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Merbau vs. WoodEvo: Which Deck is Right for You?
At JMDecking, we want you to love your deck not just on day one, but for decades to come. This guide compares Merbau timber decking to the WoodEvo Home Range to help you decide which fits your lifestyle and budget.
Maintenance
The biggest practical difference between the two materials is the investment in maintenance.
Merbau requires yearly maintenance, whereas WoodEvo is maintenance free.
Merbau
As merbau is a natural timber, to keep it's colour and ensure it lasts it requires regular maintenance.
Oiling:
You must oil the deck every 6–12 months. If this is not done the timber will fade to a silver-grey colour and eventually split or splinter.
Sanding:
In addition to oiling, every 5 years merbau must be sanded prior to oiling. This is done to remove scratches and discolourations from furniture or pot plants
WoodEvo Home Range
WoodEvo is an engineered composite designed to eliminate maintenance.
No Oiling:
You never need to sand, oil, or paint this deck. However, if you do wish to paint the boards a different colour this can be done.
Easy Cleaning:
A simple pressure wash with soapy water keeps it looking new. Please note that petrol powered pressure washers are too powerful, and risk damagaing the boards.
Stain Resistance:
The board is wrapped in a protective coating that resists stains and fading.
Cost Comparison
Merbau is cheaper to buy, but WoodEvo is cheaper to own. Most homeowners break even after 5 years. If you plan to stay in your home for more than 5 years, or you have a rental property, WoodEvo is the smarter financial investment.
Merbau
Merbau is cheaper to install. If you are on a strict initial budget, Merbau is the more affordable entry point. However, over 10 years, you will spend approx. $2,500+ (for a 30SQM deck) in maintenance costs, and countless weekends of labor.
WoodEvo Home Range
While WoodEvo costs more upfront, it pays for itself over time as you don't buy oil, cleaners, or pay for sanding labor.
Aesthetic
Merbau looks more natural, whereas WoodEvo comes in a variety colours and will look the same for decades
Merbau
Merbau offers the genuine warmth, grain, colour variation, and character of real hardwood. It is perfect for older or rural houses where a modern look might look out of place.
Merbau is installed with stainless steel screws.
WoodEvo Home Range
WoodEvo uses advanced technology to mimic natural timber grain without the "plastic" look of cheaper composite decking brands. Also unlike cheaper brands, each board has a unique grain pattern. It also stays the same colour for decades without fading. As it is available in a range of colours, it can be easily matched to your houses existing colour scheme.
WoodEvo is installed with invisible clips.
Safety
and Durability
Merbau will be cooler underfoot but will eventually decay, whereas WoodEvo is safer around pools and doesn't decay. Both are bushfire safe.
Merbau
Slip restistence:
Merbau can become very slippery when wet, especially around pools if not properly maintained and algae grows on the surface.
Merbau:
As a natural timber, in damper climates and around pools merbau will eventually rot.
Bushfire Rating:
Merbau is naturally rated for BAL 29, making it safe for bush fire prone areas.
Heat Retention:
Merbau generally stays cooler in direct sun than dark composites because wood is a natural insulator.
WoodEvo Home Range
Slip Resistance:
The WoodEvo Home Range has an R11 Slip Rating (High Grip). It is specifically engineered to be safe for wet areas and around pools.
Rot:
WoodEvo is guaranteed not to rot, warp, twist, or splinter.
Bushfire Rating:
Just as merbau, WoodEvo Home Range is certified to BAL 29 standards, making it safe for bush fire prone areas.
Quick Summary
Feature Merbau WoodEvo
Material Natural Hardwood Recycled: 60% Hardwood 35% HDPE
Maintenance Oil every 6-12 months Power wash with soap
Fasteners Stainless steel screws Hidden Clips
Material Warranty 1 Year 25 Years
Workmanship Warranty 10 Years 10 Years
Slip Rating Slippery when wet R11 (Perfect around pools)
Heat Cooler NatureCool Technology which stays cooler than cheaper brands.
The Verdict
Choose Merbau if:
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You love the look and authentic feel of real timber.
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You have a lower upfront budget and don't mind the yearly maintenance.
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You are renovating a heritage home where modern materials might look out of place.
Choose WoodEvo if:
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You want a "set and forget" deck that always looks new.
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You want the best value for money over the next 10+ years.
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You need a non-slip surface for a pool or kids.
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You prefer a modern, clean look with no visible screws.