Merbau Hardwood Deck in Coogee — Project Spotlight
Last month, we completed a stunning merbau hardwood deck for a beachside home in Coogee. This project perfectly showcases why premium hardwoods remain the gold standard for Sydney’s coastal suburbs — and what’s involved in installing one right.
The Challenge
Our clients wanted a durable, low-maintenance deck that could handle the salt air and UV exposure of beachside living. They loved the rich, warm aesthetic of hardwood but were concerned about maintenance. Merbau was the perfect solution — a dense, naturally durable timber that ages beautifully without constant oiling.
The deck sits on a sloped site overlooking the beach, which meant complex sub-frame engineering to ensure perfect level and proper water drainage. The final structure needed to handle both the elements and regular foot traffic from a young family.
Why Merbau?
Merbau is an Indonesian hardwood prized for:
- Durability: Class 1 durability rating — suitable for coastal environments without treatment
- Appearance: Deep reddish-brown tones that complement beach homes
- Strength: Dense, hard timber resists denting and surface damage
- Minimal Maintenance: Unlike some hardwoods, merbau requires oiling only every 18–24 months in coastal areas
Installation Details
The finished deck measures 6m × 4m and includes:
- H3 treated pine sub-frame (400mm centre spacing) for durability underground
- 85mm × 19mm merbau decking boards with standard gaps
- Structural stainless-steel fixings throughout (no rust in salt air)
- Integrated planter boxes along one edge for coastal plants
- Natural finish to preserve the timber’s character
Coogee Coastal Considerations
Coogee is one of Sydney’s most exposed coastal suburbs. Decks here face:
- Salt spray that corrodes standard steel fasteners
- Year-round UV exposure that fades untreated timber
- High foot traffic from beach-going families and visitors
- Sandy conditions that can scratch softer timber
Merbau handles all of this better than composite alternatives, which can become slippery when wet and fade unevenly in harsh sun. The natural timber also feels warmer underfoot on summer days — a genuine advantage for families with young children.
Pricing & Breakdown (Coogee Merbau Decks)
| Element | Cost (24m²) | Notes |
| Sub-frame & bearers | $1,800–$2,200 | H3 treated pine, proper spacing |
| Merbau decking | $2,400–$3,000 | Premium hardwood, installed |
| Stairs & balustrade (if needed) | $1,500–$2,500 | Matching timber construction |
| Total (24m² deck) | $5,700–$7,700 | Fully installed & finished |
Prices vary based on site complexity, deck height, and finish requirements. This Coogee project came in at the higher end due to the sloped site and integrated planter boxes.
Maintenance Plan
Our clients are on a simple maintenance schedule:
- Monthly: Rinse with fresh water after salty/sandy days
- Every 2 years: Light oil refresh (one coat, 2–3 hours application)
- As needed: Spot repairs to damaged boards
This is significantly less demanding than composite alternatives, which require specialist cleaners and can still show algae in shade.
Ready for Your Own Coogee Deck?
Whether you’re in Coogee, Bondi, Maroubra, or anywhere along Sydney’s coast, hardwood decking is an investment in both aesthetics and durability. We’ve completed dozens of coastal projects and know exactly how to spec materials for salt air and intense sun.
Get a free quote today or call us on 0433 334 415 to discuss your coastal deck project.
5 Star Decking specialises in premium hardwood and composite decking across Sydney’s most sought-after suburbs. Merbau, Spotted Gum, Blackbutt, Modwood, and Evalast Pioneer — we work with the best materials and deliver quality finishes that last.
