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Materials

The right material for every structure

Pergola beams, screen battens, fence slats and deck boards each ask something different of a material. Here's what we use and why, plus a side-by-side comparison for surfaces you walk on.

By structure

Pergolas

  • Hardwood posts and beams. Spotted gum or merbau for strength and a warm, oiled finish.
  • Painted treated pine. Economical framing that can be colour-matched to the house.
  • Roofing. Open battens for dappled shade, polycarbonate for light, or roof sheeting for full cover.
Pergolas & outdoor structures

Screens

  • Hardwood battens. Spotted gum, merbau or blackbutt in a range of profiles.
  • Aluminium-framed panels. Keep long runs straight and true.
  • Painted pine battens. A lighter-budget option in any colour.
Timber screening & privacy

Fences & gates

  • Hardwood slats. Horizontal or vertical, oiled or left to silver.
  • Treated pine paling. A practical, economical boundary fence.
  • Steel-framed gates. Timber-clad on a steel frame so they don't sag.
Fencing & gates

Decks

  • Hardwood boards. Merbau, spotted gum and jarrah.
  • Treated pine. For painted finishes and substructure.
  • Capped composite. Very low maintenance with hidden fixings.
Timber & composite decking

Timber, pine or composite?

Most relevant for decks and steps, where heat underfoot and wear matter most.

Compare
Focus on
CriteriaHardwood timberMerbau, spotted gum, jarrahCompositeCapped composite boards
AppearanceNatural grain and colour variation. Can be oiled to keep colour or left to silver.Consistent colour and embossed grain. Clean, modern finish.
MaintenanceClean and oil roughly every 6 to 12 months in full sun to keep the colour.Occasional wash. No oiling or sanding.
Durability considerationsVery durable when well ventilated and properly fixed. Surface checking is normal.Resists rot and splintering. Needs correct frame spacing and ventilation.
Relative costMid to high, depending on species and availability.Mid range for boards, with lower ongoing maintenance costs.
Heat underfootWarm in summer sun but usually more comfortable than dark composites.Dark colours can become very hot. Choose lighter or heat-reflective boards.
Suitability for Perth's climateWell proven in Perth. UV greys the surface without regular oiling.Handles dry heat well, but thermal expansion must be allowed for.

General guidance only. Performance depends on the specific product, installation, orientation and maintenance.

Timbers and boards we use

Close-up of new, pale treated pine decking boards with stainless screws

Treated pine

Economical, versatile and easy to paint or stain.

  • · Most budget-friendly
  • · Takes paint and stain well
  • · Widely available

Worth knowing: Softer than hardwood and best protected with a regular finish.

Close-up of new, oiled reddish-brown merbau decking boards

Merbau

Deep, rich colour and naturally durable.

  • · Warm red-brown tone
  • · Naturally durable
  • · Stable and hard-wearing

Worth knowing: Bleeds tannin when new, which can mark light paving nearby.

Close-up of new spotted gum decking boards varying from honey to mid-brown

Spotted gum

An Australian hardwood with lively, varied grain.

  • · Distinctive grain
  • · Very hard and durable
  • · Good bushfire ratings in many profiles

Worth knowing: Colour varies board to board, which many people love and some don't.

Close-up of new, oiled deep-red jarrah decking boards

Jarrah

The classic Western Australian hardwood.

  • · Iconic local timber
  • · Beautiful deep red
  • · Hard-wearing

Worth knowing: Supply and price vary, so availability is confirmed at quoting.

Close-up of mid-brown capped composite decking boards with embossed grain and hidden fixings

Composite

Consistent finish with very low maintenance.

  • · No oiling
  • · Consistent colour
  • · Hidden fixings

Worth knowing: Dark colours get hot in direct sun, and it needs the manufacturer's frame spacing.

Material images are for inspiration and show each product’s typical colour and grain. Real boards vary, so we bring samples to every site visit.

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