Wood is a natural material, and when exposed to outdoor conditions it swells, dries out, cracks, warps, and fades over time. To extend the lifespan of street furniture, it is important to choose the right wood species.
WHAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN CHOOSING WOOD BOARDS?
In this article, we compare Latvian softwood – typically pine and spruce – with hardwood grown in tropical climates. Each type of wood has unique advantages and disadvantages that affect its durability, aesthetics, and environmental impact, helping landscape architects, designers, municipalities, and developers make sound, informed decisions.
Softwood
Advantages:
- Cost: Softwood is cheaper than hardwood, making it an attractive option for budget projects or for property owners who plan to re-stain the boards annually. This process is relatively simple and not labor-intensive, and we provide written and video instructions for our clients.
- Ease of processing: Pine and spruce have relatively low density, making them easy to saw and process.
- Sustainability: Softwood such as pine and spruce is sourced from local forests. This makes it a more environmentally conscious choice, since it can be replenished faster than tropical hardwood and does not require long-distance transportation.
Disadvantages:
- Durability: Softwood is generally less durable than tropical hardwood. It is more susceptible to wear, weathering, and rot.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as staining, is necessary to extend the lifespan of of softwood.
Tropical wood
Advantages:
- Excellent durability: Tropical wood boards made from iroko, mahogany, and teak are known for their resistance to environmental conditions, making them long-lasting in outdoor use.
- Aesthetic appeal: Because of the dense wood structure and tight pores, tropical wood boards are dimensionally stable, develop virtually no cracks, and their surface is highly resistant to wear. Thanks to these properties, tropical hardwood retains its original appearance, enhancing the visual appeal of public spaces for years to come.
- Minimal treatment required: Tropical wood boards can be treated with a special oil, which gives the wood a deeper and richer color tone. This treatment typically needs to be reapplied every few years. If tropical wood boards are left untreated, they gradually acquire a grayish-silver tone, but this practically does not affect the wood’s strength or service life.
Disadvantages:
- Environmental concerns: Some of the tropical wood on the market is sourced from rainforests, which contributes to deforestation and loss of biodiversity. It is important to ensure that the tropical hardwood used is certified as originating from sustainably managed forests, such as FSC-certified timber.
- High initial cost: The higher price of tropical hardwood can limit its use in larger projects, making budget considerations a significant factor.
These factors should be considered when selecting the most suitable material for each project that improves the urban environment, matches the maintenance capabilities of the property manager, proves cost-effective and supports sustainability goals.
Trends
In practice, the surfaces of street furniture are only rarely restored and re-stained after installation. In recent years, the cost of labor has been rising faster than the cost of materials. As a result, a larger initial investment in tropical wood for outdoor furniture pays off in the following years.
The price difference between softwood and tropical wood boards for a bench with a backrest is EUR 180–400 excluding VAT. You can see the exact prices for both types of wood on our website and calculate the most cost-effective solution.
From 2025, the EU is also introducing legislation requiring proof of origin for wood imported from outside the EU, eliminating the possibility of importing wood from illegally logged forests. These considerations are leading more clients to choose tropical wood for outdoor furniture.
If you have further questions about improving public outdoor spaces, wooden surface treatments, or the factors to consider when choosing materials and finishes for street furniture, write to us at info@metalfabrik.eu.