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Choosing the Right Wood for Outdoor Use

Selecting the right wood for outdoor projects is crucial to ensuring durability and aesthetics in areas such as decks, garden furniture, and cladding. At Pacific Forest, we offer woods like teak, cumaru, and garapa, which are highly recommended for their natural resistance to weather and moisture.

Teak

Teak is one of the most valued woods for outdoor use due to its high resistance to weather, insects, and fungi. Native to Peru and Ecuador, teak has a high natural oil content that acts as a water repellent and protects the wood from decay. Its straight grain and golden color age gracefully, developing a silver patina over time if left untreated.

Technical Data:

  • Density: 650-750 kg/m³
  • Durability: High (Class 1 according to EN 350-2)
  • Volumetric Shrinkage: Low (5-6%)
  • Modulus of Elasticity: 10.5 GPa
  • Bending Strength: 95 MPa

Uses:

  • Garden furniture
  • Decking and terraces
  • Exterior cladding

Example:

  • Garden Furniture: Teak is used in high-end outdoor furniture due to its durability and beauty. A garden dining set can last over 25 years with proper care.

Cumaru

Known as the “Brazilian teak,” cumaru is excellent for outdoor use due to its hardness and natural resistance to pests and fungi. Imported from Venezuela and Colombia, its colors range from yellowish-brown to reddish-brown.

Technical Data:

  • Density: 1050 kg/m³
  • Durability: Very high (Class 1 according to EN 350-2)
  • Volumetric Shrinkage: Moderate (8-10%)
  • Modulus of Elasticity: 14 GPa
  • Bending Strength: 155 MPa

Uses:

  • Decking
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Pergolas and structures

Example:

  • Decking: Commonly used for terrace flooring, it can withstand heavy foot traffic and extreme weather conditions for decades.

Garapa

Garapa, imported from Bolivia and Peru, is known for its light golden color and its ability to withstand outdoor conditions without losing its structural integrity.

Technical Data:

  • Density: 800-850 kg/m³
  • Durability: High (Class 2 according to EN 350-2)
  • Volumetric Shrinkage: Low (6-8%)
  • Modulus of Elasticity: 12 GPa
  • Bending Strength: 130 MPa

Uses:

  • Outdoor flooring
  • Garden furniture
  • Cladding and facades

Example:

  • Cladding and Facades: Garapa is ideal for house facades, providing a natural and long-lasting aesthetic.

Maintenance and Care

To maintain the beauty and functionality of these woods, we recommend high-quality products available at Nuprotec. Osmo oils and sealers are ideal for protecting and enhancing exterior wood.

Product Recommendations:

  • Osmo Decking Oil: Provides long-lasting protection against moisture and wear.
  • Osmo UV-Protection-Oil: Maintains the natural color of the wood and prevents UV damage.

Product Performance and Required Quantity:

  • Osmo Decking Oil: Approximate coverage of 24 m² per liter with one coat. For a 50 m² deck, approximately 3 liters are needed for the first coat.
  • Osmo UV-Protection-Oil: Approximate coverage of 18 m² per liter with one coat. To protect 50 m² of exterior wood, about 3 liters are needed for the first coat and 3 liters for the second coat.

Application Instructions:

  1. Surface Preparation:
    • Cleaning: Ensure the wood is clean and dry before applying any product. Use a suitable wood cleaner to remove dirt and residues.
    • Sanding: Lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (180-240) to open the wood pores and improve oil absorption.
  2. Oil Application:
    • Osmo Decking Oil:
      • Step 1: Apply a thin, even coat with a brush or roller.
      • Step 2: Allow the oil to penetrate for 10-15 minutes, then remove excess with a clean, dry cloth.
      • Step 3: Let dry for 12 hours and apply a second coat following the same steps.
    • Osmo UV-Protection-Oil:
      • Step 1: Apply a thin, even coat with a soft-bristle brush.
      • Step 2: Let the product dry for 12 hours.
      • Step 3: For additional protection, apply a second coat after 24 hours.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wood for outdoor use is essential to ensure longevity and aesthetics. At Pacific Forest, we offer a range of exotic woods such as teak, cumaru, and garapa that not only meet durability and resistance standards but also bring unparalleled beauty to any project. With proper maintenance using recommended products, these woods can last and enhance your outdoor spaces for many years.