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Wood is a popular material for outdoor spaces. It looks natural, feels warm, and creates beautiful areas wall claddings terraces, decks, and garden paths. But outdoor wood use needs special care. If not done correctly, problems like cracks, color fading, or even rotting may happen.
In this blog post, we will look at the 5 most common mistakes in outdoor wood projects and how you can avoid them. With the right choices, your wooden areas can last for many years and look great.
Not All Wood is Good for Outdoors
Some people use indoor wood materials for outdoor spaces. This is a big mistake. Rain, sun, and humidity can damage the wood quickly if it’s not made for outside use.
Choose heat-treated wood (Thermowood) for enhanced durability and performance. Thermowood is highly resistant to varying weather conditions, moisture, and insect damage. Wood species like heat treated Ayous, Iroko, and Ash are frequently used in such applications. At Novawood, our Thermowood solutions are developed with sustainability and durability in mind, making them suitable for long-term performance in exterior projects.
Unprotected Wood Gets Damaged Fast
Sunlight, rain, and snow can change the color and shape of wood. It can crack, fade, or grow mold if you don’t protect it.
Use special UV-resistant and water-repellent oils or coatings for outdoor wood. Maintenance is important. Apply protective products once or twice a year to keep the wood strong and beautiful.
Water Damage is a Common Problem
One of the most common mistakes in outdoor wood applications is using wood on flat or poorly drained surfaces.
Ensure the surface has a slight slope to allow water to drain away naturally. Use substructures or hidden fixing systems to elevate the wood off the ground. This prevents direct contact with moisture, improves ventilation, and helps the wood dry faster—greatly enhancing its durability in outdoor environments.
Not Leaving Enough SpaceA common mistake in outdoor wood installations whether decking, cladding, or other applications is not leaving enough space between the boards. Without sufficient gaps, wood cannot expand and contract naturally with changes in humidity and temperature. This can cause the boards to swell, warp, or crack over time, leading to damage and reduced lifespan.
Leave small gaps between the boards during installation to allow for natural expansion and contraction. Use stainless steel screws and follow the manufacturer’s ( Novawood) guidelines carefully to ensure long-lasting durability and prevent damage.
Cheap Wood Can Cost More Later
Low-cost wood may look good at first but usually lasts a short time. It may have no protection, no treatment, and can easily get damaged.
Use wood that has FSC or PEFC certification. These products come from responsible forests and are high quality. Novawood offers certified, sustainable, and durable wood for outdoor use.
Outdoor wood use can be a perfect choice if done correctly. You must pick the right wood, prepare the ground properly, and take care of the wood regularly. Avoiding the common mistakes listed above will help you enjoy natural, strong, and beautiful outdoor areas for many years.