Installation of terraces

Which wooden decking boards should I choose?

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On 2022 July 5
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Which wooden deck boards to choose?

The overview of wooden boards is intended for those who are considering what kind of wood boards to choose for their terrace. The three most popular types of terrace boards in Lithuania are:

1. Impregnated pine terrace boards
2. Larch terrace boards
3. Thermo pine terrace boards

We hope this decking board review is helpful and will help point you in the right direction by evaluating the pros and cons of each type of decking board.

Impregnated pine terrace boards

wooden terrace boards

Market price : about 20 EUR (sq.m)
Perpetuity: 7-10 years, under the roof about 15 years.

Advantages:

  • Relatively low price (suitable for people who need an economical project);
  • The parameters change minimally (the board changes little after the first year, when the seasonal changes stabilize);
  • Looks good (until it cracks).

Disadvantages:

How impregnation technology works in general: see HERE

Larch terrace boards

Price: about 39 EUR (sq. m, class AB terrace boards)
Perpetuity: 15-20 years, if you are lucky – longer.
About larch – this is a “more people’s board”, because since ancient times, Siberian larch has been known as the most durable wood available in outdoor conditions in our region.

Advantages:

  • Particularly aesthetic wood pattern;
  • Conditionally long-lasting. However, it should be noted that larch is not equal to larch – there is a lot of wood brought from Europe, or not from “distant Siberia”, which has a lower density, service life – as well;
  • High wood density – hard, scratch-resistant wood;
  • Can be treated with ferrous sulfate.

Disadvantages:

  • An aggressive board, especially if it has not been properly dried. It can twist and turn. Correct installation is important;
  • Due to the features mentioned above, it is not a recommended choice if the terrace faces the south;
  • Unstable dimensions in width, so it is very important to pay attention to the gaps between the boards;
  • Splinter – marks and patterns appear, especially if it is not oiled. The oil binds the surface and the boards don’t shimmy as much anymore.

Thermally treated pine decking boards

Price: 34 EUR (sq. m, class AB)
Perpetuity: 15-20 years, if you are lucky – it can last even longer.

General information about heat treatment: click HERE

Advantages:

  • A particularly stable, non-rolling board;
  • Beautiful, aesthetic wood;
  • Does not crack over time;
  • Longevity – during the processing process, the cellulose from the thermally treated board burns out, so for this reason thermal wood boards rot the slowest.

Disadvantages:

  • Soft – relatively soft. However, we respond to this feature with a counterargument – it is an outdoor operated floor. After two weeks, after a particularly sensitive phenomenon – the “innovator complex”, the scratches are no longer visible;
  • Relatively higher price, although considering the advantages and durability, class AB thermal boards are a fair deal.