
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Was a bit concerned about the merbau bleeding, need something to make ratlines out of because some goose ( yep I was the only one onboard ) let the mizzen peak halyard unreave. I have been up there with a ladder but that's a bit weird.
Does merbau keep bleeding forever or does it seal itself up with a bit of age ?

Karsten
NSW, 331 posts
21 Sep 2018 11:08PM
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There is a liquid coating available from specialist paint shops that stops the bleeding and allows you to stain exterior Merbau decking.
But Merbau is denser and thus significantly heavier than Teak, so a Merbau deck will raise your COG.

surfnkiteall
WA, 64 posts
21 Sep 2018 9:18PM
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I have a Mix of Merbau and a timber from Sumbawa called Arunanna for horn cleats.The Merbau bled a little but sealed itself very quickly.They are robust and are still holding up well after 15 years in full sun, bare wood.The Arunanna is hands down best but obviously you wont be able to source that.Recycled aged teak may have made its way here and that has worked very well on my decks.



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"Merbau as a Decking Product" started by MrMac