The strongest woods for outdoor use: Which timber lasts longest in UK weather?

Installing timber decking or putting up a new fence? Whatever your outdoor project, it is vital you choose a hardy and durable timber species which can withstand the wear and tear of the great British weather. So, what is the toughest timber you can choose? Let’s take a look at your options in this guide.

Look for Durability Class 1

If you are not looking to make compromises in terms of durability, you will need a timber species with a BS EN 350-2:1994 rating of Class 1. This is the top tier of durability, and any species which falls under this category is going to bring high resistance to external threats, such as rot and insect infestation, with little to no maintenance required.

Our run down of timbers that last the longest in UK weather are all durability class 1. When properly installed and exposed above ground, Class 1 timbers can last 25 years or more, with some species lasting significantly longer in sheltered conditions.

Ipe

Ipe timber is a tropical hardwood which is renowned for its durability. It is one of the strongest, hardest wearing timber species available, and is suitable for outdoor construction projects as well as marine applications due to its high density (often over 1,000kg/m3 – so it sinks in water!). In appearance, it looks remarkably similar to Mahogany, making it a much-coveted choice for projects blending durability with aesthetics.

Yellow Balau

There are two options when looking at Balau timber: Red Balau and Yellow Balau. For superior durability, we recommend Yellow Balau, which has golden-yellow hues in comparison to Red Balau’s deep browny-red tone.

When properly installed outdoors in the UK, Yellow Balau timber should last for at least 25 years with very little maintenance. This is one of the favourite decking species making it a perfect choice if you are looking for a long-lasting, beautiful project.

Greenheart

Greenheart is one of the most popular choices for UK construction projects which require superior durability. This is also an incredibly strong and stiff timber species, making it ideal for load-bearing bridges and marine ports or piers. At EcoChoice, we can supply reclaimed and recycled Greenheart for added sustainability, reducing the carbon footprint of your timber project.

Ekki

We are big fans of Ekki for marine and external constructions. In terms of withstanding UK weather, you can expect your Ekki easily to take on 25 years of wind and rain without budging, with some Ekki constructions (UC3) boasting up to 50 years with little or no maintenance. Do note that Ekki is incredibly dense, so you will need experience and professional tools to work with it.

Iroko

Iroko has a high natural oil content, meaning that it can stand up to water and insects with ease. An African hardwood, it offers brilliant dimensional stability, meaning that it does not significantly warp or swell in wet or humid conditions, and is renowned for its Teak-like appearance.

Find Long-Lasting Exterior Timber at EcoChoice

We supply all these durability class 1 timbers at EcoChoice, bringing the very best in durability to your outdoor UK project. All our timber species are sourced from FSC® and PEFC-certified forests, for an eco-friendly construction which will still be there for future generations.

To start an order for your outdoor timber construction, get in touch with us today.