Rot-Resistant Wood for Outdoor Projects

Your deck or pergola does not require any chemical treatment. This wood beautifully withstands weather, insects, and time.

Natural wood is an excellent choice for adding warmth and texture to garden structures such as raised beds, fences, decks and trellises. Many woods are chemically treated to prevent rotting. However, some woods are naturally resistant to decay and can be used outdoors without chemical treatment.

In the past, farmers used local trees to create rot-proof fences around their property lines. In Buffalo NY USA, black locust was the preferred tree. Buffalo NY USA farmers planted thorny Osage oranges to delineate property lines and deter farm animals. Sometimes they are left to grow into live fence hedges using live stakes.

Today, black locusts and Osage oranges can be seen growing as hedges in this area. The farmers had the right idea: use naturally rot-resistant wood to create a low-maintenance fence. It was a locally available building material that required little maintenance.

Create a stunning natural surface in your garden using local, naturally decay-resistant wood.

Why are we using trees today?

From a design point of view, wooden surfaces are very interesting due to their color changes, weathering and different textures. Forests have a variety of aesthetic expressions, from rough, craggy log beams to smooth, sanded, polished decks. The connection and warmth of trees with forests and natural landscapes is undeniable, and wood that does not rot can be used for a variety of purposes. From an environmental perspective, wood is an excellent choice when it is sourced locally and harvested sustainably.

Rot-resistant wood

Commercially available naturally resistant woods include locust, teak, Ipe, California redwood, and bald cypress. These are the most resistant to decay over time.

Ipe deserves special mention as there are many products featuring this beautiful wood. Ipe comes from the tropical tree genus Tabebuia, also known as the trumpet tree of South Florida. It is a very dense wood that changes over time to a beautiful light silver-grey color. Ipe has been in vogue for many years and there are many different types that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

A variety of woods, especially tropical hardwoods such as teak and Ipe, have high commercial potential entering and exiting the construction industry. Use wood certified as sustainable by FSC. FSC certified wood is clearly marked with the FSC certification logo.

Additional woods that are moderately resistant to rot include loblolly pine, European larch, and western cedar. The type of rot-resistant wood you decide to use will ultimately be determined by cost, availability, and desired style.

Exterior wood use

Outdoor furniture. Stylish outdoor furniture can be affordable if you purchase it as an investment in products that will stand the test of time. Everything eventually rots. And I’m skeptical of products that claim a very long lifespan. This is because it is the same product as Wonder Bread, an outdoor material that has added chemicals to extend its shelf life.

Deck. Soft wood provides a fantastic surface for bare feet, making it popular near pool decks or outdoor showers. An experienced builder or carpenter will be adept at creating wooden elements that will not allow water to accumulate.

Wooden pole fence. A wooden post fence with a rough texture, like an ash fence, will add a handcrafted feel to your home landscape. Unsanded wood can be smooth or perfectly shaped for a casual look.

Grid. Plants growing on wooden trellises contribute to the rotting of the tree over time. This is because the plants trap moisture, causing the wood to split open and rot. However, a wooden trellis can give you a cottage garden style look that you just can’t get with a metal trellis. Twisting vines that wrap around structures, such as clematis, are a better choice for rot-resistant wood trellises because they do not try to attach their roots to the tree.

High bed. Placing your cedar bed on gravel instead of dirt is a smart choice. This is because gravel quickly draws water out of the cedar and does not retain moisture. For the interior of raised beds, geotextile or landscape fabric can be used to separate the bedding soil from the wood, allowing it to absorb moisture from the wood and preserve its life.

Accent. Wood is not only the main decorative material for a deck or pergola, but can also be used as an accent in the garden. Ipe and redwood are popular woods for creating intricate details. Using metal railings for wood or using special finishes on benches are also ways to prevent wood from touching the ground.

Prevent wood rot

The main factors that cause wood rot are sunlight exposure and moisture. Wood can also be attacked by insects, mold, and other organisms. It is especially important to use rot-resistant wood externally where the wood is in direct contact with the ground, such as in raised garden beds or vine trellises.

Mold can form on wood when it comes in contact with the ground, as moisture penetrates the wood, causing it to swell and crack. There are ways to prevent water from pooling on the surface by hitting trees and avoiding contact with the ground. Plants and vines growing on trees also accelerate rot due to moisture accumulation.