ROBINIA TIMBER: FRIEND OR FOE?
01 Jun 2023
For years, timber playgrounds and outdoor fitness stations have been secondary to plastic and steel structures due to the harsh climate and the sheer volume of sites in Australia, which all require ongoing maintenance. While synthetic materials are undoubtedly valuable and have their rightful place in Australian parks, outdoor activity sites with quality timber equipment offer a unique and sustainable option to parks and landscape teams.
What is Robinia timber?
Robinia (or Black Locust) wood is native to North America but is now commonly found in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Popular throughout history (all the way back to pre-colonial times) due to its strength and extreme resistance to rotting, it is relatively new in Australia but growing in popularity as a preferred wood for structures like playgrounds and outdoor gyms.
Is Robinia durable?
In terms of its strength, Robinia has proven itself as one of the strongest timbers in the world, with a bending strength of at least F14 grade.According to the EU Standard for the durability of wood (BS EN 350-2), the density of timber and its resistance to decay is classified on a scale of 1-5. Robinia is categorised as Class 1 and the most robust available.
When choosing Robinia for play and fitness products, only the best 4% of the Robinia tree is used (with the rest going to other industries to avoid waste) and each piece is tested for structural integrity, cracks, and sufficient anti-rotting properties before moving ahead in the manufacturing process. Robinia products by KOMPAN are also backed by an industry-leading warranty of 15 years, speaking to its durability after installation. With an appropriate maintenance routine, the life expectancy of a Robinia outdoor gym or playground can be around 25 years. 
Is Robinia customisable?
One of the best characteristics of Robinia is its organic shape and natural look. Perfect for nature playgrounds or sites in lush greenspaces, its appealing colour and texture offer an aesthetic unmatched by other hardwoods. It’s also a fantastic timber for bespoke designs and wooden play sculptures, which are becoming more popular in Australia. Customers can choose from 8 standard colours (or untreated for a classic timber look) or go fully custom for a one-of-a-kind sculpture that perfectly reflects the unique story and location of the site.
Is Robinia sustainable?
Fast-growing and naturally high in self-preserving oils, Robinia is regarded as one of the most sustainable timbers. When choosing Robinia KOMPAN play and fitness solutions, you can rest assured that the timber is sustainably forested under the European Union Timber Regulation, and you have the choice to have the wood FSC® Certified.
KOMPAN values Scope 3 reporting under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and considers low-carbon raw material production a top factor in reducing emissions for customers. KOMPAN have found Robinia to be one of the best low-carbon timbers and provide Third-Party Verified emission calculations for transparency and accurate CO2 measurement for teams looking to build timber outdoor activity sites. 
Is Robinia common in Australia?
Robinia wood has been slowly but surely growing in usage in Australia since it was first introduced. Currently, there are many structures in more temperate areas of the country like Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, and it is starting to be more widely used in New South Wales, Western Australia and South-East Queensland.
Tests are underway near Nambour, QLD to determine Robinia’s long-term durability when installed in Australian soil. Once finalised, it will likely be incorporated into the AS5604 Timber standard and widespread use of Robinia, with its host of beneficial qualities, will be seen across more regions of Australia. For Robinia structures that have already been installed and cared for according to KOMPAN’s detailed maintenance guide, they are well on their way to many years of fun and durability for local users.
Does Robinia require maintenance?
Like all playgrounds, timber playgrounds (including Robinia) require check-ups to ensure there is no damage, faults or vandalism. With Robinia’s attractive, organic look comes the characteristics of any natural material – shrinking and swelling with temperature changes, and natural weathering over time.
But luckily, Robinia structures provided by KOMPAN come with an easy-to-follow maintenance guide and offer service packages to help care for the timber beyond the impressive warranty. Common cracks can easily and affordably be repaired by experienced technicians covered under the service package. Local Play and Fitness specialists work alongside architects, councils and schools to determine what service package best suits the site to ensure the equipment is maintained and can stand strong for decades.
If you are interested in Robinia timber products for your next outdoor activity area or perhaps have some more questions, the KOMPAN team are available for a 1-on-1 consultation to go deeper into the benefits and properties of Robinia and recommend the best solutions for you.
Contact the KOMPAN Australia team via the links below.
