An attractive, well-kept terrace is an extension of the living room and on warm days it becomes the most comfortable relaxation area. One of the main elements of arranging this place is choosing the right wood for the terrace. We tell you what you should remember to enjoy a beautiful wooden terrace for many years.
How to choose wood for a terrace?
Compared to stone or terracotta, wood looks more natural, gives the impression of warmth, is safer and more pleasant for bare feet. It's no surprise that it remains the most popular choice. If we have already decided on this raw material, the question remains: which wood is best suited for the terrace? First of all, one that will be resistant to deformation, pressure, mechanical damage and water. When choosing wood for a terrace, it is worth answering several questions:
- Where is the terrace? If we are going to build a terrace right next to a pond, stream or pool, then for the terrace it will be necessary to purchase a tree that is more resistant to moisture.
- What function will the terrace serve? It may turn out that the terrace adjacent to the bedroom, that is, used by two household members, does not need such durable wood as on the terrace where we often host parties for guests.
- Will the terrace be covered? If not, you should again think about purchasing the most durable types.
- What style prevails throughout the house?Aesthetic issues in this case obviously matter. If the house is dominated by an exotic or colonial style, pine boards on the landing will conflict with it. Conversely, the choice of exotic wood for the terrace will be quite controversial if the interior has the atmosphere of a country cottage.
Which board is best for a terrace?
If we are faced with the question of which wood is best for a terrace, we will quickly understand that the choice is quite large, but there is one rule. Domestic woods such as pine, spruce and beech are best suited for covered patios that are not exposed to much moisture.
For terraces without a roof, exposed to strong sunlight, built near ponds and swimming pools and subject to high pressure and risk of damage, it is recommended to use stronger and more resistant rocks.
What wood is best for a deck?
There is a wide range of decking timber on the market, so choosing is not easy. Before purchasing, you should consider various options, check the parameters and think about which wood for the terrace will be the best option in our case. The most popular and most frequently selected types are:
1. Pine decking board
This is one of the most commonly chosen types of wood for decking due to its availability and low price. Pine terrace boards are a good solution for people who want to build their own terrace inexpensively and quickly. Pine boards are also great for finishing balconies or elements of garden architecture.
Another advantage of this type of wood is its ease of processing and bright, warm color. Well-dried pine boards do not release resin. However, it should be remembered that pine is not recommended for use as an intensively used surface. It is relatively soft, not very abrasion resistant and not the most durable.
It is worth choosing wooden decking boards if we are building an area that will be covered and used sparingly. Due to the easy biodegradability of pine, deck wood requires regular maintenance. Impregnation, varnishing and lubrication will extend the service life of the pine platform.
2. European larch for terrace
It is harder and more durable than pine, spruce or beech wood, while maintaining a good price. Larch is very resistant to rot, but it still needs to be impregnated. Regular care of fungi and mold will extend the life of the larch platform up to 15 years.
3. Scandinavian spruce for the terrace
This type of wood for terraces enjoys continued interest because it combines high strength and aesthetic qualities. Scandinavian spruce is sometimes called whitewood because of its characteristic straw color. It is easy to process and its high resin content naturally protects it from the elements. However, the spruce deck must be impregnated to protect it from fungi, mold and moisture.
A well-preserved spruce terrace will last for many years, even without a roof. However, it should not be installed in a very humid place and cannot have direct contact with the ground.
4. Siberian larch for terrace
Besides Scandinavian spruce, this is another hit with buyers wondering which deck wood will be the best value for money. Siberian larch is characterized by a small number of knots and high resistance to abrasion, mechanical damage and biodegradation.
The undoubted advantage of this wood is its very long service life, which with proper impregnation reaches 30 years. Siberian larch can be painted, so you can create very interesting compositions with it.
5. Exotic wood for the terrace
The most popular types of exotic wood for terraces are teak, massaranduba and bangkirai. Thanks to their compact structure, they are resistant to abrasion and mechanical damage. In turn, the large amount of resins and natural oils in these trees ensures longevity. It is worth remembering that under the influence of atmospheric factors, exotic wood on the terrace turns gray, so it must be coated with a special oil.
Exotic wood for the terrace - does it make sense?
As we have already mentioned, the popular species of exotic trees used in the construction of terraces are very durable and stable. Even without impregnation, they can survive outdoors for several decades, which does not mean that they are not worth keeping. However, it must be remembered that processing exotic wood requires more attention than processing other species. These trees react with iron, so we may accidentally end up with unsightly stripes on the surface of our terrace.
For this reason, we use stainless steel or brass screws to install exotic decking boards. Screws should be inserted into pre-drilled holes. We strictly refrain from using nails, as nailing may cause the boards to crack. Exotics on the terrace are very impressive and durable, but also more expensive than local and European species.
Wood or composite for a terrace?
Composite boards are a modern solution in the construction of outdoor areas. They are made from a mixture of wood and plastic, which strengthens the whole and makes the resulting material stronger and more durable. It does not need to be soaked or regularly maintained. Composite boards are resistant to weather conditions, ultraviolet rays, biological factors, as well as light and are easy to install. Therefore, we can say that the composite combines the best properties of wood and synthetic materials.
Impregnation of decking wood
Caring for wood on the terrace will protect it from external factors, mold and fungi, and will extend its service life. If we are dealing with a new terrace, we impregnate the boards on all sides, preferably twice. The second layer of impregnation should be applied only when the first one has dried.
If the deck has already been used, first clean its surface, preferably with a stiff brush and pressurized water. If necessary, the boards should also be sanded.
The choice of preparations for impregnation is large: varnishes, stains, pastes and oils. It is important to remember that wood, once coated with oil, can only be oiled. Apply wood oil along the grain with a cloth or brush and remove excess to prevent tarnish.
We usually impregnate the wood on the deck twice a year. This should be done after the summer season as several months of wet weather and cold temperatures will only worsen any damage. Many people also decide to update their terrace in the spring.
Facts and myths about decking
Dream of a beautiful wooden terrace, but are you afraid that the wood will not be strong enough? When choosing building materials for a terrace, we come across myths surrounding wood. Let's check the validity of some of them!
MYTH. The wooden deck is unstable. Exotic wood is characterized by extraordinary durability; unimpregnated decking boards will retain their functionality for up to 50 years! Non-exotic species also retain high strength after appropriate impregnation. Therefore, we often remind you in our blog about careful impregnation using quality materials (oil, stain, impregnation).
FACT. The wood does not heat up too much. This is one of the undeniable advantages of wood, which distinguishes a wooden decking board from a composite one. Walking on the wooden terrace is a pleasure even on the hottest and sunny days!
MYTH. The terrace made of wooden planks creaks. The quality of the fasteners used and professional installation are as important as the quality of the wood of the decking board. There is no need to skimp on screws. Only high-quality screws will reduce delamination of wood and creaking of the structure.
FACT. Wooden decking boards have a uniquely beautiful appearance. It’s a fact: no composite can convey the beauty and warmth of wood. A wooden deck has a unique character and charm that no imitation can surpass.
MYTH. Wooden decking boards are a temporary fad. Wood has been a widely used building material for many years, and it is safe to say that this building material will never become a thing of the past.
FACT. Wooden decking boards can be used for a façade or fence. Wood is increasingly used as a facade element or as a building material for modern fences. Durability, solidity and beautiful appearance are just some of the advantages. The smooth transition of a wooden terrace to a vertical wall often creates an incredible visual effect.
