Robin wood – The sustainable alternative to tropical wood
Tropical hardwoods like teak or bangkirai have been synonymous for decades with durability and weather resistance in outdoor areas. However, the cost is high: environmental destruction of rainforests, long transport routes, and a poor CO₂ balance. The good news: there is a regional alternative – robinia wood.
What makes Robinia wood so special?
Robinia wood is the most weather-resistant and hardest European wood. It is even harder than oak. With a durability class of 1–2, it achieves values comparable to tropical hardwoods. It is naturally very resistant to fungi, insects, and moisture. Robinia wood is often used as an alternative to tropical hardwoods because it can last for decades outdoors without chemical treatment.
The Robinia tree grows relatively quickly and is native to Europe. This makes it an environmentally friendly alternative to imported tropical woods. Furthermore, Robinia wood has a beautiful, warm color (yellowish to olive brown) and a distinctive grain. It is easy to work with, but due to its hardness, it is challenging when sawing and drilling.
Properties at a glance:
High resistance to fungi and insects
Extremely hard and dimensionally stable
Lifetime: up to 80 years outdoors
Ecological advantages over tropical wood
Short transport distances: Robinia wood comes from European forests.
Sustainable forestry: No exploitation, no illegal logging.
No chemical treatment: Naturally resistant without impregnation.
Lower CO₂ balance: Less energy consumption due to regional processing.
Areas of application for Robinia wood
Robinia wood is versatile:
Terrace construction: Durable and splinter-free.
Garden furniture: Elegant appearance and high stability.
Play equipment: Safe and robust for outdoor use.
Tree protection and wildlife protection: Durable posts without chemicals.
Conclusion
Robinia wood is not just an alternative to tropical wood – it is the better choice for all those who value sustainability, quality, and regional origin.
With Robinia wood, you not only protect your projects but also the rainforests.
