When you start planning and building a terrace, one of the most important decisions concerns the material to be chosen. The choice of terrace material affects not only the terrace's appearance and atmosphere but also its durability and maintenance needs.
In this blog post, we delve into two popular options – wood and composite – comparing their features, advantages, and disadvantages.
Composite terraces: durability and ease of maintenance
Wood composite is a modern answer to the challenges of terrace materials. The material combines recycled plastic and wood fiber, offering excellent durability and ease of maintenance. It does not require annual treatment and does not rot, crack, or warp like wood.
Composite terraces are truly maintenance-free. The only maintenance required is cleaning. Visible dust and debris can be swept away with a regular street broom, and if necessary, the terrace can be washed with a mild detergent and a soft floor brush.
In addition to being maintenance-free, wood composite offers extreme durability and longevity. Composite terraces withstand various weather conditions very well and are therefore also suitable for demanding Nordic conditions. Modern composite boards also resist impacts well and repel liquids and dirt. Read more about the benefits of composite boards.
In dark gray Ulkokalla -composite terrace board has two sides, from which you can choose your favorite.
A modern composite terrace is a completely maintenance-free choice.
Composite terrace boards are available in several different colors and surface patterns. Särkkä terrace board surface mimics real wood and is not slippery even when wet. You can choose your preferred color for the terrace board from different sides: antique gray or anthracite color. Dark gray Ulkokalla and brown Maakalla In addition to wood grain patterns, they offer a modern grooved option; choose your preferred profile from different sides of the board!
Although the purchase price of composite material is higher than traditional wood, its longer lifespan and lower maintenance needs can make it an economically sensible choice in the long term.
Wooden terrace: closeness to nature and warmth
A wooden terrace is a traditional choice that offers an authentic, natural atmosphere. The warmth, textures, and natural beauty of wood are unmatched. The market offers many different wooden terrace options, such as pressure-treated wood, heat-treated wood, larch, and spruce.
Wooden terrace offers a natural atmosphere
Pressure-treated wood
Pressure-treated wood is the most popular and traditional choice among decking boards. Its popularity is based on its durability and more affordable price. Pressure-treated wood is wood protected with strong preservatives in a sealed container using water and pressure variations. Thanks to the treatment, the wood does not rot as easily as untreated wood.
The lifespan of pressure-treated wood depends, among other things, on the terrace's usage conditions and maintenance. It is recommended to treat and maintain pressure-treated wood at least every two years. Treatment reduces wear and wood graying, among other things.
Waste pieces of pressure-treated wood cannot be burned at home, as burning may produce toxic compounds. Unnecessary sanding of the wood should also be avoided. Treated wood must be disposed of in a separate collection at the waste station.
Spruce
A natural alternative to traditional pressure-treated decking board is decking board made from spruce. Pauha decking board is a domestic and completely toxin-free product.
The surface of the Pauha decking board is lightly brushed, bringing out the most wear-resistant part of the wood. This results in a product that is not only durable but also wonderfully tactile, with a surface that is not slippery even when wet. The ecological decking board contains no toxins, so waste pieces can be disposed of by burning.
Pauha decking board the surface is lightly brushed
Pauha terrace boards are treated with a gray-toned water-based Teknoshield 4015-00 wood oil. For best durability, Pauha terrace boards are recommended to be treated annually, either with Woodex Wood oil or the water-based version Woodex Aqua Wood Oil. These natural wood oils can be tinted to the original Poro Woodex 5087 shade if desired. During installation, we recommend treating the cut surfaces of the terrace boards with these products.
Thermally modified wood
Thermally modified wood offers a beautiful color and good weather resistance without chemical treatments. Thermally modified wood is produced by modifying wood at temperatures over 160 degrees Celsius, improving the material's resistance to rot, weather, and thermal insulation properties, while reducing wood moisture movement. At such high temperatures and steam, resin is also removed from the wood fibers.
Thermowood is a more environmentally friendly option than treated wood, as it can be recycled in the same way as untreated wood. Thermowood should also be surface-treated and maintained regularly. Treatment reduces, among other things, wood graying, cracking, and splintering.
Selection criteria: consider these points when making your choice
When choosing terrace material, it is important to consider at least the following factors:
– Appearance and style: What style and atmosphere do you want for your terrace? Do you value the naturalness of wood or the versatility of composite?
– Durability and maintenance needs: How much time and money are you willing to invest in maintaining your terrace? Composite may be a better choice if low maintenance is a priority.
– Budget: Consider long-term costs, including purchase, installation, and maintenance. The higher initial investment in composite can pay off through reduced maintenance expenses.
A high-quality terrace is an investment in your home's comfort and value.
The choice between wood and composite depends on personal preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Both materials offer their own advantages and challenges. The warmth and beauty of traditional wood appeal to many, while the low maintenance and durability of composite make it an attractive option for a modern lifestyle. The final decision largely depends on what you value: Is your goal to create the most natural and traditional outdoor space, or do you want to invest in a material that offers ease and durability with less effort?
Building or renovating a terrace is an investment in your home's comfort and value, so carefully explore the options and make a decision that best serves both your immediate and long-term needs. Once you've made your choice, it's important to invest in careful planning. With a well-thought-out and complete plan, it's easy to start creating a terrace that suits your needs perfectly! Begin planning by exploring the comprehensive to our terrace construction guide or get inspired On an eternal vacation from the family's terrace renovation.
