Best wood for decking

[swingdoctor]

Hi guys, I'm sorry if this question has been answered before but I'm building a deck about 45-50sqm.The options are Merbau, obviously, something called Fijian Mahogany and the new wood/Plastic composites that look fake but don't need any maintainence. Initially I was pretty convinced that I was going with Merbau, but reading the issues people have had with warping and difficulty finding appropriate timber, I'm having second thoughts. Any advice anyone?

[Dr - 307]

Bleeding is my main concern in working with merbau. I'll definetely sus out other options for the next deck I build. Shame really cause I love wet merbau before it's been coated. Just so rich and red.
As far working with it, I have no issue with it. I just used 140mm boards. Some were twisted so you put them aside. I SS screwed them in. all good. Should have no problems with sourcing merbau. And most forumites would say to stay away from composite decking.

Cheers,
Dr - 307.

[silentC]

All my decks are merbau. I have had no specific problems with it. I use all but the worst twisted and warped boards when they come along - but they are in the minority I have found. They behave themselves once nailed down anyway, but then the only person I have to satisfy is myself.

I'm not a fan of plastic decking - but that's a personal preference (also no good in a bushfire zone) - other people seem to like it.

[Dr - 307]

All that :aro-u: said.