Chengal Wood Or Merbau Wood For Balcony?

[Butoot 0]

Hi

I am caught between deciding using chengal wood or merbau wood to deck my big balcony.

Merbau wood is cheaper by $600 but price is not a concern. I am more concerned about the look and durability of the wood.

Is it true that chengal wood will become a dull grey after some time and that it has to be re-painted brown and varnished?

I would like my deck to remain dark brown all the time.

I would really appreciate some expert advice here!

Thanks!

[waileong 0]

I think all wood will change colour when weathered. The culprit is UV. That's why paints were developed. Alternatively, regular wood oil and varnishing can also help preserve and restore some lost colour.

[yoongf 11]

The main concern of timber deck is not colour, but warping. If dun mind the loose, uneven kelong look, then merbau is ok. But is expect as flat at marble floor, then consider chengal which is much more dense.

timber floor cannot be reasonably painted, cos it will flake off or worn off. colour is by staining, which will look nice now.. but over time.. the workmanship will show.. with differential colouring. Is recommended to apply teak oil annually, but check out the prices first!

Varnish that is UV treated, is marine grade. check out the prices!

For these reasons, is not common to see timber deck outdoor in sg lor, unless can accept the natural kelong look or got money tree lor.

[Butoot 0]

Thanks very much for all your kind advice!