The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate differences in mechanical, fungicidal, and sorption properties of four different wood species (sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), common beach (Fagus sylvatica), Norway spruce (Picea abies), and copper-ethanolamine (CuE) impregnated Norway spruce (Picea abies)) that were exposed in the 3rd use class (CEN, 1992) for periods between 4 and 30 months. EN 113 laboratory test indicated an increased susceptibility of chestnut wood to fungal decay. After 12 weeks of exposure to brown rot Gloeophyllum trabeum mass loss of 4.3% was determined on samples that were weathered for 18 months. Results show no apparent deterioration in mechanical properties of chestnut and CuE impregnated spruce; however a 37% drop in bending strength is evident at beech wood after 30 months outdoors, and spruce wood lost around 15% of its bending strength in the same time. We find modulus of elasticity to be inappropriate for quick assessment of fungal decay.

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