A wooden terrace expands the living space to the outside and is particularly useful during the warm season when you want to enjoy the nice weather in your private area. We provide an overview of which wood is suitable for terraces and what advantages and disadvantages it brings.
The types of wood differ from each other in growth, density and fiber length, which reflects their load-bearing capacity and other properties. On the other hand, the external influences on the material as a building material, such as dryingDecking-Material, sunlight, moisture and organisms reduce the lifespan and appearance of the wood.
local and exotic types of wood
The terrace wood has special properties for resistance:
- Durability according to EN 350/2 – Class 1 to 3, ensuring durability even when exposed to different weather conditions
- Form stability – ensures low swelling and swing behavior
- Fat content - this determines the splinters and the slate - the higher the better, so that you can easily enjoy the terrace barefoot
- slow drying during processing - up to 15% wood moisture
Larch wood for a bright look
Larch, as the hardest softwood, is particularly popular as terrace wood and is also relatively inexpensive. Thanks to its high density and hardness, it offers good strength and low swelling and swing behavior. The larch resins are water-repellent and therefore particularly durable. The warm look and attractive grain make them extremely valued.
native Douglas fir
Douglas fir is also a softwood and has similar properties to larch. It is a very elastic and strong type of wood that is characterized by reddish-brown heartwood. Because of its decorative look, it is highly valued and often used. However, it requires regular care as it darkens over time.
Pinewood exterior
Pine is a native softwood that, after deep impregnation, becomes resistant to all weather influences and remains durable for a long time.
Oak is one of the most durable domestic types of wood and is extremely durable and long-lasting even without impregnation.
the so-called “thermo ash”
Domestic hardwoods, such as ash, are given a high level of durability through special treatment at high temperatures (170-230 degrees).
Permanent wood
Permanent wood refers to local woods that are sustainably completely soaked with wax, have an attractive appearance and are extremely durable. The oiled surface is also particularly resistant to fungal attack and non-slip.
Wooden tiles as an alternative to decking
Wooden tiles are an inexpensive alternative to decking. These can be laid yourself and can also be easily removed during the winter when the terrace is rarely or hardly used and stored until next spring. The wood used is robust and durable, but if left untreated it will turn gray over time. Regular oiling will preserve the color
Exotic types of wood are becoming increasingly popular
Because of their attractive appearance - shiny surface and distinctive color nuances, the exotic tropical woods are very popular. These are characterized by particularly hard wood, the processing of which definitely requires in-depth specialist knowledge. For ecological reasons, you should be properly informed about the local origin of the wood material and the quality offered.
Bamboo gives an exotic flair
The bamboo wood not only delights with its exotic look, but also brings an ecological plus - bamboo is the fastest growing plant. The typical honey-yellow color is achieved by cushioning with natural materials.
Massaranduba
Massaranduba is a low-knot and very hard type of wood from the Caribbean, South America, with a typical, beautiful reddish, brown color. It is characterized by a large proportion of essential oils, which protect the wood from fungi and harmful organisms. Massaranduba has resistance class 1 and promises a lifespan of up to 30 years.
Cumaru decking
Cumaru is an exotic type of wood that is extremely hard and durable. Smoothly processed, it has a shiny surface and a distinctive yellow or red-brown color. Because of its attractive appearance and low swelling and swinging behavior, this terrace wood is very popular.
Asiatische Bangkirai
Bangkirai is tropical Asian wood rich in essential oils that protect it from fungi and mold. It has an attractive light brown to reddish appearance and is therefore particularly valued. When purchasing, you should look for the FSC seal, which ensures sustainable forestry.
Garapa and other tropical woods
Garapa is a South American hardwood that is almost knot-free and has a similar color to almond. This type of wood looks extremely elegant and chic after treatment.
When purchasing wooden floorboards, the unwritten rule applies: the better the quality, the higher the price, although the origin of the wood also plays a role.
A helpful tip: Terrace boards can be finished with a profiled surface so that moisture can drain away better and at the same time make the floor covering non-slip.
As an alternative to natural wood, there is the wood-polymer material, abbreviated WPC. It impresses with a look close to wood, feels similar and has several advantages to offer:
- Easy to care for – no sanding, oiling or sealing required after installation
- non-slip
- resistant to solar radiation
Before purchasing and choosing lumber, lifespan, resilience and attractive appearance play an important role. On the other hand, the costs that arise during installation also depend on this and are crucial for the duration and quality of the outdoor floor covering.
