Another type of water-resistant wood flooring is outdoor decking. Naturally, this exterior material must withstand various weather conditions, including extreme weather such as heavy rain.
Outdoor wood flooring is designed and shaped to enhance water resistance; even though the wood species itself may already possess high water-resistant qualities, this performance is further improved by incorporating drainage grooves or anti-slip features.
The purpose of these drainage grooves is to ensure that the decking or outdoor wood flooring has channels on its surface, preventing water from pooling for too long. Some wood species suitable for water-resistant outdoor flooring include:
Ulin (Ironwood)
Merbau
Bengkirai
Keruing
The wood species mentioned above are among the best materials for exterior use; it is no surprise to find various types of furniture and outdoor flooring made from these woods.
Just as water-resistant indoor wood flooring offers superior water resistance, wood decking shares this same advantage. Below are the benefits of water resistance for outdoor flooring:
– Cleaning the decking is easy; you can spray it with water, scrub it with a cleaning agent, or douse it liberally without causing any damage to the wood.
– The decking is suitable for bathrooms—areas inevitably exposed to water—without issue; the wood will not rot or decay despite constant water contact.
– Even when installed outdoors and exposed directly to heat and rain, the decking remains undamaged.
Indoor wood flooring products—whether standard flooring or parquet—are inherently water-resistant. However, the adhesives used for indoor parquet and flooring are highly sensitive to water, which can lead to problems down the line.
To ensure the wood flooring remains completely unaffected by frequent water exposure, it is best to use an installation method that does not rely on wood glue.
Outdoor decking fits this requirement perfectly. Because it is installed using screws rather than glue, it offers guaranteed water resistance, making it ideal for bathrooms, poolside areas, and other locations subject to high levels of water exposure.
Investing in water-resistant wood flooring certainly entails a significant cost, given the substantial long-term benefits it offers. However, there is no need to worry, as some of the options are quite affordable. Here are two affordable water-resistant wood flooring choices:
Bengkirai Wood Decking
The first affordable option is Bengkirai wood flooring—or Bengkirai decking. Order and install it now to ensure your home is secure without having to worry about durability.
Keruing Wood Decking
The second option is Keruing wood. It shares characteristics similar to Bengkirai wood—including excellent water resistance—yet comes at a lower price point.
So, have you decided which type of water-resistant wood flooring you will choose?
–sh
