Decking Wood QLD offers both solid and laminated Merbau handrails in a range of profiles to suit balustrades, decks, stairs, pergolas and other outdoor applications. The range includes solid Merbau handrails in 32mm, 35mm, 42mm and 45mm thickness profiles, as well as engineered laminated Merbau options.

Solid Merbau handrails are machined from a single piece of structural Merbau timber. They provide the natural appearance, grain and character of solid hardwood.

Laminated Merbau handrails are manufactured by bonding timber laminations together. This construction can provide a more consistent and dimensionally stable section, particularly useful for longer handrails and applications where maintaining a straight, consistent profile is important.

F27 is a structural strength grade for solid hardwood timber. Where a handrail is specified as F27 KD, the timber has been kiln dried and structurally graded.

For example, we supply solid Merbau handrail/beam profiles including 90×35, 90×45, 120×45, 140×45, 170×45 and 190×45mm in F27 KD specifications.

GL17S identifies a structural laminated timber classification. Laminated Merbau handrails are manufactured by bonding timber laminations together to create the finished member.

The laminated range includes profiles such as 66×42mm, 66×66mm, 90×42mm, 140×42mm and 190×42mm, with both rebated and non-rebated configurations available.

A non-rebated handrail has a continuous profile without a rebate, making it suitable where balusters or other components are fixed directly to the rail, or where the handrail is being used as a standalone rail.

A rebated handrail incorporates a machined groove designed to receive vertical balusters or infill, so they sit into the rail rather than fixing to its face.

The correct profile depends on how your balustrade has been designed and how the balusters or infill are intended to connect. Note that our rebated 90×42 laminated handrail is currently supplied in 5.4m lengths only.

The range covers a substantial selection of profiles.

Solid Merbau F27 KD runs from 70×35mm through to 190×45mm and larger handrail/beam sections, in 32mm, 35mm, 42mm and 45mm thicknesses.

Laminated Merbau GL17S includes 66×42mm (as bottomrail, midrail or handrail), 66×66mm shaped profiles, 90×42mm, 140×42mm and 190×42mm.

Because lengths and availability vary by profile, check the individual product listing for the lengths currently available.

Kiln drying reduces the timber's moisture content under controlled conditions, helping improve dimensional stability and reduce movement after installation.

This matters for handrails because a straight, stable profile is important for achieving a clean finished balustrade. The solid Merbau range is offered in kiln-dried specifications, while the laminated range is also designed to provide a consistent profile.

Yes. Merbau is a dense hardwood commonly used in external applications. Our range is intended for applications including balustrades, decking edges, stairs, pergolas and other outdoor structures.

As with any natural timber installed outdoors, correct detailing, fixing, drainage and finishing are important for long-term performance.

Merbau can be used for stair handrails and associated timber components, provided the handrail profile, fixing system, height and balustrade arrangement comply with the requirements applicable to the project.

For stair and balustrade installations, the handrail should be considered as part of the complete system rather than selected purely on appearance.

Some of the larger profiles are listed as Handrail / Beam, meaning the timber section can have multiple potential applications. However, the fact that a product is physically large enough to be used as a beam does not automatically mean it is suitable for every structural application.

The span, loads, supports, connections and structural design must determine whether a particular section is suitable as a structural beam. Our range includes solid F27 Merbau beam/handrail sections for this reason.

The laminated Merbau range includes lengths from 2.4m through to 7.8m, depending on the profile and current availability. The 66×42 and 66×66 profiles are supplied in 3.0m and 5.4m; the 90×42, 140×42 and 190×42 sections extend to 7.8m.

Longer lengths are particularly useful for handrail runs where minimising joints is desirable.

A laminated handrail is useful where you need a long, straight and consistent timber member. The laminated construction allows individual timber laminations to be bonded into a larger finished section and helps provide dimensional consistency along the length.

For long runs, still consider the location of joins, support spacing and the requirements of the overall balustrade design.

Merbau can be left to naturally weather, or finished with an appropriate exterior timber oil or coating depending on the appearance and maintenance approach you want.

To retain Merbau's characteristic deeper brown/red appearance, regular maintenance with a suitable exterior timber finish helps maintain the colour — see our oils and stains range. If left unfinished, natural weathering will progressively change the appearance of the timber.

Merbau is also tannin-rich and may bleed onto light-coloured surfaces during the first weeks of weathering. Sealing the timber reduces this considerably.

No. Merbau is natural timber, so variation in colour, grain, texture and natural characteristics between individual boards is expected.

This is part of the appeal of solid hardwood. Even within the same grade and profile, two handrails may not have identical colour or grain.

Consider:

• Solid or laminated construction
• Required width and thickness
• Whether you need rebated or non-rebated
• Balustrade and baluster configuration
• Required length
• Internal or external application
• Structural requirements
• Desired visual appearance

For a straightforward balustrade, the smaller handrail profiles may give the appearance you want, while larger F27 or GL17S sections may be appropriate where a more substantial rail or structural member is required.

Yes. Because the range includes multiple solid and laminated profiles, contact us when you need help identifying the appropriate profile, length or construction for your project.

For structural balustrades, stairs and other load-bearing applications, the final selection should also be checked against the relevant Australian requirements and the project's specific structural design.

View the complete Merbau timber handrail range, or browse the full Decking Wood QLD range of handrails, posts, decking, hardware and coatings.