Landscaping

Durability
One of the most important things for Landscaping is Durability.  Check out our Learning Centre, and take a look at the Durability page.  This explains how durability is measured.  We have listed all our Durable and Very Durable timbers in the table below, grouped by colour.It is worth noting that sapwood is not durable at all, when talking about the durability we are refering to the heartwood.  Occasionally some boards will have a small amount of sap on the edge and this will either need to be removed prior to use or it will eventually rot.


Coatings
All timber, if left outside uncoated, will naturally turn a silvery-grey colour.  This is a natural process as the outer layers of the timber cellulose get exposed to the weather.  The timber will also, split, check and warp, but depending on the species this may not be too noticable.  One way to reduce weathering and distorting of timber is to coat it with a protective product, we go into each product in more details on our Coatings page.  One of the main things to consider when trying to decide whether to coat your timber, or leave it to weather naturally, is if you are willing to put the effort in to maintain the coating.  All exterior coatings will need maintenance on an annual basis (usually just a good clean), and they will require recoating every 6 months to 5 years, depending on the coating and its exposure to the elements.

Sustainabilty
Another buzz word that is becoming more and more common with Landscape Architects is sustainability.  Read both our Sustainability and Resource Certification pages in the Learning Centre if your keen to learn more.












Timbers Suitable for Exterior Use

Colour	Timber	Durability
Yellow	Yellow Cedar	Very Durable
Yellow / Light reddish-brown	Balau	Durable
Golden yellow / Light brown	Macrocarpa	Moderately Durable above ground
Golden yellow / Light brown	Oregon	Moderately Durable
Golden yellow / Light brown	Totora	Very Durable
Light Pink	Taun	Moderately Durable
Pink	Saligna	Durable above ground
Pink / Light brown	Cedrela	Durable
Light brown	Sapele Mahogany	Durable
Light brown	Vitex	Durable
Light brown	Western Red Cedar	Durable
Straw brown	Pilularis (Black Butt)	Durable
Medium brown	Teak	Very Durable
Grey to Reddish/dark brown	Spotted Gum	Durable
Yellow, fading to Dark brown	Iroko	Durable
Red, fading to Dark Brown	Bubinga	Durable
Red/Redish-brown, fading to Dark Brown	Jarrah	Durable
Red/Redish-brown, fading to Dark Brown	Padauk	Durable
Red/Redish-brown, fading to Dark Brown	Rosewood	Very Durable
Reddish-brown / Dark brown	Kwila	Durable

Installers
Alfresco Landscape Construction St Martins Christchurch	Ph: 021 508991 alfresco@clear.net.nz
Installers of high quality hardwood timber decking, stairs and handrails. Full design advice and service available. Manufacturers of custom made cedar gates.
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