Outdoor Bamboo Decking vs. Merbau: Which One Wins in 2026?
Choosing the right decking material is a crucial decision for any homeowner or builder. The ideal material should combine aesthetic appeal, durability, and sustainability, all while fitting within a budget. In this blog post, I will compare two popular decking options: outdoor bamboo decking and Merbau, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to determine which one is likely to be the better choice in 2026.
What is Bamboo Decking?
Bamboo decking is made from bamboo, a type of grass that grows very quickly and can be harvested sustainably . It's processed into planks that can be used similarly to wood decking . Unlike traditional wood, bamboo is known for its fast growth rate and renewable nature, making it eco-friendly . There are several types of bamboo decking :
Solid Bamboo: Made from long, continuous lengths of bamboo laminated together under high pressure . This type is highly durable and stable, making it suitable for outdoor applications .
Strand Woven Bamboo: Made from smaller bamboo fibers woven together and bonded with adhesives . It's incredibly dense and strong, often surpassing the hardness of traditional hardwoods .
Composite Bamboo: Combines bamboo fibers with resins for enhanced durability and resistance to the elements .
What is Merbau?
Merbau (Intsia bijuga), also known as Kwila or Ipil, is a tropical hardwood that inhabits mangrove forests . The wood is naturally oily with a high tannin content, making it highly durable and resistant to weathering, decay, and termites . Its appearance is a deep reddish-brown with occasional flecks of yellow, enhancing its visual appeal . Merbau has been a popular choice for decking and balustrades due to its natural weather and termite resistance .
Key Considerations for 2026
To determine which material will be the better choice in 2026, let's consider the following factors:
1. Sustainability
Bamboo: Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource, reaching maturity in just 3-5 years . Regular harvesting of older stems provides younger stems with more space, strengthens the mother plant, and keeps forests healthy . Bamboo absorbs large amounts of CO2 during growth, locking it in the products for a long time .
Merbau: Merbau is a controversial choice due to unsustainable growth . Estimates warn that at the current rate of logging, the tree will become extinct within the next 35 years . The tree's long maturity rate (around 75-80 years) and sparse distribution make it difficult to log without harming the surrounding environment . Greenpeace has estimated that the Merbau tree could be extinct by 2042 if logging is not reduced and conservation efforts are not increased .
Verdict: In 2026, sustainability will likely be an even greater concern for builders and homeowners. Bamboo's rapid renewability and carbon sequestration make it a clear winner in this category . The environmental concerns surrounding Merbau may lead to restricted or banned sales in the future .
2. Durability and Weather Resistance
Bamboo: Bamboo decking is incredibly dense and strong, often surpassing the hardness of traditional hardwoods . It's naturally resistant to insects and decay . High-quality bamboo decking is engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions and heavy foot traffic .
Merbau: Merbau is a hardwood naturally resistant to wear, weather, and pests . Its natural oils contribute to its durability, making it highly resistant to decay and insect infestations . Merbau has a Class 1 durability rating, meaning it can last 25+ years in outdoor settings .
Verdict: Both materials are durable and weather-resistant . However, advancements in bamboo processing, such as thermal treatment, have made it even more stable and resistant to moisture, potentially giving it an edge over Merbau in 2026 .
3. Cost
Bamboo: The cost of bamboo decking depends on deck size, bamboo type, and labor rates, ranging from $18 to $40 per square foot, including labor and materials . High-quality bamboo decking is often priced similarly to premium hardwoods like Ipe but generally with less waste . DIY costs range from $4 to $10 per square foot for materials .
Merbau: Merbau decking costs around $320+ per square meter . A 20 square meter Merbau deck would cost between $5,000 and $10,000 .
Verdict: The cost of both materials can be comparable, depending on the quality and installation method . Bamboo can be more cost-effective due to less waste and easier installation .
4. Maintenance
Bamboo: Bamboo decking requires maintenance, aging and fading to a light grey color over time . To maintain warranty validity, boards must be end-sealed and finished with penetrating oils annually . Regular cleaning is needed to prevent buildup that can cause damage .
Merbau: While relatively low maintenance, Merbau requires regular cleaning and application of oil or stain to maintain its appearance .
Verdict: Both require some maintenance, but bamboo might have a slight edge due to its inherent properties, potentially requiring less frequent treatments .
5. Installation
Bamboo: Bamboo boards can be end-matched between joists, reducing waste and speeding up installation . Uniform lengths allow for quick installation and minimize waste .
Merbau: Installation can be more complex, and replacing individual planks in the future may be difficult .
Verdict: Bamboo's ease of installation gives it an advantage, potentially reducing labor costs .
Conclusion: The Winner in 2026
Considering all factors, bamboo decking is likely to be the better choice than Merbau in 2026. Its superior sustainability, comparable durability, competitive cost, and ease of installation make it a compelling option for eco-conscious builders and homeowners . While Merbau offers natural beauty and weather resistance, its environmental impact and potential for future restrictions may make it a less desirable choice .
As technology advances, bamboo processing techniques will likely improve further, enhancing its performance and solidifying its position as the leading eco-friendly decking material. For a sustainable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space in 2026, bamboo decking is the clear winner.
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