Natural Elegance Meets Functionality: Merbau Timber Pool Decking by Terraform Landscaping in Kenmore, Brisbane
In the leafy suburb of Kenmore in Brisbane’s western corridor, a family home has undergone a striking outdoor transformation. Terraform Landscaping, known across Southeast Queensland for its custom outdoor construction and attention to detail, was tasked with building a merbau timber deck that would wrap around the family’s existing swimming pool. The result is a warm, inviting, and functional space that perfectly blends into the surrounding natural landscape while delivering exceptional durability and style.
This Kenmore project is a shining example of how thoughtfully designed timber decking can not only elevate the beauty of an outdoor area but also improve its liveability and long-term value.
The homeowners approached Terraform Landscaping with a clear goal: to create a poolside area that was both beautiful and practical. The existing pool was well-positioned in the backyard but lacked a cohesive space around it for relaxing, entertaining, or simply enjoying the outdoors.
They wanted a solution that would be soft underfoot, naturally attractive, and suitable for Brisbane’s humid subtropical climate. After discussing various materials and layouts, merbau timber was selected as the ideal decking material thanks to its rich colour, resilience, and proven performance in poolside environments.
Merbau (also known as Kwila) is a hardwood native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. It’s a popular choice for decking in Australia due to its high natural oil content, which makes it highly resistant to water, termites, and decay. These properties are particularly important around pools, where materials are constantly exposed to moisture and direct sunlight.
Merbau also has a striking visual appeal. Its reddish-brown tones deepen over time to a rich, warm hue, complementing both traditional and modern home designs. In the case of this Kenmore property, merbau was chosen not only for its function but also for its ability to harmonise with the home’s earthy tones and leafy surrounds.
Terraform Landscaping began the decking project by conducting a full site assessment. This included measuring the pool’s perimeter, assessing ground levels, and ensuring proper drainage around the pool zone to prevent water from pooling underneath the deck.
The team then prepared the substructure, using treated pine framing and galvanised stirrups set in concrete footings to ensure stability and resistance to corrosion. Careful attention was paid to the alignment of the decking boards so they would flow smoothly around the curves and corners of the pool, creating a polished and seamless look.
Each merbau board was secured using stainless steel screws, chosen to withstand the humid Brisbane climate and exposure to chlorinated or saltwater splashes from the pool. Board spacing was set with precision to allow for natural expansion and drainage, and the deck was slightly sloped away from the pool to manage water runoff.
The end result was a fully surrounding pool deck that provided ample room for sun loungers, outdoor furniture, and easy movement around the pool’s edge.
A key consideration in the design was safety and comfort. The merbau timber was sanded smooth and treated with a UV-resistant oil to minimise splinters, heat absorption, and fading. This made it not only safer for bare feet but also more comfortable to walk on during Brisbane’s hotter days.
In addition, a narrow, built-in step was integrated on one side of the deck to provide easy access to and from the pool. Terraform Landscaping also installed a slimline, frameless glass pool fence to meet Queensland safety regulations without compromising the view or aesthetic.
The deck design included subtle finishing touches such as mitred corners, concealed fixings, and neatly edged borders that enhanced the deck’s premium appearance.
Post-installation, the homeowners were thrilled with the transformation. What was once a disjointed pool area is now a cohesive, inviting space that feels like a natural extension of the home. Whether it’s a casual dip in the pool, a weekend barbecue, or a quiet evening outdoors, the merbau deck offers both functionality and visual appeal.
Not only has the deck added to the daily enjoyment of the backyard, but it has also significantly increased the property’s market appeal and long-term value, making it an investment in both lifestyle and equity.
Terraform Landscaping’s work in Kenmore is another demonstration of how expert planning, quality materials, and skilled execution can completely redefine a home’s outdoor space. With the choice of merbau timber and a design tailored to the site’s unique characteristics, the new pool deck delivers timeless beauty, structural integrity, and lasting comfort.
For homeowners across Brisbane looking to upgrade their backyard spaces, this project proves that with the right team and vision, your outdoor area can become a luxurious haven right at home.
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