Focus On Garden Timber

It seems only a few short years ago when the only wood in the garden was the fence, trellis and a garden shed. Today we use a lot of wood in the garden and, if it is to last a long time, we need to know how to maintain it. Initially wood can be divided into two categories, rough cut (sawn) timber and planed timber. Sawn timber items are generally fences, trellises, arches, pergolas and the like. Planed timber items are more likely to be garden furniture, decking and some sheds. In essence, if the timber is smooth it is planed, if it is rough the timber is sawn. Many timber-care products used for timber in the garden are often described as being suitable for planed or sawn timber and it is important to distinguish between them.

With the increased number of timber care products on the market; choosing the right product has become more complex. Firstly, I strongly recommend that you get copies of the manufacturers’ colour chart/selection sheets that are available in every Focus store. These will give you detailed information about which product to use for a particular job. Do not be tempted to try a product that is not recommended for the task in hand.

When it comes to treating sawn timber, any of the products sold for fence treatments will do the job. These products are usually water-based. This means that they dry quickly and the brushes used can be washed out in water. Many of these treatments have wax added to make them more water-resistant. Now, they are available in different colours, not just dark and light brown but blue, green and red. Before you apply the timber care product, make sure the wood is free from dirt and algae. To clean the fence for the first time I use a pressure washer (on a gentle setting). After that, I use a scrubbing brush to remove any remaining dirt. However, it is important to follow the instructions for the product that you are using.

When undertaking maintenance work on a fence or trellis, I find the biggest problem is getting the plants out of the way whilst the timber care is being applied. If you cannot remove the plant, cover it with horticultural fleece or a light sheet. This will keep it away from the treatment for a while and protect it from splashes. I try to do the maintenance work on any trellis with climbing plants on it, early in the spring, before the plants start to grow.

Decking can be maintained by using a decking-stain. Some of these are water-based and some are oil-based. The main difference between the two is that a water-based decking stain will dry more rapidly than an oil-based one. However, the preparation is the same for both - use a stiff brush, like a scrubbing brush, and warm soapy water to remove the dirt. After that, the soapy water must be thoroughly washed off using clean water. I use a pressure washer both before the soapy water is applied and after, to rinse the soapy water off. Once the decking has thoroughly dried the decking-stain can be applied. It would seem sensible to do this once a year for two or three years. Then, if the decking is looking in good order, every other year.

Timber garden furniture can be divided into two types – that made from hardwood and that made from softwood. For hardwood garden furniture, there are two types of treatment, the most popular is an oil, usually called Teak Oil, which can be used on any hardwood furniture, whether the timber is teak or not. Alternatively, there is a preservative that protects the wood and tints it slightly. Whichever type of treatment you choose treat the furniture at least twice a year - when it comes out of winter storage and before it is stored away for the winter. However, some manufacturers recommend a treatment every two months. Before applying the oil or protector, the furniture must be cleaned thoroughly with warm soapy water and allowed to dry. When it is dry, rub it over with a degreaser like methylated spirits (not white spirits) before the oil is applied.

Softwood furniture needs to be cleaned thoroughly with soapy water and allowed to dry. Then use methylated spirits to remove the sticky residue from around knots. The softwood furniture can then be treated using furniture oil or a good quality, coloured, protective finish that is intended for use on planed wood in the garden. Whichever you decide to use, check the manufacturers’ instructions to make sure it is suitable for the job. Alternatively, if the furniture has not been treated for about a year (it is important to allow the timber treatment to weather before it is painted) it could be painted, using any good quality, exterior grade paint.

Whatever product you use, as always please take care to follow the manufacturers’ instructions for both application and safety.

Once this is done you are ready for a nice, relaxing summer!