TIMBER OPTIONS
At Olympic Bridges we use several options of softwoods and hardwoods on our bridges. Some timbers are more suitable to different projects, we can advise you of the best options for your design. Timber is a natural product and as such colour grain and features will vary throughout. This is part of the beauty of timber and contributes towards its aesthetic quality. Variations in ambient conditions may reveal hairline cracks that will open and close. This is a normal characteristic and is no cause for concern. Below is some basic information on some of the woods we can use-
Pressure Treated Timber
All our products are manufactured from pressure treated timber to give them a long service life with low maintenance. All our bridges are suitable to go over ponds and streams. Your bridge can be stained with an environmentally-friendly preservative, painted, or left for you to finish yourself.
TYPES OF TIMBER
Hardwood
Hardwood bridges require minimal maintenance and will provide an extended life without the need for any preservative treatment. Hardwood timber also has good fire, environmental and vandal resistant properties and is suitable for vehicle loads. Grooved slip resistant hardwood decking available.
SOFTWOOD
As a more cost-effective solution softwood bridges present an option for a beautiful wooden bridge on a smaller budget. Softwood is a very environmentally sound material, due to its higher growing speed. Grooved slip resistant softwood decking available.
IROKO
Iroko is a hardwood from tropical Africa. Its colour is initially yellow but darkens to a rich golden brown over time. It is a very durable wood and with the use of natural oils, is a good exterior timber that does not require regular treatments with oil or varnish.
European Oak
European oak is a remarkable material; strong, extremely durable, heavy and attractive which makes it the ideal wood to use in construction both indoors and outdoors. European Oak is the timber of choice for most external jobs when a clear or unpainted finish is required. Most parts of an oak tree are full of tannic acids. Remarkably, these tannins in the timber make Oak more resistant to rotting, therefore it is extremely durable outdoors and means it does not necessarily need any preservative treatment. European Oak originates from the United Kingdom and Europe. It is a light brown colour with beautiful grain markings.
European Redwood
European Redwood (Pinus Sylvestris) is the name usually applied to soft wood imported into the UK from European sources including Russia. The timber is normally straight grained with a reasonable fine and even texture. The timber has a reddish colour when freshly cut but over time weathers down to a silvery colour. This timber will require a preservative treatment in order to extend longevity.
SIBERIAN Larch
Siberian Larch has excellent durability properties and provides a clean, consistent look. When weathered the colour changes to a beautifully consistent silver/grey, which is highly desirable. With clearly marked annual rings, a straight grain and relatively few knots the overall look is clean, contemporary and, above all, consistent. Siberian Larch is a naturally durable timber. Resin and extracts in the wood create a high resistance to decay and rot, making Siberian Larch one of the toughest and most durable softwoods in the world.
Environment
Timber from managed sources is a very environmentally sound material, certainly more so than steel, aluminium and plastic. You can find out more at https://www.trada.co.uk/ where there is a wealth of important information on FSC timber and its positive contribution to the environment.
Contact our expert team with any questions you may have or for a free no obligation quote
Tel: 01509 815064, Email: info@olympicbridges.co.uk or by using our contact form