The Ins and Outs of Karri Decking

Timber decking remains a popular choice for outdoor entertaining areas, offering a perfect blend of natural appeal, durability and versatility. With various options available, builders and homeowners can select from a range of hardwoods, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. Among these, Karri decking stands out for its durability and striking colours, making it an excellent choice for any decking project.

What is Karri Decking?

Karri is native to Western Australia’s southwest and known for its rich colour and uniform appearance. It is an extremely dense and durable hardwood timber, making it a great choice for outdoor decking.

Karri Overview

• Available sizes: 86x19mm, 135x19mm
• Colour Palette: Creamy to red-brown
• BAL Rating: 29 (when used with non-combustible materials)
• Durability: Class 2 (above ground)
• Termite resistant: Not naturally resistant to termites

What makes Karri Decking a great choice?

Aesthetic Appeal: Karri timber has distinctive rich red tones that vary from creamy to red-brown. It has an interlocking or straight grain with very few to no knots, giving it wide appeal. In addition, the use of oils and stains can help bring out its grain and rich textures.

Timber Hardness: Known for its density, Karri is an incredibly tough timber, making it ideal for areas with high foot traffic. Its durability also makes it resistant to wear and tear, ensuring a long-lasting deck.

Bushfire Attack Level: Karri hardwood is naturally durable and bushfire resistant. It is rated BAL 12.5 and 19 per all AS3959 applications. When combined with non-combustible wall cladding and an enclosed subfloor, it achieves a BAL 29 rating for decking.

Durability: Karri decking is a durability Class 2, suitable for 15-40 years above ground use.

Sustainability: Sourced from regrowth forests, Karri timber is considered a sustainable option, aligning with environmentally conscious building practices.

Pricing: Karri decking offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality or durability. Its competitive pricing, coupled with low-maintenance requirements, makes it a practical choice for builders.

Versatile Alternative: This timber decking is the ideal alternative for Merbau decking or Jarrah decking, providing the same deep hues and similar durability.

Available Lengths: Due to the sheer size of Karri trees (Eucalyptus diversicolor), some growing up to 80 metres high, Karri timber is often available in long lengths, adding to its appeal.

What are Karri Decking considerations?

Termite Resistant: Despite its strength, Karri timber is not naturally resistant to termites or borer attacks. Builders should implement appropriate protective measures to reduce the risks.

Workability: While ideal for high-traffic areas, it can make it hard to work with. This timber decking requires pre-drilling when nailing and does not adhere well to glue or paint.

Bowens Karri Decking Range

Karri decking is a great option for builders and clients seeking durability, aesthetic appeal and a hardwearing timber decking solution. Bowens has a selection of Karri decking, available online or visit one of our Bowens stores to chat to our timber experts.

Not sure what timber decking is best for your client’s situation? Read our blog, “Deck out your Deck,” for an overview of our timber decking.