Published: 21/03/22 By: Mike Bekin
Have you ever looked at a plank of wood and wondered: where did it come from? If you have, you definitely aren’t alone! Like many products around our homes, the journey of timber decking is a mysterious one to most, filled with far-off lands and many people you are likely never to meet, but who all had a part to play in creating the lovely wood under your feet. But at EcoChoice, we know quite a lot about how a tree turns into timber and ends up in your home. Read on to find out more!
Our Timber is Sourced From Sustainable Forests
Not all timber for decking is going to be from sustainable forests, but ours is so that is where our focus will be. The timber begins as a tree, growing in either a natural or plantation forest on a patch of responsibly managed land. Here the trees reach up from safe ground where biodiversity and conservation are encouraged, and local communities benefit from the industry and often take an active role in managing the forests.
Where the tree grows will vary depending on the species. Oak, for example, may be grown here in England or nearby in Europe, whilst Ipe may have begun its journey in the exotic Amazon rainforest. By looking into where your species is most commonly grown, you can learn more about the origins of your decking.
The Tree is harvested
When it is mature, the tree which will become your decking is felled. In the sustainable forests with which we work, the land is then left to regenerate, creating new space for new trees to flourish and continue the natural circle of life.
The Raw Timber is Created
Once the tree has been felled, it will be stripped of branches and the trunk will be sawn into raw planks. This process usually takes place at a lumber sawmill, where the timber will be processed and turned into useable wood for your decking.
After it has been cut, edging will take place to remove any irregularities and create an even surface. The wood is then trimmed into uniform planks with straight edges and dried in a kiln to reduce the moisture content, a process which is essential to improve stability and make the wood easier to install when it gets to your home. Planing is then carried out to smooth the surface of the timber and ensure it is at its required width and thickness, whilst also adding a profile: grooved or smooth deck boards are the most common, although side grooves for hidden fixing clips are now also becoming popular.
Will the Timber be Treated?
After the tree has been turned into smooth decking boards, it can be shipped to be used untreated and in its natural state. With some species, though, the planks are treated to add beneficial properties to the timber. They can be treated at high temperatures to create ThermoWood, for example, or given a simple surface treatment to improve its water resistance. The finish applied will vary depending on the end-use, but a water repellant treatment is very common for decking.
The Timber is Sent to Your Door
After this long process which can take place in different countries and involves many people, the timber is ready to go! It will be shipped either to a supplier or straight to your door, where you can lay it in your garden and create a beautiful deck for spending those relaxing summer days. Just make sure you use durable joists and fixings, always following good installation guidelines such as those from the TDCA.
Choose Sustainable Timber From EcoChoice
If you are looking for wood for your decking and like the sound of it coming from sustainable forests, choose EcoChoice. We have a wide range of timber species sourced from FSC certified forests. If you have any questions about our timber or your decking, get in touch with our team today and we will be more than happy to help!
