Install spruce in the outdoor area
There are more suitable woods than spruce for outdoor use. Since the spruce wood is very cheap, it is still an alternative outdoors. However, in most cases you will need to treat it.
What you need:
- Wood glaze
- Wood oil
- Wood wax
- Wood stain
- paint brush
- Cotton cloth
- Possibly. Sandpaper
The spruce is one of the cheapest woods on the market. However, the wood is not as weather-resistant as other types of wood.
Where to use spruce outdoors
In general, you can use spruce wood outdoors in places that are either exposed to little moisture or where weathering plays a subordinate role.
- Softwood is preferred for vertical wall coverings such as huts or sheds. If the wall is still below a roof, the wall will be durable for a long time.
- Spruce wood is also used for fences. Here you just have to make sure that the water can run off especially on the front surfaces. Either bevel the slats or put protective caps on them.
- The inexpensive wood can also be used for balcony or terrace railings.
- Another area of application are bed borders or the compost. Here the wood comes into contact with strong moisture. But since the wood is cheap, the weathered boards are always replaced after a few years. The wood will last about five to seven years before it decomposes.
- For temporary structures, such as paths in the vegetable patch or on a construction site, spruce is the first choice because of its price.
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The correct treatment of spruce wood outdoors
In order to increase the durability of the wood, the wood may need to be treated.
- You don't necessarily have to treat the wood for temporary structures, edging or compost. After a certain time, the spruce forms a gray patina layer that acts as a natural wood protection.
- Fences, railings or walls that should keep the light color must be provided with wood protection. Here you have the choice between oils, glazes, stains or waxes. The funds are available in different colors. Make sure, however, that these are approved for outdoor use.
- Especially with fence posts, the feet need to be impregnated. Use an underbody protection paint or boron salt for this. A cheap alternative is to burn the wood with a gas burner. Or you can mount the timbers on metal feet or joist hangers.
- There are also special plastic coatings that can protect the wood. The specialist trade can advise you here.
Alternative woods to spruce
Other woods are better suited for outdoor use than spruce in certain cases.
- Spruce is not used for floor or terrace coverings. The Douglas fir or larch is the first choice here. More exclusive, but also more expensive coverings are oak, certain tropical woods or composite woods.
- For long-lasting bed borders or palisades, there is boiler-impregnated pine wood as an inexpensive alternative. But you have to like the poison green color of the wood. They are not recommended for growing vegetables because of the chemicals.
- For aesthetic reasons, teak, eucalyptus or hardwood are often used for garden furniture or benches.
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