Wood is a noble material that is frequently used in the manufacture of furniture, even those that will be located outdoors. However, the waterproof wood it does not exist as such.
Although it is not a waterproof material, there are some types of wood that, due to their characteristics, and the treatment they receive, become more resistant to humidity.
Why is wood not waterproof?
There are several reasons why this is a material that does not resist water well:
- Porosity. It is a porous material that has a large number of microscopic spaces between its fibers. These pores allow water to easily penetrate the structure, causing its swelling, deformation and long-term deterioration.
- Capillarity. Wood has a high capacity to absorb water through its pores and transport it throughout its entire structure.
- Humidity. This is a material that is very sensitive to changes in humidity in the environment. If this humidity increases, the wood absorbs more water, expands, then contracts, and ends up deforming. When this cycle repeats, mold and structural deterioration can occur. In more severe cases, the wood rots.
- Fungi and bacteria. Moisture can encourage the growth of fungi and bacteria that feed on wood, weakening its internal structure and compromising its resistance.
How is wood treated to make it waterproof?
There are various treatments that make wood resistant to water.. These that we tell you are the most common:
Impregnation with chemicals
One of the most common methods for improve the resistance of wood against water is to immerse it in a compound of chemical solutions based on preservative products and waterproofing agents.
These penetrate the cellular structure and help protect the wood against moisture and rot.
heat treatments
The wood is subjected to high temperatures to modify its chemical structure and improve its water resistance. In this way, the material is less permeable to moisture and is less likely to be affected by fungi and bacteria.
Use of sealants and coatings
They create a physical barrier that prevents water from penetrating into the wood structure. Sealants are usually made from oil, synthetic resins or polymers.
Treatment with natural oils
Oils such as linseed, teak or tung oil They are responsible for sealing the pores of the wood and making it more resistant to humidity. At the same time they enhance their natural beauty.
Silicone compounds
They form a waterproof barrier on the surface of the wood that prevents water from penetrating into it.
What is the best waterproof wood?
Even before receiving a protective treatment, there are woods that have good natural resistance to water. Let's look at some of the most popular ones, ordered from most to least resistant.
Teak
Teak wood is one of the most popular woods of tropical origin. In fact, the outdoor furniture teak are highly valued.
Teak is rich in natural oils that are responsible for create a natural barrier against moisture. And it has great dimensional stability and durability, as well as good resistance to cracking.
Jabota
This South American wood is water resistant, because it has a high content of natural oils. Precisely for this reason, it is commonly used in garden furniture.
It is difficult for it to absorb moisture and rot, but even so, the application of protective treatments is recommended.
Iroko
This African tropical wood is popular for its durability and strength. It naturally has a moderate oil content that makes it relatively resistant to humidity and rot. However, it is always advisable to apply some type of varnish or sealant to protect it from water and the elements.
In addition to its water resistance, it is a appreciated wood because it is very easy to manipulate and guarantees good finishes. Hence It is widely used in exterior carpentry and urban furniture.
Zebrano
Zebrawood is of African origin and is easily recognizable with the naked eye for its pattern of dark and light veins.
It is a hard and dense wood with a medium content of natural oils. Therefore, we can use it in exterior applications, but as long as it has undergone a pore sealing treatment.
Ebano
Ebony wood is highly prized for its natural beauty, but also because it is a dense and resistant material that withstands humidity.
Although it is less likely to absorb water than other types of wood, it is not recommended to use it outdoors if it has not previously undergone a treatment that improves its waterproofness.
Mahogany
It is another tropical wood, but It is not as resistant to humidity as the previous ones. Therefore, its application outdoors is only recommended under certain conditions. Mainly, if it has been treated with sealants or varnishes that take care of its appearance and prolong its useful life.
Wenge
This fine-grained, dark-colored African wood became very popular a few years ago in interior furniture.
Despite having a relatively high density and contain some natural oils that improve its resistance to humidity, it is not a suitable material for use outdoors, because if it does not have a good amount of varnish or sealant it ends up deforming and swelling if exposed to water.
Tips for caring for wood outdoors
100% waterproof wood does not exist, so we must follow a series of guidelines or tips to improve its durability if we have it outdoors:
- Regularly apply a quality sealant.
- Inspect wood periodically for signs of deterioration or damage and apply corrective measures.
- Perform a gentle cleaning, without using chemical products.
- If possible, place the wood in a place where it does not receive direct sun and where it is protected from the rain.
- Raise the wood off the ground so that it does not absorb any water that may be in it.
For the exterior of your house, choose water-resistant wood and take good care of it, to ensure that the result is the best possible.