Natural Timber VS Engineered Timber Decking
Timber can be used in a huge range of landscape projects, from decking to fences or even feature elements. If you want to incorporate more wood in your landscape or if you want to explore the benefits of opting for timber decking over engineered decking, then simply look below.
Time
Natural timber will age with the weather. The appearance will change over time and it will absorb some of the natural elements from your garden. It may darken, lighten or simply gain character. Although this may sound appealing, it’s not for everyone. If you have a very rustic property or garden, this may fit in perfectly with what you’re going for. If you have a modern and sleek home, then engineered wood may give you the sleek and clean finish you’re looking for.
Weather
As mentioned above, natural timber will age with the weather. The issue with this is that you need to make sure that your wood is protected. Engineered wood is able to withstand the elements much better. The main reason for this is because extreme heat or cold weather such as snow can cause natural timber to expand and contract. Engineered wood is able to resist these changes more.
Presence
Natural timber has a very earthy and subtle presence. It blends into a garden very well and over time it will gain charm. Engineered wood stands out a bit more, as it’s got a certain finish that is widely associated with the way that the product is made.
Look & Aesthetic
Engineered timber can look a bit plasticky when compared to timber. Some don’t like this, as they prefer the look of natural wood. Others prefer the consistent look that engineered wood has to offer, as there are usually no knots or imperfections present.
Finish
It’s possible to stain both natural timber and engineered wood. That being said, staining natural timber is a bit more of a requirement. You have to make sure that you protect the wood underneath, whereas engineered timber comes with a higher level of protection out of the gate.
Pricing
Due to the additional protection, engineered wood can be much more expensive. You can expect to pay up to 30-40% more for engineered wood, and when you have a large surface area to cover, you may find that your project quickly becomes unaffordable.
After Care
Engineered timber requires much less maintenance. You won’t have to worry as much about re-staining it or re-finishing it over time. It’s more durable but you will of course, pay for this with the extra cost.
With all of the above considered, our preference is to opt for natural wood. You can’t compare with the naturally aged finish and it just fits in with a natural environment much better. This is especially the case if you have a natural wood fence or if you want to make sure that your home has that welcoming cottage look.