Decking quality

In order to find decking boards of the best quality, it is important to choose a suitable type of wood, produce it carefully and then sort it by hand. At Betterwood, each board is additionally inspected and advice is provided during the decking construction process to ensure that the high material quality is maintained in the long term.

The best decking wood meets objective criteria such as high wood quality (premium or FAS), long durability (resistance class 1-2), technical drying (KD) and a sustainable origin with FSC® certification. In addition, your personal taste in color and grain plays a role, which is why samples and advice help with the selection.

The types of wood differ primarily in terms of durability, dimensional stability, price and appearance. Tropical woods such as cumaru, ipe or teak offer a very long service life and high stability, while European woods such as larch or Douglas fir are cheaper but less durable. In addition, color and grain vary greatly, meaning that personal taste also plays a role alongside the technical properties.

The decking boards are sorted by hand according to fixed criteria. Each board is checked on both sides: the A-side must be free of defects such as deep cracks, planing errors or larger holes, while minor defects on the B-side are tolerated. If a plank does not meet the quality requirements, it is rejected.

Cracks and warping can be avoided primarily through correct drying and the right choice of wood. Technically dried wood with approx. 15% residual moisture is significantly more dimensionally stable, and wood species such as teak are considered to be particularly resistant. In addition, treatment with decking oil and end edge wax protects against cracks and ensures a long-lasting decking.

The durability of a wooden decking depends heavily on the type of wood: tropical woods such as Cumaru or teak can last over 25 years in resistance class 1, while European woods such as Douglas fir are often susceptible to fungi after just 5-10 years. Factors such as good ventilation, gradients, dry storage and regular maintenance with oil or impregnation also extend the service life.

A wooden substructure adapts better to the working decking boards, prevents tension and thus prevents screws from breaking. Although aluminum is extremely durable and very straight, it carries a higher risk of screw breakage and has a poorer environmental balance. Wood is therefore recommended as a substructure in most cases.

The best system for concealed screwing is fixing from below, as it provides a secure hold, improves ventilation of the decking and reduces the risk of splintering. We particularly recommend BioMaderas clips or Sihga DielenFix, which are made of stainless steel and are suitable for all types of wood, even if installation is somewhat more complex.

Branded decking products offer the advantage that quality and origin can be transparently traced and reliable standards are adhered to. Manufacturers have a long-term interest in satisfied customers, which is why they focus on sustainable production and high credibility.