We find wood everywhere, and it has a charm when turning into a pergola, trellis, fence … A deserved success that requires some thought before the purchase and then a minimum of care to keep all its assets .As a material, wood is very popular on the outside for its appearance, feel, aesthetic qualities and strength. Pleasure of the eyes and the senses, it takes all the forms, is declined in a varied range of modules which make it possible to create an infinity of combinations.
How to choose ?
Among the varieties available, the choice of wood for outdoor use is based on its resistance to weather and parasites. A characteristic that influences its future maintenance.
Naturally rot-proof species such as cedar, some exotic woods (iroko, doussie, moabi ..) or autoclaved pine pose little problem. They do not fear the sun or rain and rarely, insects or fungi. They get older by taking a silver-gray or slightly green hue. If this color displeases you, you may want to use a colorless exotic wood preservative or a protective oil that retains the original "wet" look. There are also specific products for garden wood without forgetting the colorless stains.
If it is fir, impossible to treat at heart and therefore to effectively protect against insects and fungi, chestnut or oak not treated in the factory, it is imperative to regularly apply an insecticide and fungicide. The CTB-Bois + certified woods have been treated by origin, by soaking or autoclave, which is a guarantee of quality.
Be aware, however, that if the wood is cut or damaged in places, it is advisable to impregnate a product to prevent mold.
The pergolas
Especially appreciated in the garden, the pergolas recall the sweetness of the south. In reality, they are used everywhere to decorate a corner of terrace in front of the house, create a rest area in the garden, etc.
For several years now, manufacturers have been offering modular systems that can be customized. And even, to personalize them by playing on the forms (straight or curved) and equipment trellis panels, benches, planters, slatted floor …
Designed from slats or logs, planters come in many shapes and sizes. Some are offered with adjustable feet to upgrade with other elements. Perfect for seasonal planting, it is often possible to mount them independently of the pergola and to fit wheels to make them mobile.
On the installation side, the anchoring systems on the ground (driving or tugging) and assembly are designed to simplify the work as much as possible and avoid wasted time. The fact remains that wood varies in quality (according to brands and sales networks), both in terms of appearance and appearance.
Trellises and solid panels
Garden to partition, terrace to protect … the trellises (or trellis) allow to redraw the space by creating pieces of greenery which is covered with climbing plants. But watch out for the weight! Originally, the trellis was used mainly to dress the facade of a house. Today, it is proposed in panels usable as decorative partitions, trellises, walls of pergolas …
Most climbing plants are happy on a trellis. Properly installed and exposed, they cover the panels with a profusion of flowers and foliage, but can become invasive. The more vigorous they are, the more resistant the trellis will be: with exuberant wisteria, sweet peas, nasturtiums or climbing climbers such as bignole, clematis or honeysuckle are preferred.
High without ever being stifling, the braided or formed boards of blades (horizontal or vertical) offer a maximum protection against the prying eyes and, also, constitute effective screens of wind. They can also hide unsightly elements, such as an aerial tank or a compost area. On the condition of studying its proportions, this type of decoration is interesting in a small garden because it prevents to perceive it as a whole … and to find it too small.
The charm of the gloriettes
Small structure with open sky or with a real roof, the gazebo always has a lot of effect in a garden. It can be circular, built on a square or hexagonal base, backed by a hedge, used as a rest area or summer dining room.
Like the pergola, the gazebo can be combined with solid panels and trellises, built on the ground of the garden, on a pavement or a floor. The kit models come with all the necessary hardware and, most often, asphalt shingle or wood roofing.
Photo credit in front: Moduland