CONSULTATION » Decking boards » Durability

Durability of a wooden deck

Fungi and mold will degrade wood over time. The durability classes or resistance classes according to the DIN standard indicate the resistance of different types of wood to fungal attack. Tropical woods usually have a significantly higher durability outdoors than European woods.

The resistance class provides an overview

While a wood in resistance class 1, such as Cumaru, has a service life of more than 25 years according to the DIN standard, wood with a low resistance, such as Douglas fir, can be attacked by fungi after just five years. All decking wood Betterwood achieve the highest resistance class. You can find an overview of the resistance class of the best-known decking wood in our Wood Lexicon.

The constructive wood protection

In addition to the natural durability of a wood, other external factors determine the durability of the wood. The DIN standard must therefore only be understood as a guide and not as a guarantee. The durability is influenced, among other things, by the ambient humidity and the constructive wood protection. In shady places where the wood is exposed to constant moisture, its durability is reduced compared to a sunny, rather dry environment. In addition, the terrace should be well ventilated and the wood should not be constantly submerged in water. A terrace with a slight incline achieves a longer service life.

Wood care for a longer service life

In addition, the durability of a wooden terrace with wood care products be extended. Impregnation protects against rot, blue stain and algae. Decking oil and front edge wax prevent cracking. And annual cleaning removes algae and leaves.