Our 28mm decking boards offer greater structural strength, a reduced risk of warping and cupping, a longer lifespan, allow for wider joist spacing, and provide a more premium look and feel in comparison to the standard 22mm decking boards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of 28mm thick decking over the standard 22mm pine decking?
What’s the difference between thermally treated wood and pressure-treated wood?
Thermally treated wood is natural timber enhanced through heat (180°C–220°C) in an oxygen-free environment. This treatment alters the wood’s cell structure and significantly reduces its capability to absorb moisture. This process improves the overall durability and stability of the timber.
Whereas pressure-treated wood is placed in a high-pressure vessel where preservatives are forced into the timber, significantly lengthening its lifespan by making it more resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation.
What kind of wood is impregnated wood?
Impregnated wood is when sawn pine timber has been pressure-treated with preservatives to withstand rot, decay, and insect infestation. This process forces chemical preservatives into the wood’s cells, enhancing its longevity and making it ideal for outdoor structures.
Where does the material come from?
All of our raw wood material comes from sustainably managed PEFC labelled forests. This means we only source from forests that are managed in a manner that supports the area’s biodiversity, productivity, regeneration capacity, and vitality.
Is all impregnated wood the same?
Typically, impregnated wood refers to a Finnish pressure-impregnated wood that adheres to the Nordic NTR quality requirements. Additionally, this type of wood is protected with safe and effective copper-based wood preservatives.
Impregnated wood can mean several things, depending on the context. It can also refer to impregnated wood or pressure-treated wood that does not meet the NTR quality requirements.
How can you identify pressure-treated wood?
Impregnated wood can easily be identified in two ways.
The first, and easiest, way to identify this material is based on its service life and application. For example, if an outdoor wooden structure has been in use for over 15 years, the material is most probably impregnated wood.
Secondly, you can also saw across the board and take a look at the sawing surface. If the cross-sectional surface shows a darker area or a green shade, it’s usually a typical sign of impregnated wood.
How is impregnated wood produced?
Impregnated wood is pressure-treated wood, where preservatives are brought into the wood in a tight container with the assistance of water and pressure fluctuations.
Can impregnated wood be burned?
Impregnated wood should not be burned in home fireplaces or campfires. Discarded impregnated wood should be delivered to municipal waste collection points or waste treatment plants.
Can pressure-treated wood be painted? Which paint gives the best result?
Yes, it can. However, it is important that the wood is completely dry before applying paint. Surface treatments such as oil paints, alkyd paints, translucent and opaque wood preservatives, and wood oils are all suitable options for impregnated wood.
Can impregnated wood be sanded?
Yes, it can. If the decking board is splintered, you can carefully wash the surface and lightly wipe the dried board with sandpaper.
When should you use pressure-treated wood?
Pressure-treated wood serves best in outdoor conditions where elements such as moisture, heat, and oxygen all contribute to the wear and destruction of unprotected wood.
How do I make sure that the wood lasts outdoors?
- Use pressure-treated impregnated wood if the structure is going to be exposed to outdoor weather or moisture rising from the ground.
- For above-ground structures, such as decking boards, be sure to use NTR AB-class impregnated wood. For structures such as terrace frames and fence posts, it is best to opt for NTR A-class impregnated wood.
- Avoid working on impregnated wood to prevent unprotected heartwood from being exposed.
- Maintain good construction practices, such as protecting outdoor wooden structures from getting wet and preventing exposure to long-term moisture stress.
How long does impregnated wood last?
The estimated lifespan of impregnated wood is about 20-25 years. However, factors such as environmental conditions and maintenance can drastically increase or decrease the lifespan of your impregnated wood.
How do you build a terrace?
- Installation: Deck boards are to be installed by attaching them to the frame using long screws (at least two screws per joint). Pre-drilling is not necessary, but can be done at the board ends to prevent splitting/cracking. Be sure to maintain a 1-3 mm gap between boards, as new boards will shrink as they dry, increasing the gaps.
- Fastening: Deck boards can be fastened with deck screws that have a zinc coating of at least 90 µm. For load-bearing or safety-critical structures, make sure to only use stainless or acid-resistant steel fasteners, screws, and nails.
- Maintenance: You can maintain impregnated wood by brushing or washing it with water and mild detergent as needed. The wood will naturally turn grey over time, due to sunlight and weather exposure. To preserve the original colour, you can surface-treat the boards with wood oil 2-3 months after installation.
Which side of the terrace board should be placed upwards?
In practice, the general rule is to install the board so that the neater side shows upwards.
Can mould spots appear on the terrace?
If impregnated wood is used or stored in extremely humid conditions with poor air circulation, dark spots of mould may appear on the surface. To prevent mould, be sure to keep your impregnated wood in an environment with proper air circulation and ventilation.
Can pressure-impregnated wood be used indoors?
No, it can’t. Impregnated wood should not be used indoors due to potential health risks caused by toxic chemical off-gassing and leaching, as well as environmental hazards if burned.
