Understanding and predicting the durability of wood is essential for ensuring its effective use, long-term reliability, and sustainability in various applications. To address this need, the "Wood Above Ground" project was initiated in 1999 at the Danish Technological Institute (DTI) to investigate the natural durability of wood species under a wide range of above-ground exposure scenarios. This extensive, long-term study involves over 1,700 test specimens, providing a standardised framework for comparing wood species under consistent and controlled conditions, such as uniform dimensions and exposure to specific weather conditions. The study evaluates decay, moisture content, discoloration (e.g., due to sunlight, mold and algae) in different orientations (horizontal, vertical, 45° angled) with and without protective coverings. The study emphasises the necessity of matching wood species to the appropriate exposure environments. Different types of wood exhibited varying aging patterns under different exposure scenarios; however, wood positioned under a roof overhang generally showed minimal signs of decay. In 2025, a new project "Wood Above Ground 2.0" has been initiated to better understand and predict performance of preservative treated and modified wood. This project integrates field testing with advanced predictive tools to estimate service life early and improve wood performance.

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