Recycled Decking Explained: Explore Species, Finishes & Benefits
October 2024
Adding a timber deck is a great way to open up your home and really enjoy your surroundings. It creates that easy flow between inside and out, making the whole space feel more connected. But picking the right timber for your deck can feel a bit overwhelming—recycled or new? What species? How much processing? And should you coat it? Don’t stress, we’ve got you covered. With 30 years of experience in recycled and remilled timber decking, we’ve learned a thing or two! Keep reading to explore the species, processing levels, and coating options you’ll need to know for your deck project.
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Recycled Timber Decking Species: The Options
Recycled Timber Decking Species: The Options
Some Australian hardwoods species are harder and more durable than others, making them ideal for outdoor space like decks, which tend to take a beating from being out in the elements (especially here in Australia!).
So for decking, we recommend the densest and most durable recycled Australian hardwoods we can find: class 1 durability ironbark, turpentine, tallowwood, and blackbutt. We source these mainly from floor joists from buildings in Sydney and further north along the east coast, and also from old bridges and wharves.
Blackbutt: A reliable hardwood with rich brown tones, blackbutt ages beautifully to a soft grey if left uncoated, offering a rustic, lived-in look.
Ironbark: Known for its toughness, ironbark’s deep red colour is striking and perfect for areas exposed to harsh weather. It’s resistant to both termites and decay.
Turpentine: This timber’s reddish-brown hue and tight grain give it a unique character. It’s also naturally resistant to marine borers, which is why it was often used for wharf construction.
Tallowwood: With its yellowish-brown to olive tones, tallowwood is another dense, durable hardwood that resists weathering well, ensuring your deck stands the test of time.
When we process structural timbers from a demolition, we typically find between 5 and 15 different species. If the load contains a sizeable amount of a certain species, we will sort and separate. If there are smaller amounts a a particular species, we’ll mix them together with other species with similar durability and colour. These are our hardwood mixes; dense browns, dense reds, and coastal reds.
This process of sorting and combining species follows on from the way they did it back in the old days, when sawmills would cut up whatever was coming out of the forest they were working in, and then usually send the timbers out to builders as a mix of species. It actually makes a lot of sense to do it this way, because many Australian timbers have similar structural properties so there’s really no need to separate them.
We rarely see large quantities of turpentine and tallowwood in structural timbers, so we usually add these species to one of our hardwood mixes; dense reds for turpentine, and dense browns for tallowwood.
Interested in ordering recycled decking?
Processing Level or Finish
The finish you choose will set the tone for your entire outdoor space. Whether you want something clean and polished or more textured and rustic, our decking finishes highlight the natural beauty of recycled timber.
Clean Dressed Decking:
For a smooth, modern look, clean dressed boards are planed back to reveal the grain and colour of the timber. They’re easy to maintain with a simple oil coating and suit just about any space, from exposed decks to covered verandahs. We offer clean dressed boards in two sizes—83 x 18mm and 83 x 28mm. The larger size adds extra strength and durability, giving you peace of mind that your deck will last for years to come.
Clean dressed decking in blackbutt/ dense browns.
Clean dressed decking in ironbark/ dense reds.
Blackbutt/ dense browns. Coated.
Blackbutt/ dense browns. Uncoated.
Ironbark/ dense reds. Coated.
Ironbark/ dense reds. Coated.
Rough Sawn & Wire Brushed Decking:
If you’re after a more rustic, textured vibe, rough sawn and wire brushed decking might be what you’re looking for. The rough sawn surface offers a rugged charm, and wire brushing smooths away splinters while keeping that burnished, natural look intact. This finish provides extra grip, making it safer in wet conditions (but will require the occasional wire brushing to keep splinters at bay). Rough sawn boards are available in slightly thicker sizes, such as 83 x 20mm or 95 x 20mm, for added heft and durability.
Rough sawn & wire brushed, coated decking sample in ironbark/ dense reds.
Rough sawn & wire brushed, coated decking sample in ironbark/ dense reds.
Blackbutt/ dense browns. Uncoated.
Ironbark/ dense reds. Uncoated.
Blackbutt/ dense browns. Coated.