Can impregnated wood be used in the sauna?
No, it can’t. However, thermally modified wood can be used for sauna surfaces, as this treatment still provides moisture resistance.
Can impregnated wood be used for a glazed terrace/barbecue hut?
Yes, it can. Because of its high resistance to decay and insects, impregnated wood is a great material to use for structural framing and flooring. However, ensure not to use impregnated wood for surfaces that will be in direct contact with food.
Does an outdoor structure made of impregnated wood need to be maintained?
Impregnated wood doesn’t rot, even if the wood is not regularly maintained or cared for. However, impregnated wood tends to age beautifully if its surface is treated regularly with a wood preservative.
Why is impregnated wood greenish?
Impregnated wood gets its greenish colour over time due to copper salts contained in the wood preservative.
How can I be assured of acquiring impregnated wood that meets quality requirements?
Some impregnated wood products do not meet industry requirements, resulting in materials of significantly lower quality with a service life of only a few years.
To ensure that you’re buying quality materials, you can look at the packaging for appropriate markings or labels such as the product’s domestic origin and impregnation class (NTR A or NTR AB). The label also contains information about the wood preservative used, as well as a trademark.
Additionally, by only buying from credible and reliable sources, you ensure that the wood is treated in accordance with the Nordic NTR quality requirements.
How do I prevent decking boards from cracking?
It’s not uncommon for wood to eventually crack due to a lack of moisture. Pre-drilling the screw fastenings of decking boards can prevent the board from cracking as it dries. You can also prevent your boards from cracking with surface treatments.
What preservatives are used in impregnated wood?
Impregnated wood typically makes use of preservatives based on copper salts that, in turn, serve to protect the wood against decay and insects.
Is impregnated wood toxic?
No, it is not. High-quality impregnated wood treated with safe wood preservatives does not pose a risk to people, animals, or plants.
My old terrace may contain old protective agents. Does the structure need to be dismantled?
No, ideally, you should not dismantle the structure. Old structures should be used until the end of their service cycle and appropriately delivered for recycling.
Can impregnated wood be used in vegetable gardens and plant boxes?
Yes, it can. However, impregnated wood should not come into direct contact with edible plants.
The impregnation agent is only present on the edges of the cut board. Has pressure impregnation failed?
Probably not. The amount of heartwood and sapwood in each board varies. As a result, the depth and amount of the impregnation agent between different boards will vary. If there is impregnation at the edges of the board, it can be concluded that the board in question is most probably heartwood.
What are the benefits of 28mm thick decking over the standard 22mm pine decking?
Our 28mm decking boards offer greater structural strength, a reduced risk of warping and cupping, a longer lifespan, allow for wider joist spacing, and provide a more premium look and feel in comparison to the standard 22mm decking boards.
What’s the difference between thermally treated wood and pressure-treated wood?
Thermally treated wood is natural timber enhanced through heat (180°C–220°C) in an oxygen-free environment. This treatment alters the wood’s cell structure and significantly reduces its capability to absorb moisture. This process improves the overall durability and stability of the timber.
Whereas pressure-treated wood is placed in a high-pressure vessel where preservatives are forced into the timber, significantly lengthening its lifespan by making it more resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation.
What kind of wood is impregnated wood?
Impregnated wood is when sawn pine timber has been pressure-treated with preservatives to withstand rot, decay, and insect infestation. This process forces chemical preservatives into the wood’s cells, enhancing its longevity and making it ideal for outdoor structures.
Where does the material come from?
All of our raw wood material comes from sustainably managed PEFC labelled forests. This means we only source from forests that are managed in a manner that supports the area’s biodiversity, productivity, regeneration capacity, and vitality.
Is all impregnated wood the same?
Typically, impregnated wood refers to a Finnish pressure-impregnated wood that adheres to the Nordic NTR quality requirements. Additionally, this type of wood is protected with safe and effective copper-based wood preservatives.
Impregnated wood can mean several things, depending on the context. It can also refer to impregnated wood or pressure-treated wood that does not meet the NTR quality requirements.
How can you identify pressure-treated wood?
Impregnated wood can easily be identified in two ways.
The first, and easiest, way to identify this material is based on its service life and application. For example, if an outdoor wooden structure has been in use for over 15 years, the material is most probably impregnated wood.
Secondly, you can also saw across the board and take a look at the sawing surface. If the cross-sectional surface shows a darker area or a green shade, it’s usually a typical sign of impregnated wood.
How is impregnated wood produced?
Impregnated wood is pressure-treated wood, where preservatives are brought into the wood in a tight container with the assistance of water and pressure fluctuations.
Can impregnated wood be burned?
Impregnated wood should not be burned in home fireplaces or campfires. Discarded impregnated wood should be delivered to municipal waste collection points or waste treatment plants.
Can pressure-treated wood be painted? Which paint gives the best result?
