Find out which wood types superbly endure all weather conditions.  

When it comes to designing an outdoor deck, you’d want something that can last through the years, no matter how well-trod or battered by the elements. Planks popping upwards are unsightly; the last thing you’d want to see when sunbathing by the pool, tending to your garden or strolling along the promenade of your development.

Fortunately choosing the appropriate wood type for your flooring can help you ensure that it stays in good condition rain or shine.

Such wood is usually more dense and less porous, and hence will not absorb water as easily as those with lower densities. Such properties also allow them to be more durable overall. They would typically qualify for a rating of 3 and above based on the European standards for durability (indicating they are moderately to very durable).

Examples of wood that have these characteristics include ipe, yellow balau, chengal and teak.

Another thing to look out for to help wood flooring outdoors last, would be the installation method. Installing the planks through nailing them down punctures the wood. This can result in their surfaces collecting more water, drying slower and eventually rotting.

In contrast, we usually secure wood planks used outdoors along their sides through a side clip fastening system. This allows the planks to be installed without puncturing the surface of the wood.

The dimensions of the wood planks can also affect their susceptibility to expansion and contraction when exposed to the elements. Every wood has varying degrees of “stability” in terms of how much it expands and contracts; generally, more dimensionally stable woods, such as chengal or teak, can afford to have a wider range of widths without affecting the thickness of the planks. Less stable types of wood will need to be thicker, have wider widths and shorter lengths.

Zircon for assorted outdoor elements

An exceptionally suitable wood for the outdoors is Zircon wood, which is wood that has been subjected to thermal treatment of around 190 to 250 degrees Celsius. This fundamentally transforms the properties of the wood, upping its stability and durability, and provides a much wider range of wood choices for the outdoors.

It also unlocks more variety in dimensions for the wood; you’d be able to opt for thinner and longer planks than usual. As such, this flexibility usually makes the wood suitable for other outdoor elements as well, such as ceilings, claddings and screens.

Having an outdoor deck that weathers well through the years is within reach, as long as you select wood that is suitably durable and keep it maintained.

Find out more about our Zircon wood offerings and how they can be incorporated for your outdoor plans.

What needs to be done before the wood planks get laid down.

Building or renovating a home or development is an exciting project, especially once you’ve selected all your fittings and are seeing your vision come to life. However, works not being executed in the right order can ruin the process, possibly leading to damage and defects.

This is especially the case when it comes to installing a timber floor. Natural wood, if not cared for appropriately including during the construction period, can come away with dents, scratches or stains.

But not to worry, we have compiled a straightforward guide to the perfect conditions for getting your floor installed.

Complete these essential works first

Our checklist, as followed by our experienced project coordinators, takes the guesswork out of knowing what should take place before bringing in a timber floor.

• Cement screeding should be dried and level: as this will form the base of your floor

• Other types of flooring should be laid beforehand, at the desired height: Because wood as a flooring can accommodate slight adjustments in height, for example through sanding down, it should be the last type of flooring installed.

• Any sliding tracks for doors should already be installed: as doing so after the timber floor is in can cause damage to the wood

• All waterproofing works and wet works should be completed: For example, for the kitchen and toilet. Windows and doors should also be in. This is because water seepage can damage the wood and even cause it to change colour.

• Ceiling and wall plastering and painting should be done: otherwise, fragments of plaster and drops of paint are liable to fall on the floor and stain it

Pre-installation: cement screed sub-floor clean, dry and ready for timber installation (left); a measuring tool to ensure that the cement floor underneath has a low enough moisture level for timber installation (right)

Post-installation of timber floor (left); temporary protection post-installation in the event that other works are not completed yet (right)

Another reason to get these works out of the way first is that they tend to involve tools and machinery that may cause scratches to the wood.

However, if it’s unavoidable for other works to take place after the floor is in, contractors should make sure to provide protection for the floor to avoid any dents or damage.

Make sure the floor is dry enough

If it wasn’t already obvious, water and wood do not get along. So much so that there are specific measurements of moisture that our coordinators look out for before they okay a floor installation. Using a specialised meter, they ensure that the moisture level in the cement sub-floor is not more than 6%.

Should the moisture exceed this level, it can cause the wood to be “wavy” or buckle when installed.

Ensure that site is clear and clean

You’ll want to minimise the risks of any debris or construction materials falling onto and ruining your floor. So before the installation begins, make sure that as far as possible, the site is clean and clear of any tools or materials.

Conclusion

Installing a timber floor is not a walk in the park, requiring knowledge and expertise. Arming yourself with this guide will help you know the major considerations to look out for before your floor goes in – after all, you’ll want it to last and look its best for years to come.

Have a question about timber floor installation or need help to remedy your floor situation? Have a look at the services that we offer or chat with us on our website.

