An outdoor wooden fence, gate or deck is a beautiful way to add functionality to your property, increasing your access to outdoor space, improving privacy and controlling access to your property. This natural, aesthetically pleasing material can truly enhance the beauty of your property. However, there is often one drawback: termites. These small insects dedicate their lives to consuming wood. They may seem small and insignificant, but termites live in great colonies, and their sheer numbers can easily make light work of destroying a fence.
But, there’s good news. You can still enjoy a beautiful wooden fence or patio without fearing that it will be destroyed by termites. How? There are some woods that are resistant to termites, and one that appears to kill them! Find out which woods are most resistant to termites below:
1. Teak
This exotic wood is known for being pricey, but there’s a good reason. This wood is extremely durable and is known to weather well. In a study about which woods termites prefer, the insects actually had a higher mortality rate eating teak than if they had no access to any wood at all! This means that teak, more than resisting termites, actually kills them actively. You can’t get much better than that when it comes to protecting your wooden constructions from termite damage.
2. Alaskan Yellow Cedar
This light yellow lumber, in addition to being resistant to termites, is quite durable and also resists rot. Again, you get what you pay for. This lumber is typically quite pricey, but may be worth the investment because it will last longer than other wood types.
3. Honduran Mahogany
A beautiful wood known for its characteristic pink to red brownish color, this lumber is known for its resistance to termites. The wood is also fairly durable, more so if the tree is allowed to mature completely rather than being grown on a plantation.
4. Peruvian Walnut
Known for its dark, chocolate brown or even purple color, this beautiful wood can create beautiful outcomes. The wood is fairly durable and shows resistance to termites.
5. Redwood
Available locally, redwood may be one of your best bets for a reasonably priced option easily available here. The wood is known to be moderately to very durable and is resistant to termites.
Among these options, teak is obviously the top choice for termite resistance. However, any of these choices are highly preferred to woods that termites seem to enjoy most. According to studies, termites find southern yellow pine and spruce to be the most appealing woods to eat.
Finding a wood that matches your style and preferences from this list should be easy given the wide range of colors and characteristics these woods offer. Whether you prefer a light wood or a dark, chocolate wood, these woods provide the full range of colors naturally.
Ready to get started on an outdoor project? All Counties Fence & Supply can help you with all of your fencing, gate and deck needs in Riverside County, San Bernadino County, and the surrounding areas. Give us a call today.
