Tallowwood Decking: The Water-Resistant Powerhouse

Tallowwood is often referred to as the “ironclad” of timbers, a name that reflects its exceptional durability and natural resistance to the elements. Its key differentiator is a high oil content that gives it a shiny feel and makes it particularly resistant to decay, termites, and moisture, making it a top choice for outdoor applications, especially those near water.

The “Ironclad” of Timbers

Tallowwood decking is an outstanding option for projects that require a timber that can withstand harsh, wet conditions. Its natural oils act as a built-in preservative, providing a high level of protection against rot and water damage. This makes it an ideal choice for decking near pools, spas, or in high-rainfall areas. With a Durability Class 1 rating and a predicted lifespan of 40+ years, Tallowwood offers peace of mind for homeowners looking for a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution.

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Unmatched Durability

With a Durability Class 1 rating, Tallowwood is one of the most durable timbers for above-ground use. It performs exceptionally well in exposed conditions and is highly resistant to rot and decay, ensuring your deck remains solid for decades.

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Natural Pest Resistance

Tallowwood has excellent natural resistance to termites, borers, and other pests that can damage timber. This built-in protection means less chemical treatment and a healthier, more environmentally friendly deck.

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Stable and Resilient

The natural oils in Tallowwood contribute to its great stability, meaning it is less prone to warping or twisting. This makes for a deck that stays flat and beautiful, even with changes in moisture and temperature.

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Lustrous Appearance

The yellowish-brown tones and fine grain of Tallowwood give it a warm, inviting look. It ages gracefully, developing a beautiful silver-grey patina if left untreated, or it can be oiled to maintain its natural colour.

Tallowwood vs. Blackbutt: A Detailed Comparison

The choice between Tallowwood and Blackbutt is a common one, as both are premium Australian hardwoods with Class 1 durability ratings. While Blackbutt has a slightly higher Janka hardness rating (9.1 kN vs. Tallowwood’s 8.6 kN), Tallowwood’s high oil content gives it a distinct advantage in moisture resistance and makes it more suitable for unprotected, outdoor environments.

Aesthetically, Tallowwood’s heartwood ranges from blond-brown to slightly olive-green, with a straight and even grain that offers a uniform, clean look. This differs from Blackbutt’s lighter, paler tones. When it comes to workability, Blackbutt is generally considered easier to work with due to its moderate density and straight grain, making it a favorite for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. Tallowwood, with its density and interlocked grain, requires sharper tools and experienced hands, which can be a consideration for a project budget. Finally, Blackbutt is more readily available and grows faster than Tallowwood, which can be a factor in both cost and sustainability considerations for large-scale projects.

Ideal Applications

The unique properties of Tallowwood make it an ideal choice for a variety of applications, including:

  • Decking near water: Its natural moisture resistance makes it a superior choice for poolside decks and jetties.

  • High-traffic areas: Tallowwood’s hardness ensures it stands up well to heavy foot traffic in both residential and commercial settings.

  • Bridges and wharves: Its strength and stability make it a reliable choice for heavy-duty, structural applications.

By understanding these nuanced differences, you can make an informed choice that is perfectly suited to your specific project needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tallowwood is a premium Australian hardwood prized for its stunning golden-blonde color and natural durability. It is a dense, hard timber that is perfect for outdoor decking and known for its high resistance to moisture and decay.

When properly maintained and installed, Tallowwood decking has an excellent lifespan, often lasting for many decades. Its natural properties make it highly resistant to rot and termites.

To preserve its beautiful color and protect the timber, Tallowwood decking benefits from regular cleaning and an application of a quality timber decking oil every 12 to 18 months.

Tallowwood is known for its excellent fire resistance and high Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating, making it a suitable choice for properties in areas prone to bushfires.

The price of Tallowwood decking can vary based on the timber grade and quantity. While it is a premium product, its longevity and aesthetic appeal provide excellent long-term value.

Ready to build your dream hardwood timber deck?

As a leading supplier of Australian hardwood, Long Flat Timbers provides premium Tallowwood decking for your next 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