Why we use Accoya

As installers of outdoor learning and play structures and equipment for schools, we know how important it is to choose the right materials. Schools need infrastructure that is safe, strong, and able to handle all kinds of weather. After using many different materials over the years, Accoya has become one of the best options we recommend. It helps us build durable furniture, loose parts play items, playscapes, and outdoor structures, as well as decking for pond-dipping platforms and long-lasting planters that can be enjoyed for many years. 

 

So, what is it?

Accoya is a specially treated wood made to be stronger and more durable than normal timber. It goes through a process called acetylation, which helps protect it from water, rot, and decay. It still looks and feels like natural wood, but it performs much better outdoors. Accoya is a softwood which gives it the properties of a hardwood. 

Tricoya is similar, but it is made from wood fibres instead of solid wood. It is often used for blackboard frames, signs, and clipboards. Both materials are designed to last a long time and need very little maintenance, making them great choices for schools.

You can see a variety of items for sale here in our online shop.

 

 

Built to Last in Schools

When we build outdoor learning spaces, durability is always one of our main concerns. Schools do not want to spend time and money fixing or replacing equipment every few years. That is why we need materials that can stand up to heavy daily use and bad weather. Accoya does this very well.

Because of the way it is treated, Accoya resists moisture, rot, and fungal decay. From our experience, this means fewer repairs and structures that stay strong year after year. Whether we are building outdoor seating, mud kitchens, or play areas, we know the equipment can handle rain, frost, and changing temperatures.

Another big advantage is that Accoya stays stable over time. Normal wood can swell, crack, or warp when it gets wet or dries out. This can make surfaces uneven or weaken joints. Accoya greatly reduces these problems, helping our projects stay safe and look good for longer.

 

Safer and Easier to Maintain

Safety is always important when building for children. One reason we often recommend Accoya is that it does not need harsh chemical treatments to stay durable. It is non-toxic and safe. This is especially important in schools, where children are always touching and using the equipment.

Accoya also has a smooth and consistent finish, which helps reduce the risk of splinters. As installers, it gives us confidence that the finished product will stay safe for children over time.

Schools also benefit because Accoya needs very little maintenance. Many outdoor wooden structures need regular painting, sealing, or treatment to stop them from wearing out. That can take a lot of time and money. With Accoya, maintenance is kept to a minimum, which makes life easier for schools.

 

 

Supporting Sustainable Outdoor Learning

More schools are now asking about sustainability, and Accoya is a good fit for those goals. It is made from responsibly sourced wood, and because it lasts much longer than traditional timber, it helps reduce waste and replacement costs over time. We source ours from a couple of suppliers here in the UK where it is imported from the continent (the Netherlands). 

Its long lifespan also changes how we design projects. Instead of creating spaces that may only last a few years, we can build outdoor learning environments that support many groups of students over time. This can include outdoor classrooms, performance spaces, sensory areas, and nature play areas. 

Accoya is also easy to cut, shape, and finish, just like regular wood. This gives us freedom to design creative and engaging spaces that match a school’s needs while still being durable and sustainable.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is creating spaces that help children learn and explore. By using Accoya, we can build outdoor environments that teachers can trust and students can enjoy in every season. That long-term reliability makes a big difference for schools and outdoor learning.