Wood Treatment

Maintaining Your Garden Furniture with Wood Treatment

 

Investing in high-quality garden furniture is a decision that can pay off for many years, provided it’s properly maintained with wood treatment. Neglecting to care for your wooden garden chairs and tables can lead to premature deterioration, necessitating frequent replacements.

 

Understanding Wood Treatment

 

Wood treatment is essential for preserving both the longevity and appearance of your outdoor furniture. By applying a wood treatment regularly, usually annually, the timber will retain its rich colour and resist greying. The preservatives protect against various weather conditions such as rain, sleet, and snow, as well as insects. Additionally, a good garden furniture wood treatment will help prevent cracking, splitting, warping, and mildew growth in warm yet damp conditions.

 

Choosing the Right Treatment for Different Wood Types

 

Different types of wood require specific treatments to ensure optimal protection and longevity:

 

• Softwood and Swedish Redwood: For softwood varieties like Swedish Redwood, opt for a water-based wood preservative. This type of treatment helps retain the natural color of the wood while protecting it from moisture and weathering. Ensure the preservative is eco-friendly and pay particular attention to horizontal surfaces where water may accumulate.
• Hardwood: Hardwood, such as teak or oak, contains more natural oils and requires treatment with high-grade teak oil or natural oil wood stain. These treatments penetrate deeper into the wood, providing enhanced protection against moisture, UV rays, and other outdoor elements.

 

How Wood Treatment Protects Your Outdoor Garden Furniture

 

A comprehensive wood treatment system includes a repellent that contains natural growth substances to repel liquids, prevent algae growth, and inhibit mould formation. These substances can also mimic the natural fossilisation process to protect the timber from flames and rot. By creating a barrier between the weather and the wood, active ingredients such as silicon polymers and silicon minerals help prevent shrinkage, cracks, splits, and warping. Without proper treatment, water penetration can lead to rotting.

 

Tips for Applying Wood Treatment

 

Applying wood treatment is a straightforward process that requires a few basic tools and materials:

 

Equipment Required

• Sponge or soft cloth
• Bucket
• Brush or paintbrush (for application)
• Protective gloves
• Safety goggles (if using a brush for application)

 

Materials

• Wood treatment product suitable for your furniture type (water-based preservative, teak oil, etc.)
• Detergent (if cleaning is necessary)

 

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation: Begin by preparing the surface of your garden furniture. If the furniture is dirty, clean it thoroughly with a sponge or soft cloth dampened with water and detergent. Wipe in the direction of the wood grain to avoid damaging the surface. For hardened dirt, use a stiff brush or paintbrush to loosen the dirt and brush away dust.
2. Drying: Allow the furniture to dry completely before applying the wood treatment. This may take several hours or even until the next day, depending on the weather conditions.
3. Application: Once the furniture is dry, apply the wood treatment using a brush or paintbrush. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific product you’re using, paying attention to any recommended drying times between coats.
4. Extra Attention: Pay particular attention to horizontal surfaces where water may accumulate, as these areas are most susceptible to water damage. Apply additional coats of wood treatment to these areas if necessary.
5. Sealing: If required, seal the end grains of the wood with a breathable but water-resistant sealer to further protect against moisture penetration.
6. Drying Time: Allow the wood treatment to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions before using the furniture. This may take several hours or even a day, depending on the product and weather conditions.

 

By following these steps and using the appropriate wood treatment for your furniture type, you can ensure that your outdoor furniture remains in excellent condition for many years to come.