How to protect and extend the life of your new timber

The summer season sees many people focusing on their outdoor spaces, and investing in exciting new wooden furnishings such as sheds, fences, decks, and garden furniture. While wood is a beautiful, classic material that will bring style to any space, it requires proper protection to ensure longevity.

The following blog will help you on your journey to protecting your new, untreated wood and keeping it healthy and happy throughout its lifetime.

Choose the wood that’s right for you

Different types of wood have unique characteristics and treatment requirements.

• Hardwoods: Hardwoods such as oak and teak are inherently durable and decay-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor use.
• Softwoods: Softwoods such as cedar, pine, and spruce are usually more affordable options and can be treated to extend their lifespan so you can still enjoy the beauty of wood whatever your budget.

Use a preserver to seal your wood

Sealing fresh timber is essential for protecting it against moisture, UV rays, and overall wear and tear.

• Clean your wood: Start by cleaning the wood with a specialised cleaner (follow the directions on the label) or a mixture of mild soap and water.
• Sand: Lightly sand the surface to achieve smoothness and open up the grain.
• Seal and preserve: Apply a high-quality wood preserver, such as Sadolin Wood Preserver, which is specifically formulated for new and untreated wood. This exceptional product safeguards against wood-rotting fungi and wood-destroying insects and needs to be followed by an exterior wood stain or paint for optimal protection.

Choose your stain or paint to further protect and beautify your wood

To enhance the look of your new wood while also making sure it’s as durable as it can be, you can opt for staining or painting. Stains deeply penetrate the wood, emphasising its beautiful natural grain. Conversely, paint offers a solid, opaque finish that usually requires a primer and a topcoat. Although paint delivers robust protection, it is prone to peeling over time and usually needs regular upkeep. By choosing the right products and applying them correctly, you can not only beautify your new wood but also protect it from the elements, ensuring it remains in excellent condition for years to come.

• Stain: For those looking for a versatile staining solution, Sadolin Classic All Purpose Woodstain is an excellent choice. This product is suitable for both indoor and outdoor wood surfaces, delivering a deep-penetrating, weather-resistant finish. It works particularly well on large areas such as decking, fencing, cladding, and garden furniture, and also serves as a great basecoat for new doors and windows.
• Paint: If you prefer an opaque finish, Sadolin Superdec Satin is a reliable, water-borne option that can be used on a variety of surfaces, including wood, plastic, steel, cladding, concrete, and masonry. This durable finish naturally erodes over time due to weathering, maintaining its flexibility so it doesn’t crack, peel, or flake. Ideal for surfaces requiring a complete colour change. Sadolin Beautiflex® solvent-borne woodstain is another fantastic option and provides a beautiful, flexible finish for exterior wood, resisting cracking and peeling for up to 7 years. Offering excellent colour retention and weather resistance, it’s perfect for new or weathered surfaces, including decking.

Don’t forget—regular maintenance is key!

Even the best-protected wood requires regular maintenance to stay in top shape. Here’s what you should do:

• Inspect frequently: Look for signs of, damage at least once every season.
• Clean regularly: Gently clean your wood as needed so dirt and grime doesn’t have the chance to work its way into the wood.
• Reapply your timber treatments: Reapply sealants, stains, or paint as needed. Generally, you should reseal or restain every 2-3 years and repaint every 5-7 years.
• Keep wood as dry as possible: Ensure there is proper drainage around your wooden structures so water doesn’t accumulate and cause issues. Cover your outdoor wooden furniture to shield it from rain.
• Limit direct contact with soil and other organic materials: Avoid direct contact with soil, which can cause rot. Use concreate or gravel to create a barrier between the ground and wooden structures like sheds.

Make sure to address any isssues promptly

If you notice any signs of damage (cracks, splits, mould, rot) deal with them immediately and properly. Seemingly small issues can turn into major problems if they’re not dealt with in a timely manner.

The steps above will help ensure your new or bare timber is well looked after. By treating your timber with care and investing in quality products, your wood will remain happy and healthy. For everything you need for your timber, call into your local Sadolin stockist today!