Today’s guest blogger is Michelle Strassburg. Michelle is managing director of Wood and Beyond, suppliers of interior and exterior hardwood decking.
Lush Landscape and Garden Design does not necessarily endorse any of the views expressed by guest bloggers, nor their company, products or services.
Why choose hardwood decking?
Garden hardwood decking is perfect for adding class to your garden by transforming your outdoor sanctuary into a lovely place to eat, drink and unwind. Decking is also a great way to make practical use of slopes in the garden by creating different levels and steps while not giving up on that natural look. Decking could very easily be part of your garden design by covering up unwanted surfaces, making it a very practical choice for dealing with garden imperfections.
Which wood species are suitable for decking and what to look out for:
Ipe Decking – Ipe (pronounced e-pay) originates from South America and is a very popular choice for decking on a budget without compromising on the look. Considered be the one of the hardest woods in the world (strength is three times harder than oak) it is recommended for all types of gardens and extremely popular for decks. Dark brownish, olive to dark olive in appearance, Ipe is popular as a decking material due to its insect resistance, durability and natural fire resistance.
Strong points: Ipe wood is extremely strong, making it a popular choice for areas which receive heavy foot traffic.
Teak Decking – Teak originates from Indonesia and is golden in color with dark markings and a straight grain. Teak wood contains natural oils so there is no need for preservatives and sealants. It is especially recommended for gardens and outdoor pools. Over time it will take on a natural silver-gray patina which truly adds class to any garden project and will lend an startling exotic look.
Strong points: Teak wood contains natural oils and therefore requires no additional chemical treatment.
Iroko Decking – Iroko, also know as African Teak, originates from Africa and is an exotic stylish hardwood. Iroko is extremely durable and rich in color and appearance. Although initially yellow in colour, it naturally weathers to a beautiful, chocolate brown colour which will give your garden a special exotic Zen-like feel. Recommended for all types of gardens and outdoor uses, it is also used in the boat building industry, which vouches for its quality and durability.
Strong points: Iroko is very affordable which makes the wood suitable for garden design on a tighter budget.
Cumaru Decking – Also known as Brazilian Teak, Cumaru is native to South America and starts life as a deep red/yellow wood before developing a classic silver-gray patina. Cumaru Decking is an exceptionally strong material and it boasts a fire rating of Class A (the same as concrete or steel) which, together with its anti-decay and anti-insect damage characteristics, makes it ideal for decking.
Strong points: Cumaru wood has anti-decay properties ensuring superb longevity.
Environmental Concerns
Buying tropical hardwood decking needs to be done responsibly. Look for sellers which source their wood from sustainable forests, thereby preventing the destruction of forest habitat. Deck boards which are sourced via unsustainable logging are responsible for the loss of important tree species. The species which are mentioned in this article do not appear in the Red List of threatened species, which is maintained by The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™, and are all available from sustainable forests.
Hardwood decking is the perfect choice for longevity, beauty, and overall performance, and is ideal for linking interior design schemes with your garden design.
A guide by Michelle Strassburg of Wood and Beyond, sellers of hardwood decking and wood flooring since 2005.
Thanks for the informatio and congrats for your website.
Tim