Table of Contents
It would be easy to assume that wood would do very well outside, after all, this raw material comes from trees that are outside – right? However, once those trees are cut down and made into boards, the wood is exposed and vulnerable to the elements. It doesn’t take much before it begins to rot and weaken.
If you’re keen to get started on an outdoor project like garden furniture, a shed or even a beautiful ornate birdhouse, you’ll need to make sure that you have given your wood the best protection. There are several ways to do this, and in this guide, we will be giving you a rundown of the best ways to protect outdoor wood.
Wood that Needs Treating Outdoors:
The type of protection that you’ll need for your outdoor wood projects will vary depending on what you are making. For example, a garden shed or fence would need a different type of protection to patio furniture.
Fences
Fences do well when treated with a wood preserver. These products offer great water-resistance as well as protecting the wood against rot and weakening. The preserver will penetrate deeply into the fibres of the wood giving protection from the inside out. You will also be able to find a lot of enhanced UV protection wood preservers which will ensure that the fence keeps its colour for longer.
Sheds
Sheds need to be well protected from the elements and they are relatively easy to maintain. There is a huge variety of shed paints that offer protection as well and these are among the easiest ways to prevent damage from the weather. In any case, you should make sure that your shed treatment is water-resistant.
However, you might also consider using wood oil over the top of your preservative to give an additional layer of protection. If you do this, you should ensure that you wait at least 24-48 hours between applying the two products.
Decking
Since your decking will experience a lot of heavy foot traffic, you need a treatment that is going to protect against this, as well as provide protection from the elements. This is why we recommend using a good quality wood stain or dye. These products will give the surface a scuff-resistant finish and increased durability. What’s great is that there are many that also feature a heavy wax base which improves water resistance.
Furniture
Wood oil is an excellent choice for patio furniture as it helps to prevent drying, warping and splitting. It will give the furniture a smooth, even finish and provides a waterproof barrier to prevent damage from rainfall and other elements. There are some wood oils that have extra UV protection which is great for the summer months.
Different Types Of Protective Finishes For Wood
We have looked briefly at some of the wood treatment choices out there, but let’s take a closer look at some of the best products and what they can bring to the table.
Exterior Wood Paint
One of the best ways to improve the overall look of your garden is to use products that can add a bit of colour. Whether you want to enhance the natural colour of your wood or create a bright feature, exterior wood paint comes in a vast array of colours. But more than just looking the part, these products offer unparalleled protection against the elements.
They are simple and easy to use and won’t peel or fade over time. Wood paint will give your outdoor items a good level of protection against moisture and UV rays. It is a good idea to choose one that is wax-based as this will improve the water-resistance which is imperative with the amount of rain we get here in the UK. What’s more, it can be used on a variety of surfaces.
- Johnstone’s Quick Dry Satin is a high opacity...
- It provides a contemporary, mid sheen finish that...
- It is a water based paint, with at non -...
- It provides a classic, yet durable and satisfying...
- A unique, wide range of colours that have been...
- Mould resistant weatherproof paint film
- 6 year weather protection
- Attractive mid-sheen finish
- Touch dry in 2 hours
- For wood and metal
- Johnstone’s Garden Colours is a fade resisting...
- The easy to apply formulation provides a beautiful...
- It colours and protects most types of garden...
- It is harmless to plants and animals when it...
- A unique wide range of colours that have been...
Wood Oil
Wood oil is an incredibly protective substance that is ideal for surfaces that need a smooth and even finish. This is a very nourishing product and is ideal for restoring lost moisture that is lost through exposure to harsh weather conditions or after a prolonged period outdoors.
The wood oil will prevent the wood from drying out and splitting and will also improve its durability, making it stronger and more resilient. There are various types of wood oil on the market including those that have additional UV protection and enhanced water resistance.
- Ronseal Ultimate Protection Hardwood Garden...
- It nourishes the wood from the inside out and has...
- Our Hardwood Oil keeps your garden furniture...
- