Decking is an increasingly popular way to extend living spaces in the UK. With the right wood, a deck can last for decades despite the nation’s damp, temperate climate. When selecting materials, strength and durability should be top priorities. The strongest decking woods resist decay, insects, and moisture absorption in the long run. Consulting with fence contractors Aldershot can provide valuable advice on choosing the most suitable decking materials for your outdoor space, ensuring longevity and resilience against the elements.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Decking Wood
Climate and Weather Resistance
- The UK’s moderate rainfall and generally mild temperatures enable decks to be used for much of the year. However, these conditions also promote moisture absorption, fungal growth, and insect attacks if unsuitable woods are used.
- Tropical hardwoods like ipe, Cumaru, and garapa have natural defenses against humid/wet climates, retaining their strength and appearance for decades.
- Resilient softwoods can also perform well, although they may require more maintenance over time.
Durability and Longevity
- Decking woods need to withstand decades of foot traffic without significant structural or cosmetic damage.
- Decay-resistant species avoid fungal degradation within the wood cells. Good options include oak, chestnut, and pressure-treated softwoods.
- Hardness indicates resistance to surface scratches/dents. Tropicalspecies score very highly here.
- The natural lifespan of a wood determines maintenance schedules. More durable woods can go 20+ years before refinishing.
Maintenance Requirements
- Periodic maintenance is inevitable on outdoor wood structures.
- Harder woods generally need the least frequent interventions – an important consideration for decking.
- Annual cleaning and re-sealing of most deck woods is advisable. Durable tropical species may only need treatment every 5+ years.
- Checking manufacturer guidance ensures the optimal finish is used for protection.
Strongest Wood Species for Decking in the UK
Ipe Wood
- Indigenous to Central/Southern America, Ipe is exceptionally dense and hardwearing.
- Its interlocked grain structure and high natural oil content repel water, preventing moisture damage.
- Dense cell structure resists fungal or insect degradation. It shares tropical rainforest species’ longevity in less aggressive climates.
- 3 times harder than oak according to Janka scale testing. Resilient to impact, scrapes and wear-and-tear.
Cumaru Wood
- Grown across Central/Southern America, Cumaru possesses extreme hardness and durability.
- Its 1250 kg/m3 density makes it very resistant to wear, impact, and mechanical damage during installation/use.
- Natural oils and resins make Cumaru highly resistant to water absorption, minimizing swelling/shrinkage.
- Comparable or superior performance to Ipe decking but with a warmer tone.
Garapa Wood
- The dense, stiff structure of Brazilian Garapa wood resists weathering and mechanical damage.
- Interlocked grain, high oil content, 1200 kg/m3 density confer resistance to moisture, decay fungi, and termites.
- Rich golden brown coloration enhanced by oil finishing. Attractive aesthetics paired with durability.
- Hardness compares favorably to leading decking woods like Ipe and Cumaru. High strength-to-weight ratio.
Comparison of Strength Among Different Wood Types
Hardwood vs. Softwood
- Hardwoods have a more complex cellular structure, with substances like resins and oils adding resilience. They are generally denser and more rigid.
- Softwoods contain more air pockets and vessels. Without treatment, they are prone to moisture damage, decay fungi, and insect attacks.
- Many imported tropical hardwoods used in quality decking have exceptional hardness and weather-resistance. They outperform most European hardwoods.
- Treatments like pressure impregnation can help boost softwoods’ durability and weather resistance significantly.
Domestic vs. Imported Wood
- The UK lacks sufficient native trees suitable for structural decking. Hence quality deck boards often comprise imported hardwoods.
- European oak, chestnut etc. are accessible options with moderate durability and hardness. They may require more regular maintenance.
- Imported woods like garapa, Cumaru, ipe offer superior resilience but have higher initial costs and extended supply chains.
- Both domestic timbers and imported hardwoods can perform well if properly treated/maintained. The latter excel on durability metrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which wood species is the strongest for decking in the UK?
- Several imported tropical hardwoods offer exceptional performance thanks to natural durability enhanced by oil/resin contents. Ipe, Cumaru and garapa should last 40+ years with periodic maintenance.
How does weather affect the strength of decking wood?
- Water absorption causes decking boards to expand/contract, compromising joints over time. Fungal hyphae and wood-boring insects also attack cell structures. UV degradation can damage wood cells.
- Dense oily hardwoods resist water ingress, decay, and insects even in damp temperate regions like the UK. Some softwoods rely on applied treatments for weather-resistance.
Are there environmentally friendly options for strong decking wood?
- FSC-certified woods ensure responsible, sustainable forest management. Cumaru, garapa, and ipe all have environmentally responsible sources available.
- Locally sourced oak offers modest carbon footprint but lower durability. It must be well-treated and maintained.
- Manufacturers also utilize wood-plastic composite decking boards with recycled content. These score well on green credentials but lag on visual appeal.
What is the average lifespan of the strongest decking woods?
- Properly installed and cared for tropical hardwoods can realistically be expected to last 40-60 years. Their natural durability sees them outlast most European species.
- European oaks/chestnuts have lifespans closer to 20 years before replacement is required, assuming periodic maintenance and refinishing.
- Even pressure-treated softwoods often last 10-15 years before major repairs or full replacement. Hardwoods thus offer a worthwhile return-on-investment.
Is hardwood or softwood better for strength in decking?
- Tropical hardwoods have superior structural integrity thanks to dense grain structures rich in protective oils/resins. This enables them to withstand mechanical stresses over decades of use.
- Softwoods like pine are fast-growing but inherently weaker due to lower density and lack of natural pest/decay resistance. They require extensive pressure treatment to approach hardwood durability.
- On strength metrics, quality imported decking hardwoods outperform most native European timbers by significant margins. Their higher cost is justified by longevity.
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