Is untreated Douglas wood resistant to wood rot and insects?
Even without treatment, Douglas wood is naturally resistant to wood rot and insects. It has an expected lifespan of 10 to 15 years, even when left untreated. For Linea playsets, we have taken special measures, such as using heavy metal ground anchors. This keeps the bottom of the posts just above the ground, so they do not come into contact with moisture or fungi, which significantly extends their lifespan.
In photos of Linea picnic tables I see the wood has a nice yellow-red colour. Does it stay that way or does it discolour quickly?
The yellow-red colour on arrival is beautiful, but it's good to know that untreated Douglas fir wood will grey over time due to weather influences. This is a natural process and has no effect on the quality or strength of the wood. If you want to keep the original colour, you can apply a special outdoor stain or oil suitable for Douglas fir wood. With a coloured stain, you can adjust the colour to your own preference.
How can I stop Douglas wood from turning grey? I really love that natural colour.
To preserve the original colour, you can treat the wood with a high-quality outdoor stain or oil that is specially suitable for Douglas wood. Stain or oil also gives the wood extra protection against moisture and UV rays. You can choose a transparent or coloured stain, depending on what you prefer.
Do I need to treat Douglas wood to guarantee its quality?
No, treatment is not necessary to maintain the quality of the wood. Douglas wood is naturally durable. Treatment is purely for aesthetic reasons, such as preserving the colour, or to extend the lifespan even further.
How often should I stain or oil Douglas wood if I treat it?
How often you need to treat it depends on the type of product you use. High-quality stains often last 3 to 4 years, or sometimes even close to 10 years. The instructions for the specific stain or oil will tell you exactly how often maintenance is needed.
I'm worried about splinters when using the picnic table. What about Douglas fir wood?
We understand your concern. To minimise the risk of splinters, we use planed and dried Douglas fir wood for our picnic tables. This gives a smooth surface that feels pleasant.
Wood is a natural product and reacts to weather influences. As a result, it can become slightly rougher over time. If you feel a rough spot, you can easily lightly sand it with fine sandpaper in the direction of the wood grain.
You mention "heart-free wood". What does that mean and why is it better?
Heart-free wood means the beams are sawn from the trunk in such a way that the heart is located outside the centre. This specific sawing method greatly reduces the natural tension in the beams, which means there is much less chance of deep drying cracks and the playset stays more stable and keeps its shape better.
Why do you use Douglas wood from Europe and not from other countries?
Our Douglas wood is a 100% natural product and comes from European forests. This keeps transport distances shorter and supports responsible forest management. It is a conscious choice for quality and responsibility.
