How to maintain the wood in your garden
Wooden features such as decking, garden furniture, pagodas and sheds can add a lot of character and warmth to your outdoor space. But if you want to keep them in pristine condition, there are some essential steps that you need to take.
Maintaining the wood in your garden is all about finding the right products for your exact needs. Carefully consider the type of wood you're working with, whether it's softwood, hardwood or pre-treated wood. Each of these options requires the right treatment and products to ensure you don't cause any further damage to the timber.
In this article, we're offering our expert advice on how to treat wood for outdoor use, so you can enjoy your wooden decking and furniture for many years to come.
Types of wood to use in the garden
When it comes to finding the right wooden furniture for your garden, there are several things you must consider, including the type of wood.
Wooden furniture such as patio chairs and tables can be made from a variety of wood. Oak is a hardwood that maintains its colour well without needing too much maintenance and it can last extremely long. White oak, in particular, whilst also being very durable, is resistant to rot and decay.
Cedar, teak, pine, iroko and meranti are also common woods that are used to create beautiful outdoor furniture and decking. Teak has natural oils that protect the timber from all sorts of weather, which make it extremely durable for use outside. Whereas, pine is a classic softwood decking choice that is less expensive than other types of wood, but requires more regular maintenance.
Despite having its own natural protective properties, you'll still need to treat your wood to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Protecting wood from weather damage
Wood can warp, split or even rot if it's not adequately protected from the weather. Once your furniture has been made or when your decking has been installed, you'll need to treat the wood in order to protect it from any further damage.
You can treat wood with different chemicals in order to prevent it from getting damaged by water and sunlight. Wood oil is a great product that finishes and protects the timber, but it will need to be applied on a regular basis. You can treat your wooden furniture or decking with timber treatment oil every year in order to keep it protected and looking its best.
The sun's UV rays can cause timber to crack or warp, but this can be prevented with the right protective products. Timber varnish, paint and timber stains are all tools that you can use to treat wood for outdoor use and prevent UV damage. These create a protective layer, shielding the wood from the sun's UV rays.
When it comes to protecting wood from rotting and decay, the best approach is to invest in a high-quality wood sealant. This creates a breathable layer over your wood that prevents moisture from soaking in and causing any damage.
The best treatment for outdoor wood furniture and decking
Whilst wood is a versatile and natural choice for outdoor furniture, weather and sunlight can cause it to warp and rot if it's not treated correctly. Fortunately, there are a wealth of treatment options out there for you to choose from.
Furniture oil
Furniture oils are suitable for treating both new old wood, to prevent it from rotting and warping whilst maintaining its colour.
Most people will only need to coat their wood furniture in oil once a year. However, if your furniture is regularly exposed to harsh weather conditions, like extreme rain or heat, you may need to use the oil on a more frequent basis.
Wood stains
Wood stains treat your outdoor wood furniture and decking in a similar way to oil, but they come in a range of different colours. This means that you won't have to treat your furniture with the same shade all year round - you can give it a splash of colour for each season or holiday period. Wood stains should be applied at least once per year and, like furniture oil, they need to be reapplied after prolonged exposure to heat and rain.
Timber treatment
Timber treatments offer a targeted solution for protecting your wooden garden features. This is one of the best treatments for outdoor wood furniture and decking, as the right treatment will prevent rotting, decay, discolouration and more.
Whether you treat the wood with a water-based or oil-based product, this simple process will help preserve your timber and keep it in good condition for years to come. The formula seeps deep into the wood, offering excellent water protection and preventing the wood from fading. The type of treatment you use will depend on your local climate and the type of wood you wish to treat.
If you're looking to treat wood for outdoor use, but you're unsure of the right products for your project, get in touch with a member of the George Hill team today. We'll offer our in-depth advice on the best treatments for your outdoor wood furniture, decking, DIY projects and more.