Chengal and Merbau are two of the most commonly compared hardwoods for outdoor decking in Malaysia. Both are dense, naturally durable tropical timbers built to handle years of sun, rain, and humidity without chemical treatment. But they differ in cost, availability, and a few practical details that matter once you’re standing on the deck.
Here’s how they actually compare.
What Is Chengal?
Chengal (Neobalanocarpus heimii) is a heavy hardwood native to Peninsular Malaysia, prized for structural and heavy-duty applications including decking, bridges, and boat building. It has a density of roughly 915-980 kg/m³ and carries a Class 1 durability rating both above ground and in-ground, meaning an expected service life beyond 25-40 years in typical outdoor use. It’s naturally resistant to termites and fungal decay, and has one of the lowest shrinkage ratios of any tropical hardwood, second only to teak, which makes it especially stable through Malaysia’s humidity swings.
Chengal is also classified as a vulnerable species by the IUCN, with logging restricted to protected forest areas in Malaysia. That protected status is a major factor in both its price and its availability: genuine Chengal decking typically commands a premium and can be harder to source consistently compared to more widely available species.
What Is Merbau?
Merbau (Intsia spp.) is a tropical hardwood widely used across Southeast Asia for flooring, decking, and outdoor construction. Density ranges from roughly 515-1040 kg/m³ depending on the specific cut and grade, with high natural resistance to fungal decay and pests. It has a warm reddish-brown tone that deepens with age and weathering, and it’s one of the more readily available heavy hardwoods in the Malaysian timber market, which keeps both cost and lead time more predictable than Chengal.
Chengal vs Merbau: Side-by-Side
Factor | Chengal | Merbau |
|---|---|---|
Density | ~915-980 kg/m³ | ~515-1040 kg/m³ |
Durability class | Class 1 (above and in-ground) | High natural fungus/pest resistance |
Termite resistance | Resistant | Resistant |
Shrinkage | Very low, among the lowest of tropical hardwoods | Low to moderate |
Colour | Yellow to dark brown, often with a green tinge, weathers silver-grey | Brown to dark reddish-brown, deepens with age |
Availability in Malaysia | Limited, protected/vulnerable species status | Widely available |
Typical cost | Premium | More accessible |
Common use | Heavy structural decking, marine, bridges | Residential and commercial decking, flooring |
Which One Should You Choose?
Chengal tends to make sense when:
- Budget allows for a premium hardwood and long-term investment
- The project calls for maximum structural durability, such as heavy-traffic or exposed commercial decking
- You want a timber with proven multi-decade performance in Malaysian conditions
Merbau tends to make sense when:
- You want a naturally durable outdoor hardwood without the premium price or sourcing constraints of Chengal
- You need more predictable availability and lead times for the project
- You’re decking a typical residential outdoor space, patio, or garden area
For most residential decking projects in Malaysia, Merbau delivers a very similar durability profile to Chengal at a more accessible price point and with far more reliable supply, which is why it’s the more commonly specified hardwood for homes today.
Asia Timber House's Decking Range
Asia Timber House’s decking line is built around air-dried Merbau, installed with the ATH Stainless Steel Decking Clip system for a nail-less, secure fit. Air-drying retains the wood’s natural oils, which supports its resistance to fungal decay, insects, and moisture damage in outdoor conditions.
Explore our decking and cladding range →
Ask about your project →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chengal better than Merbau for decking?
Chengal has a slightly higher durability classification and lower shrinkage, but Merbau offers comparable termite and decay resistance at a more accessible price and with more reliable availability, since Chengal’s supply is restricted by its protected species status in Malaysia.
Why is Chengal more expensive than Merbau?
Chengal is classified as a vulnerable species by the IUCN and its logging is restricted to protected forest areas in Malaysia, which limits supply and drives up cost compared to more widely available hardwoods like Merbau.
Is Merbau durable enough for outdoor decking in Malaysia's climate?
Yes. Merbau has high natural resistance to fungal decay and pests, and when air-dried properly it performs well in outdoor, humid conditions typical of Malaysia.
Does Chengal need to be treated for outdoor use?
No. Chengal is naturally resistant to termites and fungal decay and does not require chemical preservative treatment for typical outdoor applications.