Photo credit: Observancy & Architecture

Where the timber’s colour and texture complement a soothing work space.

Tasked to design the offices of premium watch retailer The Hour Glass in Singapore and Malaysia, design firm Observancy & Architecture envisioned a warm domestic feel that blurred the lines of home, hospitality and the workplace.

Meant to be places where employees could feel equally comfortable at work as in their own abodes, the colour palette for the offices was crucial. The designers opted for neutral colours that they typically used for their residential projects to soften the corporate environment. As part of this, they selected pale, cream-coloured oak to complement textured rugs and cosy lounging areas.

A brushed finish for the timber further emphasises its character, adding to the polished yet laidback feel of The Hour Glass offices.

As wide floorboards better suited the design, engineered wood was used; it allows for broader widths without any risk of instability or warping.

The engineered wood could also be installed expediently without a need for acclimatisation or prep works onsite, since it had been treated in the factory beforehand. Perswood installed its Royale timber flooring system, which ensured that premium quality products were used and a moisture barrier incorporated to prevent dampness.

Photo credit: Observancy & Architecture

The result is an office environment that The Hour Glass employees can look forward to returning to each day. The soothing floors set the tone, along with the rest of the neutral furnishings, for a conducive workplace for productivity and collaboration.

As a bonus, the clients have also found the engineered oak floor to be durable and easy to maintain, reducing the fuss of upkeep.

Renovating your office or home? Find out more about our timber flooring systems and which would be the most suitable for your use.

Why you might be missing out if you don’t opt for thermo-treated wood for your outdoor features.

If you’d like to use wood for your outdoor builds, but are holding back because of uncertainty over its durability, thermo-treated wood may be what you’re after. While wood, when installed and maintained appropriately, already makes for an attractive and hardy material, panels that undergo thermal enhancement endure all weather conditions even better. We lay out what sets thermo-treated wood apart and the advantages it can hold for you.

What makes thermo-treated wood more durable for outdoor use?

Thermo-treated wood undergoes a treatment process that crystallises its fibers, including starch and resin. This process enhances the wood’s stability, reducing its tendency to contract or expand when exposed to moisture. As a result, thermo-treated wood exhibits improved durability and can withstand various weather conditions, such as rain, humidity and temperature fluctuations.

Can I use softwood for outdoor projects if it’s thermo-treated?

Absolutely. One of the advantages of thermo-treated wood is that it enables the use of softwood, including popular varieties like pine. Traditionally, softwood was considered less suitable for outdoor applications, but with thermo-treatment, it becomes a viable option. This expands the range of available materials and provides more design flexibility.

How does thermo-treated wood enhance the appearance of outdoor features?

Thermo-treated wood offers improved appearance and uniformity. The treatment process reduces colour variations within the wood, resulting in a more uniform and natural look. Additionally, the smooth surface of thermo-treated wood makes it easier to oil or coat, eliminating the need for extensive sanding. This applies not just for outdoor features; this characteristic is ideal indoors too — think timber screens, doors, cladding and ceilings. Moreover, thermo-treated wood accepts paint well, allowing for a wider range of customisation options.

Is the process of thermo-treating wood eco-friendly?

Yes! Thermo-treatment is an environmentally friendly process. Unlike many other wood treatment methods, it does not involve the use of chemicals. Instead, the wood undergoes a process of intense heat and steam. This approach ensures the longevity and stability of the wood without the need for potentially harmful substances, making thermo-treated wood a sustainable choice.

How does thermo-treated wood compare to natural wood for outdoor projects?

Thermo-treated wood outshines natural wood in several ways. Unlike natural wood, which is prone to bleeding, sapping and colour run when exposed to moisture, thermo-treated wood undergoes a transformation that prevents these issues. It has enhanced stability, similar to charcoal, with crystallised fibers that prevent contraction and expansion. As a result, thermo-treated wood can be the superior choice for outdoor projects, with better durability, reduced warping, and fewer limitations for larger builds. It is also more affordable than hardwood.

Where can I get thermo-treated wood in Singapore?

Perswood is one of the earliest innovators in thermally treating wood for Singapore’ climate. We introduced the ZIRCON process around 2010, which ensures that the treated wood can withstand the full range of Singapore’s weather conditions. All ZIRCON wood is heated from 190ºC to 250ºC, with the addition of steam, to permanently enhance the wood at a molecular level.

In conclusion, thermo-treated wood revolutionises outdoor construction and design by providing enhanced durability, expanded material options, improved appearance, and an eco-friendly manufacturing process. Its numerous benefits over natural wood make it a superior choice for long-lasting and visually stunning outdoor features. Embrace this innovation and unlock the full potential of thermo-treated wood for your next outdoor project.

Premium oak is a perfect match with plush fittings of luxury condominium in KL.

