Prepping your timber for winter

Winter is right around the corner, and timber surfaces are especially prone to damage this time of year. While wood is an inherently tough material, it still requires some TLC so that it can remain healthy and strong throughout the years. The winter elements can wreak havoc on both exterior and interior timber, however there are plenty of things you can do to make sure your wood is properly protected.

The following post provides our top recommendations on how to best prepare your timber for the harsh months ahead.

Clean, dry, and treat outdoor timber

Prior to cleaning, gently wipe down or sweep the wood to get rid of dirt and debris. Your exterior wood should be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush or cloth. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the timber surface and allow it to dry completely before applying your treatment, but be sure to read the guidance on product packaging to ensure minimum temperatures for application are followed. Choose from our wide range of exterior wood protection to find the formula that best suits your outdoor timber. Now is also the time to check for any damage to your timber, and make the appropriate repairs. Sadolin Woodfiller offers excellent adhesion and is perfect for small repairs and minor surface defects.

 

Cover and store wooden garden furniture

Ideally, your wooden garden furniture will be stored indoors in a clean, dry area over the winter months when it’s not in use. Make sure to clean, dry and treat your furniture (see tip number 1 above) before putting it away. This will help ensure the furniture is in great shape and ready to be used once spring arrives.

Keep your furniture well covered when storing—this provides an extra shield from particles and will prevent the formulation of dust/grime on your stationary furniture. If you must store your timber furniture outside, be sure to use a heavy-duty waterproof cover or tarpaulin to keep precipitation out. The furniture should be positioned uphill in an area that is as sheltered as possible and won’t accumulate water. Make sure furniture isn’t on the grass or dirt (these get very wet) and is instead positioned on a hard, even surface. You may wish to use a palette or cinder blocks to keep wooden furniture elevated and away from ground moisture.

 

Protect indoor timber with a quality varnish

The harsh winter weather means precipitation and debris can be easily transferred indoors via shoes, coats, and open doors. The salt that is often used to melt winter ice is also a major threat to timber. Sealing your timber will provide protection from these seasonal elements and keep wood healthy and happy. Our durable polyurethane varnishes are made for both wooden flooring and other interior timber surfaces such as skirting, doors, tables, cupboards, sills, panelling, shelving, banisters and shelf rails.

 

Frequently dust your indoor wood

Dust can be especially rampant in the winter months, with more people spending time indoors. Central heating systems can also dispel a large amount of particulate matter into the air each day. Dust can cause scratches to your timber, so it’s a wise idea to gently wipe wooden surfaces with a slightly damp, soft cloth every few days.

 

Shield your wood from the heat

Chances are that heaters will be used frequently over the next few months, and heat is not a friend to wood, sometimes causing it to dry out and warp. To help prevent this, keep wooden furniture away from heat sources. If you feel that your timber is becoming dry, rub it down with a nourishing wood treatment oil.

 

Is your wood ready for the next few months? The above tips will help guarantee your timber is in a great position to combat whatever this winter may bring. Call into your local Sadolin stockist to find the perfect formulation for your wood, and for expert assistance with all of your wood-related queries.