Timber Types and Colouring
Choosing the right timber is an important part of specifying outdoor street furniture. This guide explores how different types of timber differ in appearance, the natural variations you can expect, and how their colour evolves with exposure to the elements.
Understanding Timber Colouring
Timber is a natural material, and its colour can vary widely between pieces, even within the same species. Factors such as grain pattern, age of the tree, and where the timber was cut all influence its tone. Exposure to sunlight and weather also changes the appearance over time, gradually softening the original colour and developing a silvery-grey patina. These variations are part of timber’s natural charm and ensure every installation has its own unique character.
Pressure Treated Softwood
Pressure treated softwood is a durable and cost-effective timber commonly used in outdoor furniture. It’s typically made from sustainably sourced pine or spruce, which is pressure-treated with a preservative to improve its resistance to decay and moisture.
Colour and Appearance
When freshly treated, the timber can appear pale honey through to a subtle green tint, depending on the treatment used. The natural grain, knots, and small colour differences between boards create a rustic, authentic look. Over time, exposure to sunlight and rain causes the colour to fade gradually to a soft silver-grey, giving the timber a more weathered character.
Aesthetic and Suitability
Pressure treated softwood offers a traditional, natural appearance and is well-suited to practical applications where a more organic, varied look is appreciated. No two pieces are identical, the variations in tone and texture are part of its natural appeal.
Hardwood Iroko
Iroko is a highly durable African hardwood prized for its strength and natural resistance to the elements. Often considered a cost-effective alternative to teak, Iroko is favoured for outdoor furniture that combines longevity with rich, natural character.
Colour and Appearance
Iroko timber displays a warm palette ranging from golden yellow to medium brown, often with darker streaks that add depth and complexity. The colour can vary significantly between boards, giving each installation a unique and dynamic look. Over time, Iroko naturally weathers to a silvery-grey patina, a process that only adds to its charm.
Aesthetic and Suitability
Iroko’s rich, varied tones make it an excellent choice when a warm, natural aesthetic is desired. Its natural colour shifts and organic grain patterns mean that no two pieces are alike, making it perfect for projects where distinctive, characterful timber is valued.
Comparing The Timber Types
|
Timber Types |
Pressure Treated Softwood |
Iroko |
|
Initial Colour |
Pale honey to greenish tint |
Golden yellow to mid brown |
|
Variation |
Moderate (grain and knots) |
High (distinct tonal shifts) |
|
Weathered Colour |
Light silver-grey |
Silver-grey patina |
|
Durability |
Moderate |
High |
|
Aesthetic Appeal |
Rustic and practical |
Natural and varied |
What does an FSC Certification mean for timber colour and durability?
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification ensures that timber comes from responsibly managed forests, supporting environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Choosing FSC-certified timber means you’re helping protect forests and promote ethical sourcing.
Whether or not timber holds FSC certification does not affect the natural colour or durability of the timber itself. Whether pressure treated softwood, iroko, or hardwood iroko, the wood’s appearance and performance are determined by its species, treatment, and environmental exposure.
In other words, FSC timber offers the same quality, colour variation, and durability you expect, with the added assurance of sustainable sourcing.
Timber is a natural material full of unique character, and understanding its colour variations is key to making the right choice for your project.
Selecting the right timber comes down to balancing your aesthetic preferences with the performance requirements of your project.
Timber Colouring: FAQs
What
causes the colour variations in timber?
Colour variations come from the natural grain, growth conditions, and part of the tree the timber is cut from. Exposure to sunlight and weather also changes the colour over time, often resulting in a silvery-grey patina.
Does
pressure treatment affect the colour of softwood?
Yes, pressure treatment usually gives softwood a pale greenish or honey tint initially. Over time, the colour fades to a soft silver-grey in outdoor environments.
Will
the colour of iroko change over time?
Yes, like most hardwoods, iroko weathers naturally to a silver-grey patina when exposed to the elements, which is a common and attractive characteristic.
Does
FSC certification impact the appearance or durability of timber?
No, FSC certification relates to sustainable forest management and ethical sourcing. It does not affect the timber’s natural colour or its durability.
Which
timber type is best for long-lasting outdoor furniture?
Hardwood iroko offers excellent natural durability and weather resistance. Pressure treated softwood is also durable when properly maintained, though generally less so than iroko.
Can
I expect the timber to remain its original colour?
All timber will naturally change colour with exposure to sunlight and weather. Expect softwood and iroko to develop a silver-grey patina over time unless treated with protective finishes.
Why
is the colour of timber different even when it’s the same type?
Timber comes from trees, and every tree is a living thing, shaped by its environment, soil, age, and growing conditions. These natural factors influence the colour, grain, and texture of the wood, meaning no two boards are ever identical. Even within the same species, slight differences in tone and pattern are completely normal and are part of what gives real timber its unique character.