Spotted Gum Decking

Spotted gum is the ideal timber species for decking and other outdoor applications. As an oily hardwood timber, spotted gum has a high density that makes it extremely durable in Australia’s climate.
The oily quality of spotted gum decking also means it’s naturally resistant to termites, fire and staining, so it requires less maintenance than some alternatives.

Using spotted gum timber as a decking material provides several advantages, including:

• Highly durable (Class 1 durability rating)
• Resistant to termites and pests
• Naturally fire resistant (spotted gum decking can be supplied with a BAL rating of 12.5, 19 and 29)
• Low tannin content reduces staining
• Sustainably sourced from Australian plantations

Spotted gum also features rich colouration and lots of natural variation between boards. This lends your project a unique look that is difficult to replicate with other timber species.

Spotted gum decking is known to last for 40+ years with proper maintenance. This naturally oily hardwood can survive in Australia’s sun and storms with relatively low care requirements.

We recommend treating spotted gum decking with oil or another protective finish. Untreated spotted gum decks are prone to absorbing moisture, which can cause boards to warp, cup and split.

Treatment should be applied before the boards are laid, or shortly after installation.

We recommend oiling spotted gum decking every 12 months. Like other timber decking species, spotted gum needs regular sealing and oiling to protect the wood and retain its natural beauty.

If the deck is in good condition, it can simply be cleaned and then re-oiled once per year. If the deck is rough, or if boards are beginning to warp or split, the timbers may need to be sanded before oiling.

Spotted gum timber is compatible with pigmented oils. Using a pigmented oil can improve the uniformity of your deck’s colouration.

Yes. Spotted gum decking is relatively stable, but it does expand and contract with changes in moisture content and the ambient temperature. It’s important to leave an adequate expansion gap between boards when laying spotted gum decking.

Speak to the team at Modinex for detailed installation advice.

The recommended gap between spotted gum decking boards depends on the width of the boards you are using:

• For 88mm boards – We recommend a gap of 4-6mm
• For 135mm boards – We recommend a gap of 8-10mm

Yes. Spotted gum needs oiling every 12 months when it’s installed outdoors. While the timber is naturally resistant to fire and termites, it can be vulnerable to moisture, so it requires regular oiling to protect it against Australia’s sun and storms.

The cost of spotted gum decking depends on the:

• Size of your project
• Application, e.g. decking vs wall linings
• Quality of the timber
• Timber profile
• Timber finish and more

Spotted gum decking is a premium product. As a high quality, high performing hardwood, it may be more expensive than other timber species. However, the benefits offered by spotted gum decking means it will typically outlast alternatives and look fantastic for years to come.