Building a deck - which timber?

[Mod-Degrassi]

We are getting a quote tomorrow to have a deck built in our backyard. We don't want to build it ourselves as we don't have the tools/expertise.

Does anyone have a recommendation on what kind timber to go for?

The deck will be low to the ground - we're decking over a concrete pad and extending 1m beyond on two sides.

I just spoke to my dad who thinks treated pine would be okay - seems to be the cheapest option, but maybe not the best (?) Merbau seems popular, but he said it's not ethically/environmentally a good choice.

We live on the coast if that makes any difference (salty air).

Any tips/advice appreciated

[EnchantedGrace]

Dad And i built ours....

We used red gum stumps and plates to go I the ground add they last longer.
I'm not sure what the other bits are, joists? That go across the stumps... I think they're treated pine.

The deck itself, is treated pine.

It's fine. It's been down about 20 years now... (wow that's flown 😅) it just needs oiling every so often.

He's a real diy-er, however he has some weird ideas (NOT artistic ones) so I'm not sure if it's the done thing or not... but it's lasted. 🤷🏼‍♀️

I'd like one with pretty timber, but what we have is functional and there's nothing wrong with it .

[SSecret Squirrel]

I don't know about the deck itself, but if you are getting wooden balustrading with wooden handrails get a hardwood. Ours was originally built in pine. I've had to replace about half with hardwood because the pine doesn't go the distance. House was build in 96 and we are in Brisbane but away from the coast so no salt air.

[Mod-Degrassi]

Thanks ladies - we've decided to get a quote based on spotted gum.