Wood / Hardwood Options
WHY A HARDWOOD CONSERVATORY?
If you want a conservatory that could last for centuries while also looking
and feeling beautiful, there is only material - hardwood!
If you think other materials have the potential to be longer-lasting just
look at the buildings in English oak that have stood for centuries. Conservatories
or orangeries that became popular in stately homes as far back as the 16th
century, were all built in hardwood and many still survive today.
WHAT IS HARDWOOD
Hardwood has little to do with the density of the timber. It is produced from
deciduous trees that range from the English oak to West African varieties such
as sapele.
IS THERE MUCH CHOICE IN THE VARIETY OF WOOD USED?
There is a surprising amount of choice with wood. The English oak is favoured
by many, as it has been used for centuries on homes and churches.
But the choice can also include mahogany, teak and woods with less familiar
names such as sapele, idigbo and iroko.
Many of these come from Africa and are from sustainable sources, although
it is worth asking a supplier if this is the case with their conservatories.
Timber such as meranti is often used, but it is a significant risk because
of the way it has been over-harvested.
A visit to Friends of the Earth’s website will give advice on timber
from sustainable sources. You may be surprised to learn that wood from Europe,
because it is properly managed, could well be a more sustainable source than
those from Africa, South America or Indonesia.
A word of caution, just because a wood is called a hardwood it might not be
suitable for outdoor use - beech is one example. It is worth doing your homework
and learning a little about the timber and its properties, before you make
a choice.
THE PROBLEM WITH WOOD IS IT CAN WARP
Any wood that is used in a hardwood conservatory should be properly seasoned.
Depending on the timber used it should have been kiln dried or left to weather
naturally.
WHAT CHOICE OF COLOUR
Some woods such as teak and oak have so much natural oil they may not need
any stain or paint and can be allowed to naturally mellow through weathering
to gain a silver appearance.
Hardwood can be stained to create a natural look with colours such as the
deep tones of mahogany or the lighter hue of oak. If that isn’t to your
taste specialist wood paints are available in shades of greens, brown, creams
or white.
BUT THERE’S SO MUCH MAINTENANCE WITH A HARDWOOD CONSERVATORY ISN’T
THERE?
A hardwood conservatory is well worth looking after, but it isn’t like
the Forth Road Bridge it isn’t constantly having to be maintained.
The finish used on the conservatory will dictate what needs to be done in
the future.
Some wood such as teak or oak can be left completely untreated, as they are
rich in natural oils.
Others need protecting from the elements - but it is imperative to choose
the right kind of material. In the past damage to wood has been caused by using
modern paint, because it seals in moisture which causes rot.
Seek out the right kind of finish - you need a micro-porous stain to let the
timber breath. Finishes such as linseed oil went out of fashion, but now-a-days
many recommended products use it as a base.
Where you live and where your conservatory is sited will help to define how
often you need get out the paint pot. It could be every three years to five
years, not too often to conserve a thing of beauty.
Powder coated aluminium capping used on the roof will need maintenance approximately
every 10 years.
GLAZING
By its very nature a conservatory is a glass room. You should specify that
the glass is toughened to ensure the safety of anyone who might trip and fall
against it.
Toughened glass becomes small pieces without sharp edges on breaking and not
the terrifying long, sharp shards that have the potential to cause serious
injuries.
Having laminated glass is another alternative, although very expensive, as
the two panes of glass have a plastic coating between again it means that the
glass doesn’t shatter.
How the glass is fitted is also a serious consideration. If the glass is fitted
internally, you will find this is probably referred to as internal beading.
That means it can’t be removed externally by a would-be intruder.
Check that the gaskets used around the glass is of a material that will expand
and contract to compensate for changes in temperature.
Powder coated aluminium capping should be used on the roof to weatherproof
the glazing and flashing should be lead.
CONSERVATION AREAS
Living in a conservation area can often mean that the materials you are allowed
to use are limited.
Many planning officials do not like PVCu or aluminium conservatories. But
with hardwood you shouldn’t have any trouble. However, it is worth checking
with your local authority to see what is and isn’t allowed.
Any planning permission applications ought to be handled by your supplier,
if they are giving a tip-top service.
BY USING HARDWOOD AREN’T I DEPLETING ONE OF THE WORLD’S
NATURAL RESOURCES?
Hardwood has been used for centuries in the construction of buildings - it
has one great advantage over any other product - the capacity to grow and replace
itself.
Go to the Friends of the Earth website and you may be surprised at what it
has to say.
Did you know that Europe has more forestry than it did 100-years ago? It is
because so many European woodlands are well managed.
Felling older, mature trees and replacing them can be beneficial to the planet.
Younger trees produce more oxygen and help reduce carbon dioxide.
And remember that producing other materials such as PVCu and aluminium takes
a great deal of energy.
Choose wisely and care for your hardwood conservatory and you will not have
to fret over not being environmentally friendly.
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