Merbau/Kwila vs Pine
Sustainable Timber and Why it’s Important
Sourcing and using sustainable timber and hardwoods goes a long way to helping to preserve rainforests, protect endangered species and maintain air quality.
The Role of Rainforests and the Problem of Deforestation
Rainforests act as a sink for all the carbon that’s emitted globally, sucking it down like a drain and exhaling carbon dioxide as life-giving oxygen. Economies of indigenous communities are also threatened when rainforests are felled for timber, which is often produced often in violation of human rights and through the corruption of officials.
In South East Asia and South Africa’s Amazon, the reduction of rainforests is justified by the need to build more housing for an ever-increasing population. Designing buildings to last using quality materials can have as much of an impact as sourcing sustainable timber products for decking and other outdoor projects.
Sustainability in Australia
Australia grows a number of sustainable hardwoods that are ideal for home building and design projects and the message is getting through to producers in South East Asia, where merbau (or kwila) is sourced as a less-expensive hardwood timber ideal for outdoor features and timber decking.
Look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification of Australian Forest Certified (AFC) mark when you buy timber grown overseas or in Australia. This gives you the confidence that you are contributing to a solution for global warming and deforestation. When choosing your timber supplier in Nerang and on the Gold Coast, ask them about their commitment to selling sustainable hardwoods. This is a worthwhile move not just for the cost of your home, but for the long-term environmental benefits.
Think Lasting, Buy Local
Decking, flooring, beams and furniture can all be produced using Australian sustainable grown and sourced timbers. For decking, woods such as tallowwood, Ironbark, Grey Gum, Turpentine and Spotted Gum (if it’s treated) are some of the most beautiful and durable timbers available anywhere in the world.
Not every Australian hardwood timber available on the Gold Coast will meet the needs of a hot and humid climate, so choosing the right timber for your decking project may require some careful consideration of the elements, placement, and use of your deck.
With colour hues that range from off-white to deep red and dark brown, ethically sourced Australian timbers can ensure the health and sustainability of regrowth forests in Australia.
Merbau Sourced for Sustainability
Merbau – or kwila as it’s sometimes known – is an excellent hardwood for outdoor projects because if its long wear and ability to resist rot and termites, not to mention lower cost.
However, Merbau timber supplies are not all created equal. Steer clear of the cheaper Merbau products as they’re not only illegal to import under Australian law, but they pose a real and lasting threat to the sustainable production of hardwoods in South East Asia and the Pacific Rim.
Find Out More
If you want to make sure your project meets global timber sustainability practices, talk to us about your project on (07) 5596 3636 or email admin@aussietimbers.com.au.
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