Blackbutt/ dense browns. Coated.
To Coat or Not to Coat?
Australia’s climate can be tough on timber—harsh UV rays, wet winters, and fluctuating humidity all take their toll. Deciding whether to coat your deck is key to keeping it in good condition, and it can also be a matter of aesthetics.
If you want to preserve and even enhance the timber’s original colour, applying a protective finish is essential. While water-based finishes can trap moisture, leading to decay over time, oil-based finishes allow the timber to breathe while repelling moisture. We recommend Osmo Decking Oil for its durability and reliable protection. When properly applied, it can last up to 12 months in full sun, or even longer in partial or full shade, all while highlighting the natural grain and colour.
If you’re using high-durability timbers like ironbark, blackbutt, or tallowwood, there's also the option of leaving the timber uncoated. These species are naturally resilient and don’t need the added protection of oiling. Over time, uncoated decking boards will weather to a grey patina, which many find appealing—though it’s not for everyone.
Keep in mind, even weathered timbers require occasional maintenance. A quick clean with a wire brush will help remove splinters and smooth out any rough spots on surfaces that see regular use.
Regardless of your choice on oiling, consider building your deck under a pergola or semi-covered structure. This extra protection from the elements will reduce wear and tear, resulting in less maintenance and a more versatile space that can be enjoyed year-round, rain or shine.
Explore Recycled Decking Projects
Scroll through the projects below to see examples of different species, processing levels, and finishes. Click on the photo to explore the full project write-up.
Blackbutt / Dense Browns Recycled Decking Projects
Ironbark / Dense Reds Recycled Decking Projects
Creative Uses of Recycled Decking
Recycled Timber Decking Vs. New Timber Decking
If you’re wondering why you should choose recycled timber over new decking, there are plenty of good reasons:
Stability: Recycled timber is well-seasoned, having already faced years of exposure to the elements. This makes it much more stable than new timber—less likely to shrink, warp, or crack after installation. Its proven resilience ensures that your decking remains solid and reliable, especially in challenging climates.
Our timber recycling team at work; it take many hours to properly and safely recycle salvaged timber, and most of it needs to be done by manually, piece by piece.
Durability: Recycled Australian hardwoods are among the toughest timbers available. Already tested in their previous lives, these dense hardwoods offer unmatched durability, making them ideal for outdoor spaces. Their natural resistance to wear ensures your deck will stand up to heavy use and harsh conditions for years to come.
Character & Aesthetic Appeal: Recycled timber carries a unique history, often salvaged from heritage buildings or industrial sites. This adds distinctive character to your deck, with rich textures and markings that new timber simply can’t replicate. Over time, it develops a natural patina, giving your deck a timeless, weathered look that only improves with age.
Sustainability: Choosing recycled timber reduces the need for fresh logging, preserving forests and cutting down on waste. It lowers your project’s carbon footprint by reusing materials that would otherwise go to landfill, while also requiring less chemical treatment. It’s a practical, ethical choice for a more sustainable future.
Ethical Sourcing: By using recycled timber, you’re making an ethical choice, helping to reduce the demand for newly harvested materials. Reclaimed hardwoods are hard to source in today’s timber market, so opting for recycled materials helps maintain the balance.
Healthier Choice: Recycled Australian hardwoods, like ironbark and tallowwood, are naturally dense and resistant to pests and decay, needing fewer chemical treatments than softer woods. Though not entirely immune to the elements, their natural properties make them a healthier, low-chemical option. With proper care, these timbers offer long-lasting durability, creating a safer, eco-friendly outdoor space.
Building a deck is a great way to extend your home’s living space, creating a versatile threshold between the indoors and outdoors, a spot where you can appreciate whatever it is you’re lucky enough to be surrounded by. Now that you’re familiar with the key considerations for decking, if you're keen on using our high-quality recycled timber, remilled from salvaged Australian hardwoods, feel free to get in touch with the team at Thor’s Hammer. We’ll help you bring that dream deck to life, with the character and durability that only recycled hardwood timber can offer.
Words: Ellie Keft
Photos: Rohan Thomson, Tom Osborne & Lachlan Richardson