Sustainable timber is big right now and so it should be, as we want the forests of the world to be there for future generations to enjoy. Go back a few years and if you wanted to make sure the timber in your doors, gates or whatever was sustainable, you'd be hard-pressed to find any useful information on the subject. The basics behind sustainably harvesting trees is pretty simple: every time a tree is cut down and harvested for its timber, a new tree is planted; but obviously on a major scale. The way this is achieved is through whole areas of forests being felled in rotation; as one area is cleared, it is re-planted and then several years later, a new area is felled within the same forest. I use high quality timber to make bespoke wooden garage doors. My customers are concerned about the environment and so am I, which is why I looked into eco-friendly, sustainable timber. Below is what I've found. Hardwoods, when used for things like joinery, last longer, especially outdoors as they are more durable.
Like everything, there are some exceptions to this rule. It's worth bearing in mind that most Hardwoods also take a lot longer to reach maturity than Softwoods. For example, an Oak can take up to 60 years for it to reach a size suitable for felling. The thing to remember here is, it's not the height of the tree so much that counts but the width of the tree; hence Hardwoods are usually more expensive, say than the Softwood Scandinavian Redwood (which can be felled after 25 or so years). Looking at it all this way, then Softwood (because it's quicker to replenish) must be more sustainable timber than Hardwood, right? Well, not necessarily, as the Softwood in question may only last in its use for ten or so years, whilst the Oak could be 30 years or more. It's a tricky puzzle to solve completely, as looking after whatever wooden products you have means they'll last longer as well. Could we make Hardwoods grow quicker, or could we somehow make Softwoods last longer? Well, believe it not, one of those ideas can actually be achieved -Softwood can last longer!
It's here and is Radiata Pine but with a slight twist. In its natural harvested form, Radiata Pine isn't very useful or durable; the durability meaning it won't last very long if used in external situations. However, when treated with non-toxic Acetic acid, this non-durable timber is suddenly much improved! Now, acetic acid may sound dangerous, but it is classed as a very weak acid. Any products treated with acetic acid won't harm your skin. Acetic acid is the main component of vinegar (which is immediately obvious when working with Accoya wood) and is found in Wood Glue so you've more than likely come into contact with it before. One of the key aspects of Accoya is its durability, which means that there's no chance of increased toxicity from the acetic acid treatment over time. Before you start ordering a batch of Radiata Pine and a wagonload of Acetic acid to test this out for yourself (!) pay a visit to Accoya as they are the brains behind the product. Timber is classified in several classes for its durability: Class 1 being the best and the class where Accoya can be found.
However, its presence in Class 1 is only because they couldn't invent a new class for it. Accoya outperforms every other timber in Class 1, which are all tropical Hardwoods and known for their long durability and their even longer growing time. Timbers like Lignum Vitae, predominately used in things like pier and bridge construction where they will be submerged in water, are now listed on the ICUN Red List of endangered species with the following: "Population: Where it still occurs, populations are now severely reduced. Regeneration is good but growth is slow." People are making an effort and trying to re-grow the timber but as it takes so long to grow, the felling has outpaced the replanting. This is exactly where Accoya can make a difference. In tests in Europe, acetic acid treated Radiata Pine (aka Accoya) has been used underwater with no further treatment, to line the sides of canals during the cycle of maintenance; what's more, after ten years in the water, the Accoya showed no sign of fungal decay (rot) whatsoever.
If you care about the environment and want long lasting sustainable timber products, Accoya ticks both boxes. Jon Culshaw is a sustainable timber advocate and joiner specialising in bespoke wooden gates and garage doors at www.woodworkersuk.co.uk. He loves the smell of sawdust in the morning! Bespoke Gates & Garage Doors Ltd About Bespoke Gates & Garage Doors Ltd A leading manufacturer of custom made wooden Gates, Garage Doors and Gate Automation. Our reputation has been built over 25 years producing high quality wooden entrance and driveway gates, doors and garage doors. We are a family business with a passion for providing the very best in British manufactured gates and doors. We deliver and install quality wooden Driveway Gates and Garage Doors to London, Surrey, Sussex, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. Master CraftsmenOur team of highly skilled craftsmen have years of experience in specialist wooden gate and garage door manufacturing using traditional joinery techniques to produce products of superior quality and high durability.
Our ApproachBespoke is not just in our name but in the very heart of our company. We don’t make for stock. Every wooden gate or door is custom made to your exact requirements. That means not just size but we can either adapt one of our standard range designs or if you have a design in mind and have a picture, drawing or sketch, we can produce what you want.Our range of standard gate designs can enhance the security, privacy and appearance of your property. All manufactured in a choice of timbers – Iroko, Idigbo, Sapele, European air-dried Oak or Cedar. They can be supplied in natural or finished with oil, stain or paint, together with a range of suitable ironmongery to suit your requirements.We offer on site surveys and customer visits and use CAD to ensure a high quality handmade wooden gate that fits your requirements exactly. Installation can be arranged although often carried out more economically by your local builder.Hardwood Gates HenleyCroftBalmoralWestminsterWindsorPalisadeRichmondCountyWinchesterPedestrianGarage DoorsWe offer a wide range of wooden garage doors that will complement the appearance of your property.
These traditional garage dooors offer security and durability against the elements. Individually made wooden garage doors to your exact requirements.We are specialists in Wooden Bi fold Garage Doors, timber clad up and over doors, wooden coach house doors, traditional garage doors and wooden boat house doors.Our bespoke wooden garage doors are hand crafted in the best quality hardwoods and softwoods. The vast design options enable us to produce wooden doors to your exact requirements, ensuring the appearance, security and value of your home is enhanced.DoorsWe have undertaken many projects for both internal wooden doors and external wooden doors. We can work with you to create a wooden door design of your choice. Doors can be manufactured to blend in with the style of your property or to match garage doors and driveway gates.Our doors can be manufactured to be used as wooden pedestrian gates, garden gates, wooden side gates, garage side doors, front doors or for any other bespoke use. Glazing can be incorporated for appearance or increased internal light.
JoineryAs experts in making beautiful wooden gates and garage doors our time served joiners at BG Joinery can also support any bespoke joinery projects you may have. Commercial bespoke receptions areas or wooden furniture for inside and outside of your home and work place.We can work with you to create a design or build your bespoke wooden furniture to a specific design and specification.FittingsFittings for wooden gates, entrance gates and wooden garage doors.AutomationAn automated wooden gate is fast becoming an essential feature to enhance the appearance, privacy and security of your property. It provides an extremely useful asset for people wanting fast, secure and convenient access to their home or business.An automated wooden gate allows you to open or close your entrance gates from the comfort of your home, car or mobile phone using a simple to operate remote control device but can incorporate sensors, GSM, radio controlled remotes, push button control, key pads and intercom systems.