Building a deck is one of the best ways to expand your outdoor living space, but choosing the right decking material can be a daunting task. Among the popular choices today, Siberian Larch and Thermowood stand out due to their durability, aesthetics, and environmental credentials. But which one is right for your project? Let's dive into the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
Siberian Larch Decking
Overview
Siberian Larch is a coniferous wood species known for its durability and beauty. It originates from the cold climates of Siberia, which gives it unique characteristics that make it a sought-after material for outdoor applications like decking.
Key Benefits
Durability: Siberian Larch is naturally resistant to decay and pests, thanks to its high resin content. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor decking that can withstand various weather conditions.
Aesthetics: The wood has a distinctive golden-brown color that ages beautifully to a silvery-grey patina if left untreated. Its natural grain patterns add a touch of elegance to any outdoor space.
Environmental Impact: As a naturally grown wood, Siberian Larch is a sustainable option, especially when sourced from well-managed forests.
Low Maintenance: While it benefits from occasional treatment to maintain its color, Siberian Larch requires relatively low upkeep, especially compared to softer woods.
Considerations
Hardness: Siberian Larch is quite hard, which can make it slightly more challenging to work with during installation. Pre-drilling holes may be necessary.
Cost: Although it’s more affordable than some tropical hardwoods, Siberian Larch is generally more expensive than treated softwoods.
Thermowood Decking
Overview
Thermowood is a type of modified wood that has undergone a heat treatment process, improving its durability and stability. The process involves heating the wood to temperatures between 180-230°C (356-446°F) in a controlled environment, which changes the wood’s properties without using chemicals.
Key Benefits
Durability: The heat treatment process enhances the wood's resistance to decay, making it highly durable and suitable for outdoor use.
Stability: Thermowood is less likely to warp, twist, or swell compared to untreated wood. This makes it ideal for areas with fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels.
Aesthetics: The heat treatment darkens the wood, giving it a rich, deep color that is uniform throughout. This aesthetic appeal is long-lasting, though it can fade to a grey color over time if not treated.
Environmental Impact: Thermowood is environmentally friendly since it doesn't require chemical treatments, and the process can be applied to sustainably sourced softwoods like pine or spruce.
Workability: Thermowood is easy to work with, as the treatment makes the wood more uniform and less prone to splintering or splitting during installation.
Considerations
Color Fading: Over time, Thermowood will naturally fade to a silver-grey color if left untreated. If you prefer to maintain its original color, regular maintenance with oil or UV-protective finishes is necessary.
Cost: While generally less expensive than hardwoods like teak or ipe, Thermowood can be more expensive than untreated softwoods. However, its long lifespan can offset the initial cost.
Comparing Siberian Larch and Thermowood
When it comes to choosing between Siberian Larch and Thermowood for decking, both materials offer significant benefits but cater to slightly different needs and preferences.
Durability and Stability
Both Siberian Larch and Thermowood are highly durable, but Thermowood might have a slight edge in stability due to the heat treatment process that reduces the wood's moisture content and makes it less prone to movement.
Aesthetics
Siberian Larch has a more natural, rustic appearance with its grain and color variations, making it perfect for those who want a classic wooden deck. Thermowood, on the other hand, offers a more uniform look with a rich, dark color that some homeowners prefer for a modern or contemporary style.
Maintenance
Siberian Larch can be left untreated to age gracefully, but it may require periodic treatment to prevent discoloration. Thermowood requires regular maintenance to retain its color but is generally easier to care for due to its enhanced stability.
Environmental Impact
Both options are environmentally friendly when sourced responsibly. Thermowood has the advantage of not requiring chemical treatments, which might be a consideration if you’re particularly concerned about ecological impact.
Cost
Cost can be a deciding factor. Siberian Larch may be more affordable upfront, but Thermowood’s reduced maintenance needs and longevity could make it more cost-effective in the long run.
Conclusion
Choosing between Siberian Larch and Thermowood for your decking ultimately depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. If you value a traditional, natural wood appearance and are okay with some maintenance, Siberian Larch might be the best choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a modern, uniform look with high stability and are willing to invest in maintenance to preserve its color, Thermowood could be the better option.
Both materials are excellent choices for creating a durable and beautiful outdoor space that you can enjoy for years to come.