Which decking is best around a pool?

Merbau is a popular pool deck timber in Queensland and stays cooler underfoot than many composites, but it needs regular oiling and its tannin can stain coping when new. Composite needs less upkeep but can get hot in full sun, so pick a lighter colour. We'll talk through the options for your pool and how much sun it gets.

Can composite boards go on my existing deck frame?

Sometimes. The frame has to be sound and level, and the joists spaced to suit the composite maker's rules, which are often closer than for timber. We check the frame first and tell you if it needs extra joists or repairs.

Does spotted gum bleed tannin like merbau?

Spotted gum does release some tannin when new, but usually far less than merbau. It's still worth cleaning the deck before the first oil and keeping an eye on nearby light-coloured paving.

Merbau vs Spotted Gum vs Composite Decking

When people ask us what to build a deck from, the short list is nearly always the same: merbau, spotted gum or composite. All three can make a great deck on the Gold Coast or in Brisbane. They differ in look, how they behave around pools and in the sun, and how much looking after they need.

Merbau

Merbau is an imported tropical hardwood with a rich red-brown colour and a fairly even look from board to board. It's hard-wearing, stable and well suited to decks, which is why it's been a favourite in Queensland for years. It's also a timber we often use for pool decks.

Looks: warm red-brown that weathers to silver-grey if it isn't oiled
Stability: moves less than many hardwoods, so boards stay flatter
The catch: merbau bleeds a lot of tannin when new. Rain washes red-brown stain onto concrete, render, pavers and pool coping, so nearby surfaces need protecting for the first few weeks
Sourcing: it's an imported rainforest timber, so ask your supplier about certified sources

Spotted gum

Spotted gum is an Australian native hardwood grown in Queensland and New South Wales. It's very hard and dense, with colours ranging from pale grey-brown to deep chocolate, often in the same pack. Some people love that variation; others prefer the more uniform look of merbau.

Looks: varied colour with a distinctive wavy grain
Strength: harder and heavier than merbau, and holds up well to heavy use
Tannin: bleeds some, but generally much less than merbau
Movement: can move more than merbau, so good installation and spacing matter

Composite

Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibre and plastic, often with a hard outer shell. It never needs oiling, and it won't splinter or rot. That makes it attractive to people who want a deck without the upkeep.

Looks: consistent colour and texture, with many shades to choose from
Maintenance: a regular wash rather than oiling. Dirt and mould can still grow on the surface in humid weather, so it does need cleaning
Heat: composite can get hotter underfoot than timber in direct sun, especially darker colours. That matters around pools and for bare feet
Repairs: deep scratches can't be sanded out the way timber can
Installation: every brand has its own rules for joist spacing, gaps and fixings, and they're often stricter than for timber. Following them is usually a condition of the product warranty

Around pools

Pool decks get wet, dry out, get wet again, and are walked on barefoot. Hardwood stays cooler underfoot than many composites, but needs regular oiling because of the constant wetting. If you choose merbau next to a new pool, plan for the tannin: keep the coping and paving hosed down after rain until the bleeding settles, and make sure the deck is cleaned before it's oiled. With composite, ask for a lighter colour and check the manufacturer's guidance for pool surrounds.

Near the coast

Salt air doesn't hurt merbau, spotted gum or composite much, but it attacks the wrong fixings. On canal-front and beachside decks, use marine-grade stainless steel screws and hardware, and rinse the deck with fresh water now and then. With hardwood, expect a little more maintenance on the sides that face the water and the wind.

The frame matters more than the boards

Whichever board you choose, a deck is only as good as the subframe underneath. That means the right size and spacing of joists and bearers, framing protected from ground moisture, good ventilation under the deck, and a fall so water runs off. If you want composite on an existing timber deck frame, the joist spacing has to match the composite maker's requirements, which sometimes means adding joists. Higher decks or decks attached to the house in certain ways may also need building approval; we'll tell you if yours does.

Quick comparison

Lowest upkeep: composite, followed by either hardwood with a regular oiling routine
Coolest underfoot in full sun: hardwood
Most uniform colour: composite, then merbau
Most natural variation: spotted gum
Can be sanded and refreshed: merbau and spotted gum
Tannin bleed: highest with merbau

So which one?

If you love the look of timber and don't mind an oiling routine, merbau or spotted gum both make excellent decks. Choose merbau for the classic even red tone, spotted gum for a natural Australian timber with more character. If you'd rather never pick up an oil brush, composite is worth a look, as long as you're comfortable with how it feels in summer sun.

Whichever you choose, our deck building service covers the frame, boards, steps and balustrades, and our deck care guide explains how to look after timber once it's down. Matching batten screens in the same timber can tie the whole area together.

If you're planning a deck, send us a few photos of the area and a rough size. We'll talk you through the options for your spot and quote it properly.

Merbau vs spotted gum vs composite: choosing decking in Queensland