All of the pine we offer is harvested from local sustainable plantation forests throughout Australia. On the other hand, all Merbau is imported into Australia from Asia, cut down from rainforests. Its takes a minimum of 80 years for a Merbau tree to mature, and at the current rate of logging legally- Greenpeace state that within the next 35 years, Merbau will be gone. This doesn't even take into account the vast volumes of illegal logging. Greenpeace report.
We strongly advise against allowing your treated pine decking to weather. We have found from our own experience, that coating your treated pine product before installation is imperative. The idea of allowing your timber to weather may have originated from the fact that hardwood species will 'leech' natural oils until weathered. The natural oils that surface when hardwood is fresh, prevent coating from working effectively. Our treated pine will not 'leech'.
Pre-coating timber decking on all 4 sides before installation is highly important. As water is timbers worst enemy, it is important to prevent moisture absorption from above and below the timber. An increase in moisture content- leads to excessive swelling. Rapid loss of moisture leads to twisting, cupping and splitting.