Wood Treatment – What to Protect In Your Garden

Looking at giving your garden a new lease of life can be daunting especially after a cold, wet winter when outdoor wood seems to suffer the effects of rain, wind and snow. The shed, fence and deck areas of any garden are the same as the walls inside your home in that they pull the look of the garden together and if they are somewhat grubby or past their best then the whole area can appear to be less than attractive.

Staining or wood treatment can be a fast fix for this problem and choosing the right type for your needs is not difficult once you know what you need!  There are many products on the market which are targeted at outdoor timber and they are generally easy to apply and offer a simple solution to the problem of shabby woodwork.

Fences

Fences often bear the brunt of the effects of bad weather; serving as a protective shield against the wind and rain, they can grow shabby in appearance after only one season. To protect and add colour, look for an all in one fence coat with added waxes. These can often add colour at the same time as they offer protection and if you are in a hurry to get the job done, look for a one-coat solution.

Some fence treatments are designed to last for longer than others and may offer protection for up to five years. This is a good option if your garden is in the way of a lot of wind and water as a rule.

If you are not keen to paint a larger fence by hand, then look out for power sprayers which can reduce the time of covering a fence by more than half. Fence treatments come in a variety of colours, usually natural browns and greens so that they fit into your landscape.

Sheds

Some fence treatments are also suitable for use on sheds whilst others are not. Look out for treatments which are suggested specifically for sheds as many fence treatments are suitable for rough, unfinished wood and will not offer a smooth finish on sheds.

Decks

Of all the timber in your garden, your deck will suffer the most from prolonged exposure to weather and walking! If your deck is in very bad condition, you can use a decking stripper which will remove all old layers of treatment and enable you to begin afresh. If this is too extreme for you, then you might like to consider a decking restorer solution which usually comes in a gel formula and re-invigorates and cleans the timber of your deck.

Other deck treatments include oils and stains in addition to various cleaning solutions which are designed to give your deck an even and attractive finish.

With regular care, the timber in your garden should remain attractive and useful for many years. Tips for increasing longevity are to install drainpipes in decked areas so that rainwater is directed away from the wood and towards a water butt and also regular brushing and the swift removal of spillages.

I hope this small piece will give you a little bit more insight into caring for the wood in your garden. For more information on gardening and other useful articles when check out our blog here.