Centrally located at Damansara Heights in KL, AIRA Residence blends design elements from the East and West to present luxurious yet functional high-rise living. Among the many elements that contribute to AIRA’s opulent yet practical lifestyle, is the beautiful and hardy wood flooring. A testament to elegance and craftsmanship, here is why it is a perfect match for the classy development.

Unveiling the jewel: engineered premium oak with customised stain and UV finish

At the heart of AIRA Residence lies a wood flooring selection that exudes sophistication and grandeur. Our expert craftsmen have meticulously laid in place an Engineered Premium Oak floor, adorned with a custom stain tailored to the project’s refined colour scheme. Applying an UV finish ensures longevity and durability and accentuates the beauty of the wood.

Flooring of unmatched elegance

Why was this specific wood flooring chosen for AIRA Residence? It captures the essence of AIRA’s luxurious interiors and elevates the overall aesthetic of the development. The carefully curated stain perfectly harmonises with the design intent, adding depth and richness to every living space.

Crafted to perfection: exquisite details and precision

The installation of the wood flooring at AIRA Residence demanded unparalleled attention to detail and meticulous execution. This was because the wood had to be placed precisely in a herringbone pattern. Already finished in the factory, the engineered wood could also not be modified onsite to suit the conditions.  On top of this, before installation, we had to stringently check for an absolutely flat sub-floor, to provide a suitable canvas for this stunning masterpiece.

Seamless integration: where wood meets marble and beyond

Extensive preparatory work was done to ensure the wood flooring’s flawless integration with other luxurious materials, such as marble. The wood was cut with precision to terminate exactly where it met other materials; besides marble and other flooring, this also included exposed beams, sliding doors and junction box covers, showcasing the team’s practised craftsmanship. The result is a seamless, uninterrupted flow that pairs with the overall allure of AIRA Residence.

Wood planks were meticulously cut to produce seamless junction box covers in the herringbone pattern

AIRA Residence’s wood flooring is a captivating symphony of beauty and craftsmanship. With its tailored stain, UV finish, and thoughtful integration, the oak flooring elevates the luxury living experience to new heights. Choose from our range of classic, premium and royale floorings to likewise wonderfully enhance the living experience of your home.

All images credited to AIRA Residence.

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A floor-to-ceiling wrapping of wood creates a fresh natural retreat.

An expansive, double-volume inner courtyard that is airy, contemporary…and enclosed entirely by wood. A juxtaposition that shouldn’t work, but stepping into the terrace house renovated by architect Brendon Ong of Studio Ish reveals that, incredibly, it is possible.

An array of inviting and hardy Perswood timbers span the towering inner space. Across the deck of Ipe Walnut, to the walls and ceiling composed of the thermally strengthened Zirconwood, the seamless panels create what Brendon calls a “cocooning effect” – being surrounded by natural materials brings you back to the heart of nature.

Having a green space of their own was certainly what his clients desired, when contemplating what to do with the house. The inter-terrace, unlike their previous property, was unable to afford them a garden. The challenge then, was to bring the outdoors indoors to carve out a personal sanctuary within the home.

After removing two columns to open up a sweeping covered space, Brendon envisioned how it could be completely clad in wood. He wanted to draw in elements of the garden, greenery and nature, and felt that the extensive use of wood would allow the inside and outside to merge.

Another advantage of a timber-based design is that the “calming linearity” of the grain enhances the space, making it appear even more expansive than it already is.

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Photo credit: Brendon Ng

Zirconwood was selected for its beautiful light tone; while similar to the creaminess of white oak, its weather-resistant properties meant that the walls and ceiling of the inner courtyard would robustly endure exposure to the elements. It was also preferred for how the Zirconwood process mindfully makes use of timber, innovatively enhancing lesser-used wood types to become an optimum choice for the outdoors. Heated at high temperatures while steamed, the wood is permanently reinforced at the molecular level. The absence of harmful chemicals or resins during the process further guarantees its sustainability.

Meanwhile the warm Ipe Walnut, as one of the hardiest woods available, was excellent for the inner courtyard’s deck and daybed, as well as the front terrace’s deck.

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Photos credit: Brendon Ng

Solid American White Oak rift and quarter sawn cut was incorporated for the house’s inner floors and staircase. Its unique grain paints the floor with a gradient that’s mostly linear yet curiously punctuated by curls akin to orange peels.  Brendon chose American White Oak for the inner floors because they would be the surfaces trod on by bare feet – which would instinctively distinguish the warm solidity of wood from that of non-natural materials. The oak’s pleasingly neutral palette also materialised the open modern home that the owners had always wanted.

Despite the initial quandary of securing an outdoor space for an enclosed terrace house, its skilful remaking opened a lush retreat for the owners without the need to demolish and rebuild. The strategic application of Perswood timbers to cocoon the environment means that at all times, Brendon’s clients are surrounded by the soothing effects of nature within their own home.