HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR OUTDOOR TIMBER STRUCTURES

Jan 15

It is no secret that an outdoor structure is going to require some level of maintenance. However, wood is often the best choice for outdoors due to its hard-wearing nature and ability to weather. If you want your timber fence, poles or furniture to stand the test of time, there are a few simple things you need to do:

CHOOSING THE RIGHT WOOD

The first step to ensuring the longevity of your timber structure is to make sure that you purchase a quality product. We recommend using pressure treated wood that won’t rot due to ground contact and is free from any bugs. It is also recommended to choose a hard wood with good weathering capabilities that won’t crack or splinter in the sun. Locally grown hardwood, such as our Natal Forest products, will also last longer in the harsh South African climate.

Once you have decided on the right wood for whatever it is you’re building, it is recommended that you apply as little decorative finishing as possible. While you can already purchase Creosote treated hardwood poles, you may need to treat Wendy houses, jungle gyms and outdoor furniture that are store bought. While you can stain or varnish the wood, it is not recommended to paint outdoor wooden structures as this can lead to flaking and peeling and a lot of maintenance further down the line. A silver grey effect can be achieved in certain hardwoods if left to weather naturally, however again the right wood, with dense and stable qualities, needs to be chosen in order to achieve this effect.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE

Regular maintenance of timber outdoors will be required, the extent of which will be dependent on the finish and treatment of your structure. Most outdoor timber structures require some light maintenance annually or at least, biannually. This generally includes cleaning of the wood, to ensure it is free of dirt and grime, mould treatment should any rot be present, and a light sand before reapplying a finishing sealer, oil or stain.

Regular maintenance of outdoor timber is also required, not just to keep your structures looking great, but to protect the wood from fungi, borers and termites. While choosing treated wood to begin with, will help with this process, regular inspections and application of heavy duty wood preservatives will ensure your wood keeps its integrity for years to come and doesn’t turn into a major headache later down the line.