Natural Characteristics Of Timber
Because wood is a natural product and every tree is unique, every piece of timber varies from the next and has its own specific characters. Over time, timber used for outdoor will experience faded colouring, deviations in dimensions, knots, resin pockets, cracks, and other deformations. These features give the wood its character and natural beauty and do not affect the structural integrity of the product itself.
Before you choose a wooden product, please be noted that wood is a natural, living material whose dimensions, appearance, mass, shape and colors could be changed by the environment, but the function and quality will not be changed, especially for outdoor products.
1: Knots
Some wood pieces may contain knots. Knots are round or ovular areas of dense, dark, wood, where a branch once grew. Knots are a natural property of wood and contribute to its character. Knot is a part of the natural appearance of timber. Their size and position varies according to the origin.They do not affect the solidity or the durability of the product.
2: Resins - For Untreated Wood
All coniferous tree species contain resin pockets. Due to the effect of sunlight, in the first year resin may ooze from the fresh, newly cut wood. The sticky substance can crystallise on the wood surface, taking on a yellowish colour. These processes are natural and are considered normal.
Tip: Resin can easily be removed by scraping it off with a sturdy brush or putty knife. If necessary, you can also use a special alcohol-based resin removal agent.
3: Crack
Changes in temperature or humidity can lead to cracks appearing that do not affect the quality of the product.
4: Maintenance
Due to the effect of sunlight and other weathering, the colour of wood changes gradually over time. This natural ageing does not affect the durability and does not lead to a reduction in timber quality. Impregnation of the wood is a protection against rot and not a decorative finish. If you wish to preserve the original colour of the timber, you can treat it with a special wood oil or stain, or a water-based paint or varnish.
Tip: The darker the colour of the chosen finish, the less visible the natural ageing will be. This“ash grey”hue,caused by exposure to UV can be overcome using a brightener and by applying an appropriate product as well.
5: Deformations
Wood responds to changes in temperature and humidity by expanding and contracting. This can inevitably lead to cracks and other deformations. This is a characteristic of wood that is unavoidable and usually has no effect on the structural integrity of your climbing frame.
Pay attention: Cracks under ¼ of the wood length and ¼ of the cross-section length will not compromise the strength and stability of your playground equipment.
6: Mould
Impregnated wood is very moist. In warmer seasons especially, the wood is susceptible to mildew or mould as it dries out. This can result in white spots on the wood’s surface. This fungus does not affect the quality or strength of the wood and is not harmful to health. These superficial imperfections disappear by themselves, but are also easy to remove.
Tip: Upon receipt of your delivery, remove any protective film to prevent condensation from forming underneath the film, as this will produce stains and mould on the wood. Our products are treated to prevent fungus. However, microscopic fungus can appear on the surface. Remove it simply by brushing. Totally no hamful to human being.
7:Expansion/Contraction
Wood responds to changes in temperature and humidity by expanding and contracting e.g. in extreme dryness the wood shrinks, and in high humidity, it expands. This can result in dimensional deviations of up to 10%. This is a characteristic of wood that is unavoidable.
In case of a serious expansion or contraction, we suggest not to put the products in extream weather condition, like snow or strong sunlight.
Pay attention: To ensure an exact fit, the wooden parts are not pre-drilled.
Try to protect your products by giving them a suitable place.
Use a cover for example.
8: Irregularities
Rough spots and splinters may occur on some wooden parts. Despite careful selection and production, these cannot be completely avoided. Depending on the type of wood, rough spots occur mainly around the knots and at the outer ends. These aesthetic defects form an inseparable part of the wood and do not affect its strength nor are they cause for concern.
9: Discolourations
During impregnation, drying, and storage, some areas of the timber may be covered, while other areas may be exposed to sunlight. Light reacts with the wood and preservative to turn the exposed area of the timber brown before discolouration and fading occur.
Tip: After being exposed to sunlight for a few weeks, the colouring wood will even out.
