Blackbutt Decking: The Modern, Sustainable Choice

Blackbutt is a highly regarded Australian hardwood, celebrated for its clean, pale appearance, excellent durability, and natural fire resistance. Sourced from the coastal forests of New South Wales and southern Queensland, this timber has a natural elegance that complements a wide range of architectural styles, from sleek, modern homes to relaxed coastal retreats.

The Appeal of Blackbutt Decking

Create a stunning Blackbutt deck that is both beautiful and built to last. A versatile and popular Australian hardwood, Blackbutt is an excellent choice for decking due to its pale brown to light yellow color, often with a hint of pink. Its clean, straight grain gives it a modern, elegant look that stands in contrast to the darker, more rustic tones of many other hardwoods. The timber’s aesthetic versatility means it can be oiled to maintain its natural hue or stained to achieve a darker, more contemporary color. Blackbutt is also a sound environmental choice, as it grows quickly and regenerates well after bushfires, making it a sustainable option for large-scale projects.

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Technical Specifications & Durability

Blackbutt has a Durability Class 1 rating for above-ground applications, which means it is incredibly strong and resistant to decay, weathering, and insect attack. With a Janka hardness rating of 9.1 kN, it is slightly harder than Tallowwood and can withstand high foot traffic without showing signs of wear. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor entertaining areas, patios, and boardwalks.

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Natural Fire Resistance

One of Blackbutt’s most significant advantages is its high natural fire resistance. It has a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating of BAL 29, making it suitable for home construction in many bushfire-prone areas across Australia. This inherent property provides a level of safety and peace of mind that is critical for homeowners in high-risk zones.

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Termite and Pest Resistant

This Australian hardwood has a good level of natural resistance to termites and other borers, providing long-term protection for your deck and reducing the need for maintenance.

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Versatile and Beautiful

Blackbutt’s neutral, light colour and straight grain make it highly versatile. It complements a wide range of architectural styles and can be easily stained to a darker colour or oiled to maintain its natural look.

Installation & Finishing Guide

Proper installation is crucial to the longevity of any timber deck. For Blackbutt decking, it is essential to pre-drill and screw-fix boards using stainless steel screws to avoid surface damage and staining. Maintaining a consistent spacing of 4 to 6mm between boards is also vital to allow for natural expansion and contraction due to weather changes. To prevent moisture buildup and potential cupping, it is recommended to build decks high above the ground and ensure proper drainage and cross-ventilation underneath the structure.  

After installation, apply a UV-stable decking oil to enhance the timber’s appearance and protect it from weathering. Reapplying the finish every 6 to 12 months, depending on sun exposure and foot traffic, will help maintain its vibrant color. If left untreated, Blackbutt will naturally weather to a silvery-grey patina, which can also be a desirable aesthetic for a more rustic or coastal look.

FAQ About Blackbutt Decking

Yes, Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis) is a native Australian hardwood that is known for its strength, durability, and versatility.

Blackbutt has a high natural fire resistance and is rated to BAL 29, making it an approved and safe choice for use in many bushfire-prone areas.

With proper installation and regular maintenance, a Blackbutt deck can last for decades. Its Class 1 durability rating ensures it will hold up well to outdoor conditions.

To maintain its color and protect the timber, it is recommended to apply a UV-stable decking oil every 6 to 12 months, especially in high-traffic or high-sunlight areas.

Can I stain Blackbutt decking? Yes, Blackbutt’s light, neutral color makes it highly versatile and easy to stain, allowing you to achieve a wide range of colors to match your desired aesthetic.

Comparative overview

Compare the features of the different Class 1 Australian Hardwood Timbers

Feature Blackbutt Ironbark Spotted Gum Tallowwood
Durability Class Class 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 1
Appearance & Color Light, pale brown to creamy yellow with a straight grain. Deep, rich red to reddish-brown tones with a dense, interlocked grain. Unique color variations from light creamy brown to deep chocolate with a wavy, spotted grain. A signature pale yellow-brown with a lustrous, oily sheen.
Janka Hardness (kN) 9.1 Up to 14.0 11.0 8.6
Key Features
  • Naturally fire-resistant (BAL 29)
  • Sustainable, fast-growing
  • Versatile modern look
  • Unmatched hardness & density
  • Exceptional longevity & strength
  • Highly resistant to pests & decay
  • Striking & distinctive appearance
  • Naturally resistant to termites
  • Excellent bushfire resistance
  • Exceptional resistance to termites
  • Naturally oily, enhancing durability
  • Smooth surface feel for bare feet
Best For… Bushfire-prone areas, modern designs, and bright, open spaces. High-traffic areas, commercial projects, and heavy-duty use. Adding visual character and a unique aesthetic to a deck. Decks in termite-prone areas, and for a golden, elegant finish.

Ready to build your stunning blackbutt deck?

As a leading supplier of Australian hardwood, Long Flat Timbers provides premium Blackbutt decking boards, Bearers & Joists for your next project. Contact us today to get a quote and start your heavy-duty deck project. We offer competitive pricing and reliable delivery to Sydney, Northern Beaches, Central Coast and  across NSW.

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We also supply hardwoord decking bearers & joists for decking sub-frames