A timber conservatory makes an incomparable addition to a house. Not only can it provide extra living space like any conservatory - a well designed combination of wood and glass becomes right from the begin an organic part of the garden. Its timelessness and ability to age beautifully, to actually gain character over the years, has no competition.
Western Red Cedar is the material a classic timber conservatory is made of. Its natural oil content makes it resistant to wood boring insects, moisture and UV light. Western Red cedar is straight-grained and does not twist - ideal for construction. Native to the Canada and the US it combines strength and durability with light weight.
New cedar wood comes in different shades from saffron to ochre. Untreated it naturally developes over the years a pretty silvery or grey patina:
Some timber conservatory manufacturers in UK prefer a classic English building material: Oak. Its incomparable strength and solid weight, the fact that it is growing locally and does not need to be imported, its honey-golden colour and pleasant texture and its extreme durability (demonstrated by countless old English houses) make it one of the preferred woods. Similar to cedar, conservatory parts made from oak can be crafted to a furniture-like quality.
Mahogany was in the last years more and more replaced with Sapele, an exceptionally tough hardwood from Africa. Sapele is used for exposed parts like doors and windows - becaue of its natural durability no chemical treatments are needed.
Meranti is one of Asias most important building materials, exceptionally strong and durable.
Tulipwood is a lightweight but strong North-American wood often used for internal components.
Lime wood or basswood is commonly used for conservatory blinds.
Pine timber offers a price advantage. Some Northern or mountain pine wood can be quite durable. Generally it needs careful and regular treatment, if the construction is well designed to avoid standing water and continuous moisture a pine timber conservatory can grow very old.
One main advantage of timber conservatories is their naturally better insulation, which not only can make their design look lighter than comparable aluminium or UVPC conservatories, but as well provides less condensation problems on the frame, so even during cold days it should not “rain” from the conservatory roof.
Timber conservatories usually offer the greatest choice of design elements, fittings and accessories. They can adapt best to the style of the house they are supposed to match. A Victorian home ask for a different design than a contemporary piece of architecture, and perfection lies then mostly in the details. A timber conservatory is as well in this regard often superior to aluminium and UPVC structures.
How durable is a timber conservatory?
For some reason, people trust a UPVC conservatory often more to withstand the elements, and therefore make such construction their first choice. While, in fact, plastic only degrades from the very first moment it is exposed to natural UV light, wind and frost - once the chemicals supposed to prevent it leaked out the plastic often enough simply cracks. The main problem of timber - its theoretical sensitivity to water - can on the other hand to a large extend be solved by careful design. Making sure that no water can stand or collect for a longer period of time and no moisture raising from the ground can reach the timber frame eliminates most longevity concerns. Some manufacturers add aluminium and stainless steel elements in the most sensitive parts like the conservatory roof or doors, sometimes visible steel fixings even get an enamel cover. A well designed timber conservatory ages beautifully.
How often does a timber conservatory needs to be painted?
The manufacturer will advise on that, but from experience good exterior paintwork will last up to 10 years, enamel used for the roof much longer.
The live expectancy of a good timber conservatory exceeds 50 years. And, if it ever needs repair, a wood structure can be repaired, even if the original manufacturer does not provide replacement parts anymore. Any skilled carpenter will be able to remake what is needed from similar materials. Long term the investment in a timber conservatory is not only good for the environment, but can easily become the most economic option.
