Traditionally orangeries have been composed of a combination of glass and stone or metal, but today these fine structure come can be made up of a much larger variety of materials. Picking the look of your new orangery is big decision, so you'll want to carefully weigh your options before making a final decision.



Hardwoods offer an attractive alternative to stone or metal materials that can really give your building an extra wow factor. Not all woods are strong enough to be used in orangery construction, but a large variety of different woods are available, so whatever your preference there is sure to be a wood for you. Here is a quick overview of the hardwood options commonly available today.

Idigbo - Idigbo is a yellow colored hardwood that offers good strength and average hardness. It is resistant to moisture and mold, but susceptible to insect attack and is often found with "pin holes" caused by ambrosia beetles.

Iroko - Iroko is a medium brown wood imported from western Africa. If left untreated it will turn a silver-gray color. It offers average strength and hardness. It is resistant to nature decay, but is susceptible to insect attack.

Oak - Oak is a golden brown colored wood with attractive grain patterns. The wood is commonly used in furniture and stains quite well. It offers considerable strength and hardness and is very resistant to attacks by insect and fungus.

Mahogany - Mahogany is a highly desirably dark colored wood. It offers a very straight grain that is usually free of pockets and other blemishes. It is a strong and durable wood, lasting for centuries. Currently, all species of Mahogany are protected as endangered species and therefore to word is very expensive and difficult to find.

Meranti - Meranti varies in color from light pink all the way to dark reddish-purple. Its grain is not usually well-defined, but varies considerably this from species to species. It offers average strength and hardness and is naturally resistant to decay and insect attacks.

Pine - Although pine is technically a softwood, it offers enough strength to make it a viable option for higher end projects. Pine is light yellow in color and has a very well defined grain pattern. It does require treatment before it can stand up to the elements.

Sapele - Sapele is a reddish-brown wood imported from western Africa. It closely resembles mahogany and is often used as a cheaper substitute for the highly desirable wood. Its grain patterns are typical fairly "random" in appearance. The wood offers moderate hardness and average strength.

Utile - Utile is closely related to Sapele with a similar reddish-brown color. Typically it offers a more interesting grain, but at a higher price. It is naturally resistant to attack from fungus and insects.