| There are many options when considering building | | | | strength and cost of raw materials. However, the |
| a hardwood conservatory. The types of | | | | attraction of an oak conservatory is |
| hardwood used can significantly affect not only | | | | unquestionable. A combination of the pronounced |
| the aesthetics but also the longer-term durability. | | | | grain, silver rays and toughness give it unrivalled |
| A cheap hardwood conservatory could last for | | | | appeal. Most oak comes from Europe or America. |
| less than ten years, whereas one built form a | | | | European oak, which is slower growing and has a |
| quality timber could last a lifetime. | | | | tighter grain, is the best. |
| Timber is naturally sensitive to the environment | | | | Idigbo |
| that it is in. A conservatory is unique in that it | | | | Idigbo is an oak substitute. When stained, to the |
| may have to meet contrasting climates. On one | | | | non-expert it looks similar to oak, but that is |
| side the comfort of central heating and one the | | | | where the similarity ends. It is farmed in Ghana |
| other the harsh and temperamental climate. | | | | and the Ivory Coast and is a reasonable material |
| When you consider a hardwood conservatory | | | | for conservatories, It is used being extensively by |
| there are a number of fact to reflect on ranging | | | | reputable manufacturers as it is a cheap option |
| from the type and quality of the wood through to | | | | and easy to work. |
| the preparation, type of joints and finish. These | | | | Iroco (Teak) |
| factors have a significant impact on the quality. | | | | Iroco is a good choice of hardwood, but is |
| A good start point is to look at the tried, tested, | | | | relatively expensive. It comes from Burma and |
| and commonly used woods in British and | | | | has a reddish brown colour. It is extremely hard. |
| American conservatories. It is estimated that | | | | Like oak, it will last for decades if not centuries. |
| excess of 90% of all timber conservatories are | | | | Iroko is full of natural resin so special care has to |
| built from the following nine woods: | | | | be taken in choosing stains. |
| Mahogany | | | | Sapele and Meranti |
| Brazilian Mahogany is exotic with reddish hues. It | | | | These are the most basic hardwoods used in |
| has graced many a stately home. Craftsmen like | | | | conservatory production. Meranti is farmed in |
| working with mahogany as it cuts nearly perfectly | | | | areas like Indonesia. Sapele is found in areas of |
| and it is a very durable woods. However the | | | | Africa. Some supplier's claim these are 'mahogany'. |
| stripping of the Amazon rain forests has led to an | | | | Whereas they come from the mahogany family |
| estimated reduction of 70% of the worlds supply. | | | | the difference between Brazilian mahogany and |
| Importation of Brazilian mahogany is highly | | | | these substitutes is like comparing oak with pine. |
| regulated and the progressive influence of the | | | | However, if theses timbers are properly treated |
| green lobby may see a decline in the use of this | | | | they will last better than softwoods. |
| wood in the future. Friends of the Earth are | | | | Conservatories found in the large stores are |
| greatly concerned about the use of this | | | | normally manufactured from this wood. |
| hardwood. | | | | Utile |
| Oak | | | | With the restrictions with Brazilian mahogany, |
| Oak sits at the top of the pile in terms of the | | | | some manufacturers have switched to Utile. It is |
| connoisseur of wood. Many countries built their | | | | a good hardwood with a medium to dark red. It is |
| seafaring reputations on the might of oak-built | | | | more expensive that Meranti and Sapele, but also |
| ships and many medieval oak-framed | | | | comes from Africa. |
| constructions still stand proud today Oak is | | | | If you are looking for a hardwood conservatory, |
| expensive to work with given its hardness and | | | | bear these facts in mind. |