Ideal materials for your terrace, patio, and fence
Choosing the right type of wood is crucial when it comes to building your terrace, patio, or fence. At Bonbois, we understand the importance of selecting wood that not only matches your aesthetic preferences but will also withstand the harsh weather of Montreal. Discover our preferred wood species to ensure durability, beauty, and longevity for your project.
Treated wood
Treated wood is made from spruce, fir, or grey pine and has undergone pressure treatment to make it more resistant to rot.
Why choose it: Traditionally, treated wood had a greenish hue, but it's now available with a treatment that gives it a beautiful brown tone, providing a more contemporary appearance. If you're looking for a sturdy, affordable material that withstands rot well, treated wood is a good option for your deck, patio, and fence projects. Its modernized look makes it suitable for a variety of styles and designs, whether for residential or commercial projects
Why not choose it: It is prone to splitting and warping (especially the posts for railings). It has a relatively short lifetime (10 to 15 years).
White cedar or red cedar
Cedar wood is one of the most popular choices for decks, patios, and fences. It is known for its natural resistance to rot, insects, and warping. Cedar offers a beautiful natural hue that ages gracefully over time. You can choose to keep it natural, and it will quickly turn a gray color due to UV exposure. Alternatively, you can apply a treatment to preserve its original hue or give it a different color.
Why choose it: If you're looking for a durable wood species with natural charm, cedar wood is an excellent choice. It's perfect for both residential and commercial projects and adapts well to various finishes. It's naturally resistant and less prone to splitting. It has a lifespan of approximately 20 to 25 years. It's also eco-friendly, especially white cedar sourced from Eastern Canada.
Why not choose it:
It's more expensive than treated wood. You'll need to treat it regularly if you want to maintain its color.
IPE wood
Ipe wood is an exotic hardwood renowned for its exceptional durability. It is resistant to weathering, rot, and insects. It boasts a luxurious appearance with rich tones.
This dark brown wood from Brazil is so dense that it can last for several decades. Once installed, you can choose to apply a coat of oil to help it retain its beautiful color or leave it natural, which will give it a silver-gray patina over time.
Why choose it: If you're looking for a deck, patio, or fence that stands out for its elegance and resilience, Ipe is a top choice. It's perfect for high-end projects. It's naturally resistant to rot and has increased stiffness. It also has very high durability (50 years or more).
Why not choose it : It is expensive and harder to work with than cedar or treated wood. It's not very environmentally friendly because it comes from the tropical forest.
Composite
Although not wood, composite is a must-have option to consider for coverings. A blend of wood resin and plastic, it is becoming increasingly popular, mainly because it requires little or no maintenance. There is a wide range of colors and finishes available on the market, mimicking the look of wood.
Why choose it: It requires limited maintenance and is highly durable (25 years or more).
Why not choose it : It is expensive. It is also more difficult to work with than wood and often requires closer spacing of joists. It can become very hot in the sun.
