Specifying timber for high-traffic commercial decking: a pro's guide

Commercial decking is going to see a lot of foot traffic. Whether your timber decking is installed on a public footpath, as an al fresco dining area or as an outdoor lunch spot for staff, it is likely to be under more strain than domestic decking. That is why choosing a durable, strong timber species is so crucial, ensuring that your commercial decking can withstand a whole lot of wear and tear without a hitch.

In this guide, we will take a look at how to specify timber for high-traffic commercial decking, including the characteristics you need and some of our go-to species.

Why the Right Timber Species is Important

Different timber species bring very different characteristics to your decking project. There are some species, for instance, which are very susceptible to moisture damage and rot, making them a poor choice for any outdoor application (unless treated before installation). Others might not be strong enough to withstand a lot of foot traffic, making splintering and buckling boards far more likely.

However, the right timber species will offer a balance of strength, durability, stability and resistance to moisture and decay. It should stand up to constant use, harsh weather conditions and changes in humidity without losing either its structural integrity or aesthetic appeal.

What to Look for in Your Timber Decking Species

When specifying timber for commercial decking, we recommend prioritising:

• Durability: This is essential, and you should be looking for a species with a naturally high resistance to rot, insects and moisture. For decking, we usually recommend a durability class 3 at a minimum, and ideally a durability class 1 or 2 timber.
• Density: The denser your timber, the better it will be at coping with a lot of foot traffic. You will see fewer dents, splintering and surface wear. Do note, though, that dense timbers can also be harder to work and require specialist equipment. If you are taking on a DIY decking project, look for a timber which balances hard-wearing properties with workability.
• Dimensional stability: This refers to how well your timber handles changes in moisture and temperature, with more stable timber species less prone to shrinking, swelling and warping.
• Maintenance: For commercial decking in particular, choosing a low-maintenance species is a must. This reduces cleaning labour, costs associated with your decking and the need for regular treatments.

Softwoods or Hardwoods for Decking?

In all truth, it does not matter. Whether you pick a softwood or a hardwood for commercial decking matters a lot less than the actual species, which is where you will find the timber’s characteristics best suited to your project.

Best Timber Species for Commercial Decking

We have a huge range of timber species which are perfect for commercial decking, and we would recommend any one of them. That being said, we do have a few favourites which are often at the top of our list.

The first is Ekki. This is an exceptionally dense and incredibly strong timber, and one of the toughest hardwoods on the market. It thrives in high-performance settings, including decking which is going to see a lot of wear and tear. If your deck is near water (such as by the coast or a swimming pool), you will also be pleased to know that Ekki is perfectly suited to wetter conditions – in fact, it is a top choice for marine applications.

Ipe is another premium choice, renowned for its remarkable hardness, natural rot resistance, and elegant appearance.

Yellow Balau and Jatoba are other very durable tropical hardwood options with great strength, durability, and longevity.

In terms of aesthetics, we need to mention Western Red Cedar. This is such a beautiful timber which makes for the most gorgeous decking areas, and it is a more cost-effective option than some of our other recommendations. For durability, opt for Canadian Cedar over British Cedar every time.

Find Timber for Commercial Decking

Not found what you are looking for in this guide? No problem – our EcoChoice experts are here to help. With a wide range of FSC® and PEFC-certified timber and easy delivery to projects around the UK, we will make finding the perfect timber species for your commercial decking a breeze.

Get in touch to chat more about timber.