Yes, it can. However, it is important that the wood is completely dry before applying paint. Surface treatments such as oil paints, alkyd paints, translucent and opaque wood preservatives, and wood oils are all suitable options for impregnated wood.
Can impregnated wood be sanded?
Yes, it can. If the decking board is splintered, you can carefully wash the surface and lightly wipe the dried board with sandpaper.
How do I make sure that the wood lasts outdoors?
- Use pressure-treated impregnated wood if the structure is going to be exposed to outdoor weather or moisture rising from the ground.
- For above-ground structures, such as decking boards, be sure to use NTR AB-class impregnated wood. For structures such as terrace frames and fence posts, it is best to opt for NTR A-class impregnated wood.
- Avoid working on impregnated wood to prevent unprotected heartwood from being exposed.
- Maintain good construction practices, such as protecting outdoor wooden structures from getting wet and preventing exposure to long-term moisture stress.
How long does impregnated wood last?
The estimated lifespan of impregnated wood is about 20-25 years. However, factors such as environmental conditions and maintenance can drastically increase or decrease the lifespan of your impregnated wood.
How do you build a terrace?
- Installation: Deck boards are to be installed by attaching them to the frame using long screws (at least two screws per joint). Pre-drilling is not necessary, but can be done at the board ends to prevent splitting/cracking. Be sure to maintain a 1-3 mm gap between boards, as new boards will shrink as they dry, increasing the gaps.
- Fastening: Deck boards can be fastened with deck screws that have a zinc coating of at least 90 µm. For load-bearing or safety-critical structures, make sure to only use stainless or acid-resistant steel fasteners, screws, and nails.
- Maintenance: You can maintain impregnated wood by brushing or washing it with water and mild detergent as needed. The wood will naturally turn grey over time, due to sunlight and weather exposure. To preserve the original colour, you can surface-treat the boards with wood oil 2-3 months after installation.
Which side of the terrace board should be placed upwards?
In practice, the general rule is to install the board so that the neater side shows upwards.
Can mould spots appear on the terrace?
If impregnated wood is used or stored in extremely humid conditions with poor air circulation, dark spots of mould may appear on the surface. To prevent mould, be sure to keep your impregnated wood in an environment with proper air circulation and ventilation.
Can pressure-impregnated wood be used indoors?
No, it can’t. Impregnated wood should not be used indoors due to potential health risks caused by toxic chemical off-gassing and leaching, as well as environmental hazards if burned.
Can impregnated wood be used in the sauna?
No, it can’t. However, thermally modified wood can be used for sauna surfaces, as this treatment still provides moisture resistance.
Can impregnated wood be used for a glazed terrace/barbecue hut?
Yes, it can. Because of its high resistance to decay and insects, impregnated wood is a great material to use for structural framing and flooring. However, ensure not to use impregnated wood for surfaces that will be in direct contact with food.
Does an outdoor structure made of impregnated wood need to be maintained?
Impregnated wood doesn’t rot, even if the wood is not regularly maintained or cared for. However, impregnated wood tends to age beautifully if its surface is treated regularly with a wood preservative.
Why is impregnated wood greenish?
Impregnated wood gets its greenish colour over time due to copper salts contained in the wood preservative.
How can I be assured of acquiring impregnated wood that meets quality requirements?
Some impregnated wood products do not meet industry requirements, resulting in materials of significantly lower quality with a service life of only a few years.
To ensure that you’re buying quality materials, you can look at the packaging for appropriate markings or labels such as the product’s domestic origin and impregnation class (NTR A or NTR AB). The label also contains information about the wood preservative used, as well as a trademark.
Additionally, by only buying from credible and reliable sources, you ensure that the wood is treated in accordance with the Nordic NTR quality requirements.
How do I prevent decking boards from cracking?
It’s not uncommon for wood to eventually crack due to a lack of moisture. Pre-drilling the screw fastenings of decking boards can prevent the board from cracking as it dries. You can also prevent your boards from cracking with surface treatments.
What preservatives are used in impregnated wood?
Impregnated wood typically makes use of preservatives based on copper salts that, in turn, serve to protect the wood against decay and insects.
Is impregnated wood toxic?
No, it is not. High-quality impregnated wood treated with safe wood preservatives does not pose a risk to people, animals, or plants.
My old terrace may contain old protective agents. Does the structure need to be dismantled?
No, ideally, you should not dismantle the structure. Old structures should be used until the end of their service cycle and appropriately delivered for recycling.
Can impregnated wood be used in vegetable gardens and plant boxes?
Yes, it can. However, impregnated wood should not come into direct contact with edible plants.
The impregnation agent is only present on the edges of the cut board. Has pressure impregnation failed?
Probably not. The amount of heartwood and sapwood in each board varies. As a result, the depth and amount of the impregnation agent between different boards will vary. If there is impregnation at the edges of the board, it can be concluded that the board in question is most probably heartwood.