Properly protected wood: an investment that pays off

Poor material choices, inadequate construction, or lack of maintenance can dramatically shorten the lifespan of wooden structures. For companies, this means higher costs, shorter maintenance intervals, and greater difficulty in meeting sustainability targets. According to Fredrik Westin of the Swedish Wood Protection Association, proper wood protection is a key factor in maximizing both lifespan and business value.

The Swedish Wood Protection Association is an 85-year-old industry organization that represents its members’ interests and spreads knowledge about wood protection products. Fredrik Westin has led the association for nearly seven years. He believes that wood protection is essential for using wood efficiently and sustainably over time. It determines how long a structure lasts—and what it costs in the long run.

Without protection, it rots – no matter how good it looks

Spruce and pine dominate Sweden’s forest resources, but to perform outdoors over time, the wood must be properly protected.

– If we want to use wood outdoors, we have to protect it. Otherwise, it will start to rot after a few years. We could import teak, but that doesn’t create jobs here and contributes to the depletion of rainforests.

At the same time, wood protection has advanced significantly. Older preservatives have been replaced by modern, more environmentally adapted systems that provide effective protection with much lower environmental impact.

– There is still a perception that treated wood is dangerous, but that’s no longer true. Today, it’s about weighing the pros and cons of materials—and in that comparison, wood is often a very competitive option, says Fredrik Westin.

Three factors determine whether wood lasts – or not

Successfully using wood outdoors ultimately comes down to doing things right from the start. According to Fredrik Westin, three key factors are decisive:

– It’s about choosing the right material, designing the structure correctly, and having a solid maintenance plan. If you have all three, a wooden church can last a thousand years. If not, it might last twenty years at best, says Fredrik, and continues:

– Every time you drill a hole in wood, you create a point where deterioration can begin. Take recessed spotlights in decking, for example—they’re very popular. It looks great, but if the deck starts to break down after a few years, that’s often where it begins.

Lifespan equals profitability

For Fredrik Westin, the link between wood protection and economics is clear: it’s about maximizing value over time.

– Imagine a structure that lasts ten years versus one that lasts sixty. The extra cost of properly treated wood and correct execution is extremely profitable if it extends the lifespan several times over, he says, adding:

– If we’re going to move toward a resource-efficient society, we need to eliminate these mistakes. Every unnecessary replacement requires new raw materials, new transport, and new labor. Sometimes it’s the small details that make the difference—like whether or not you drill in a spotlight.

Wood protection as a climate tool

The industry is driving a European collaboration project called “Treated Wood for Decarbonization,” positioning treated wood as a tool in combating climate change.

– If we can build more with long-lasting wood in places where steel and concrete would otherwise be used, it creates a double benefit. We get a material with a low climate impact and replace materials with a higher footprint.

The outlook ahead is also positive:

– Right now, the economy is challenging, but in the longer term, prospects are good. Requirements for climate-adapted buildings and increased use of bio-based materials point toward more wood in the future.

Workshop at Wood Products & Technology: Circular economy in focus

At Wood Products & Technology, the Swedish Wood Protection Association is hosting the workshop “Sustainable and circular design in the wood industry,” together with RISE, TMF, and Swedish Wood. Fredrik Westin believes the industry needs to start addressing circular issues now, rather than waiting for legislation.

– How will business models change when a certain share of every building must consist of secondary materials? Who supplies them, and what new services will emerge? These are questions the industry needs to consider now.

For professionals and companies in the wood sector, the workshop offers concrete insights into how circular requirements affect operations—and how to adapt your business accordingly.

– It’s better to help shape the development than to react to it, concludes Fredrik Westin.

About Wood Products & Technology

Wood Products & Technology is the Nordic region’s largest meeting place for the wood industry. Here, the entire value chain gathers — from sawmills and production to architecture and urban development — to share knowledge, discover new technology and do business. The focus is on innovation, sustainability and the future of wood construction. Register for your free entrance ticket»