Wood is one of the most commonly chosen building and finishing materials. Choosing the right species is crucial to the durability, aesthetics and functionality of the structure. In this article we compare three popular options: spruce, Siberian larch and thermo-wood. Which one will work best for your project?
1. spruce – lightweight and versatile
Spruce is one of the most widely used wood species in Europe. It can be found all over the continent, and Nordic Spruce is especially prized for its finer grain and greater durability.
It is a wood species with a light, uniform color that blends well with modern and classic interiors. Thanks to its flexibility and ease of processing, spruce is often used in furniture and wood construction. Despite its versatility, it requires regular impregnation to increase its resistance to moisture and pests.
Spruce Features:
✔ Lightweight and easy to work with
✔ Flexible and durable
✔ Accepts impregnates and paints well
✔ Widely available and economical
Spruce use:
- General construction
- Paper production
- Manufacture of musical instruments
- Spruce beer production
- Wooden facades
Disadvantages of spruce:
❌ Low resistance to weathering
❌ Susceptibility to rot without proper impregnation
2. Siberian Larch – naturally durable
Siberian larch is one of the most durable softwoods. It is denser and harder than spruce, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
It is characterized by a beautiful, warm hue and distinctive grain, which gives structures a unique character. Thanks to its high resin content, larch has a natural resistance to rot and insects, which makes it suitable for use even without additional impregnation.
Its hardness can make it difficult to work with, but in return it offers longevity and durability that make it an excellent choice for terraces or facades.
Features of Siberian larch:
✔ Tough and resistant to damage
✔ Naturally resistant to moisture and fungus
✔ Does not require impregnation for outdoor use
✔ Decorative, with beautiful grain.
Siberian larch uses:
- Building facades
- Terraces
- Outdoor structures (gazebos, pergolas)
- Manufacturing of boats and ships
- Educational facilities and wooden toys
Disadvantages of Siberian larch:
❌ May warp with changes in humidity
❌ High resin content can make processing difficult
3. thermo-wood – stability and resistance
Thermo-wood is natural wood that has been heat-treated at 170 to 230°C, without the use of chemicals. This process improves resistance to weather and biological conditions. As a result of the modification, the wood becomes darker, more dimensionally stable and less susceptible to moisture.
Thanks to the elimination of resin, thermo-wood is also more resistant to cracking and deformation, making it a great choice for exterior and interior applications. It is an eco-friendly solution that allows the use of local wood species instead of exotic alternatives with similar properties.
Thermo-wood features:
✔ Resistance to rot and mold
✔ Reduced moisture absorption
✔ No resin
✔ Greater dimensional stability
✔ Eco-friendly production process
The use of thermo-wood:
- Building facades
- Terraces
- Saunas and bathrooms
- Garden furniture
- Floors
Disadvantages of thermo-wood:
❌ Can become brittle at very high processing temperatures
❌ Requires additional UV protection if the original color is to be preserved
Comparison – which wood to choose?
| Feature | Spruce | Siberian larch | Thermodwood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | Medium | High | Medium |
| Resistance to moisture | Low (requires impregnation) | High (natural) | Very high |
| Resistance to rot | Low (requires protection) | High | Very high |
| Dimensional stability | Average | Medium | High |
| Eco-friendliness | Yes | Yes | Very high |
| Price | Low | Medium | High |
| Aesthetics | Light wood, uniform grain | Warm shade, clear grain | Darker color, elegant appearance |
Choosing the right wood depends on the specific application:
- If you are looking for cheap and easy to work with wood, spruce would be a good choice, but it requires impregnation.
- Siberian larch is a great option for terraces, facades and outdoor structures, thanks to its natural resistance to weathering.
- Thermodwood is the ideal solution for those who value stability, moisture resistance and ecology – it will perform well in harsh weather conditions.
Choosing the right wood is an investment for years – it is worth carefully analyzing its properties before making a decision.
