Character Grade Blackbutt 130x19MM is the same coastal NSW hardwood used across Melbourne’s decks, priced at $13.90 per lineal metre including GST. What separates it from higher grades isn’t strength — it’s the face. Character boards carry visible gum vein, tight knots, borer trace and a wider colour spread from pale straw through to warm honey brown. For a lot of builders and homeowners that’s the point: a deck with texture and movement rather than a uniform surface. Structurally you’re getting the same Class 1 durable, BAL29-rated, 9.1kN Janka timber as the cleaner grades, at a noticeably lower rate per metre. It’s the practical pick for larger decks where budget matters and a rustic, lived-in finish suits the build. Allow a little extra for cutting around features. Stock moves quickly — check availability at Deer Park, Pakenham, Geelong, Ballarat or Bendigo before ordering.