Natural Wood
Larch, red cedar, Douglas fir, Accoya. Authentic appearance, natural ageing. Maintenance required (saturator every 2-5 years). Price: €80-180/m² installed. Renewable material, stored CO₂.
Guide comparatif
Natural Wood
Wood Composite
Larch, red cedar, Douglas fir vs Fiberon, UPM ProFi — the true cost of maintenance radically changes the 20-year calculation.
- Composite costs 30% more upfront but needs zero maintenance over 25 years
- Untreated larch greys naturally — and remains durable without care
- Carbon footprint: renewable natural wood wins hands down
Analyse QUASART
Natural wood or composite: the maintenance debate
Natural wood cladding offers incomparable authenticity — texture, scent, a unique ageing process. But it demands regular care (saturator every 2-5 years), failing which it turns grey. Composite, on the other hand, does not grey, does not crack and requires no treatment — but it lacks the nobility of genuine wood.
The choice often boils down to one question: are you willing to maintain your facade to preserve its as-new appearance, or would you rather have a self-sufficient material? The honest answer also depends on the building — single-family home or collective development.
Comparatif point par pointOption A Option B
Natural Wood Wood Composite
Criteria
Natural Wood
Wood Composite
Appearance
Authentic, living
Convincing wood imitation
Maintenance
Saturator every 2-5 years
None (water cleaning)✓ Advantage
Service life
30-50 years (with maintenance)✓ Advantage
25-30 years (warranty)
Greying
Yes (natural, uniform)
No
Fire classification
D-s2,d0 (M1 treatment available)
B-s1,d0 to C depending on range✓ Advantage
Installed price
€80-180/m²✓ Advantage
€100-200/m²
20-year cost
Higher (maintenance included)
Lower (zero maintenance)✓ Advantage
Ecology
Excellent (renewable)✓ Advantage
Good (recyclable, petrochemistry)
Tactile warmth
Perfect
Can heat up in direct sun
Wood Composite
Fiberon, UPM ProFi, Silvadec. Wood-look finish, zero maintenance. 25-year warranty. Price: €100-200/m² installed. Made from recycled wood fibres and polymers.
Notre recommandation
Composite for peace of mind, wood for the emotion
If you want to install and forget for 25 years — composite. If you love living materials and accept maintenance as a ritual — natural wood.
In practice, untreated Siberian larch that greys uniformly is a very fine compromise — beautiful, durable, and maintenance becomes optional if you embrace the silver grey.
QUASART advises on both solutions according to your context: single-family home, collective development, maintenance budget, exposure. No universal answer — only the right answer for your project.
Questions fréquentes
Tout ce que vous devez savoir
Réponses directes aux questions que nos clients nous posent le plus souvent sur ce sujet.
Can wood composite perfectly imitate real wood?
The best ranges (Fiberon Paramount, UPM ProFi) imitate wood remarkably well — grained texture, shade variations. At 2 metres, the difference is invisible. Up close, the expert eye will spot the industrial regularity. For a result closest to genuine wood, opt for ranges with surface-sprayed wood fibres.
Does larch have to be treated?
No. Untreated larch greys naturally within 6-12 months and settles into a uniform silver grey. It remains perfectly durable without any treatment — only its appearance changes. Saturator merely maintains the original colour. This often surprises clients who fear untreated wood will deteriorate.
Does composite overheat in the sun?
Dark-coloured composites (anthracite grey, black) can reach 60-70°C in direct southern exposure. This phenomenon can cause slight warping on long boards. Premium ranges incorporate IR-reflective additives. QUASART sizes expansion joints accordingly.