OAK DECKING BOARDS
DURABLE WOOD
FOR TERRACES

High-quality oak sawn timber can be used to produce durable decking boards, platforms, steps and outdoor components. Oak combines a natural, premium appearance with high strength and good resistance.

For terrace and decking projects, the heartwood of oak is especially important. Oak heartwood is often assigned to durability class 2, also known as DC 2 or D2. This means it is considered durable and is well suited for outdoor use when properly constructed.

Oak decking boards are suitable for high-quality outdoor areas where stability, natural appearance and long service life are required. Depending on the project, suitable oak boards, oak planks or parallel-edged oak can be selected.

Oak boards, oak planks and parallel-edged oak for terraces, decking, platforms, steps and outdoor components.

REQUEST YOUR INDIVIDUAL TERRACE PROJECT

Are you planning a terrace, platform or outdoor component made from oak? Then an individual enquiry is worthwhile. Depending on the project, suitable oak boards, oak planks or parallel-edged oak can be selected.

Important properties:

• good natural durability of the heartwood
• high strength
• robust surface
• suitable for terraces, platforms and outdoor components
• characteristic oak grain
• natural greying outdoors
• good workability
• alternative to many tropical decking woods
• individual selection from oak sawn timber possible

Careful sorting is essential: For terraces and decking, low-sapwood heartwood should be used wherever possible. The lighter sapwood of oak is significantly less durable and should be avoided in long-lasting outdoor applications.

Are you planning a terrace, platform or outdoor component made from oak? Then an individual enquiry is worthwhile. Depending on the project, suitable oak boards, oak planks or parallel-edged oak can be selected.

Oak is an interesting alternative to many tropical decking woods. It is available from native or European sources, has a high-quality appearance and, as heartwood, offers good natural durability.

For sustainable terrace and decking projects, oak sawn timber is especially interesting when origin, sorting and processing are transparent. This makes it possible to create decking boards, platforms and outdoor components from a natural, durable and characterful wood.

For decking timber, the wood species is not the only important factor. Drying, storage and sorting also have a major influence on the later quality. Well-dried oak is easier to plan, can be processed more precisely and reduces the risk of strong deformation after installation.

The construction also remains essential: water should be able to drain away, the boards should be well ventilated from below and waterlogging must be avoided.

The durability class describes the natural resistance of a wood species to wood-destroying fungi.

The classes range from DC 1 to DC 5:

• DC 1 stands for very durable
• DC 2 for durable
• DC 3 for moderately durable
• DC 4 for slightly durable
• DC 5 for not durable.

Oak heartwood is often assigned to durability class 2. For terraces and decking, this means that oak can be a long-lasting solution for outdoor use when the right timber is selected, properly processed and correctly installed.

However, the durability class is not a fixed service life specification. Wood quality, heartwood content, drying, construction, ventilation and care are always decisive as well.

Oak wood contains natural tannins. These substances contribute to the resistance of the wood, but they can also cause discoloration outdoors. Dark stains may occur especially in combination with unsuitable metals, iron abrasion or standing water.

For oak decking boards, suitable stainless steel screws should therefore be used. Adjacent components such as metal parts, light-coloured stone surfaces, plaster or façade areas should also be considered during planning.

Such discoloration is not a sign of poor wood quality, but a typical characteristic of tannin-rich woods. With proper planning and suitable fasteners, the risk can be significantly reduced.

Untreated oak changes colour outdoors. Sun, rain and UV radiation create a silver-grey patina over time. This natural greying is normal and does not automatically affect the technical durability of the wood.

If the warm oak colour is to be preserved for longer, the surface can be treated regularly with a suitable decking oil. Regular cleaning remains important so that leaves, soil and dirt do not retain moisture.

Request oak decking boards made from high-quality oak sawn timber. We are happy to advise you on suitable oak boards, oak planks or parallel-edged oak for terraces, platforms, steps and outdoor components.