What is the best timber for outdoor use in the UK’s climate?

From new garden decking to a public-access footbridge, whenever you are sourcing a timber species for an exterior project, it pays to be careful. The right species can last for decades with little maintenance, standing up to rain, wind and heavy loads with ease. So, which is the best timber species to use in the UK climate? To help you make the ideal choice, our British timber experts have weighed in.

Key Considerations for Outdoor Timber in the UK

When selecting a timber species for an outdoor project in Britain, you will need to be aware of:

• Rot resistance: The UK weather is known for being wet, with 164 days of rain in 2024. Your timber species will need to be able to withstand water without instantly rotting.
• Swelling and warping: Another side-effect of too much water can be swelling or warping – also known as dimensional stability. Look for a dimensionally stable timber species which will not experience too much movement in wet conditions.
• Fungal and pest attack: The UK does not have termites, but it suffers from fungal decay and a number of pesky insects. A timber which can resist pests will be a low-maintenance and long-lasting choice.
• UV Resistance: When we do get the occasional spot of sun, it is also good to note that timber can and does weather (fade). However, the lovely silvery-grey hue that it fades to is actually very desirable, which is why we would not class it as a key consideration. So, if you are worried about UV damage, we would suggest using a UV-resistant coating, such as Osmo UV Oil, on your exterior construction.

Best Timber Species for Outdoor Use in the UK

The great news? There are countless timber species out there which are perfect for exterior use in the UK’s climate! To inspire your choice, let’s run through our top picks for Britain’s wet and windy weather:

Oak

How could we not kickstart with England’s flagship timber? Well-known for its strength and durability, Oak is one of our go-to choices for outdoor use in the UK. We particularly love it for creating strong, sturdy decking.

Cedar

A sustainable, contemporary choice, Canadian Western Red Cedar is a super strong softwood which has plenty of durability. Choose British Cedar for a local, budget-friendly option and Canadian Western Red for projects which need a little extra longevity.

Douglas Fir

Douglas Fir is a strong and stable softwood, well-suited for outdoor applications. Its high strength-to-weight ratio makes it an excellent choice for structural projects such as beams, pergolas and decking subframes. While it naturally offers some resistance to moisture, it performs best when treated for added protection against rot and insects.

Ekki

Ekki is one of the toughest and most durable hardwoods available, and it is well-suited to British rain thanks to its wonderful resistance to rot. In fact, this is a common choice for marine construction in the UK, and we supplied it for the Oxen Cove Jetty Fenders and Hastings Pier.

Greenheart

Another heavyweight in marine applications, Greenheart timber is renowned for its strength, durability and natural resistance to saltwater. Frequently used for marine decking, piers and piling, Greenheart is one of the best choices for structures which have to endure constant exposure to moisture and harsh weather.

Find Your UK Timber Match

Still not sure you have found your perfect pairing for the UK climate? We can help. At EcoChoice, our experts will be happy to match your project requirements to the timber species which will best suit your needs.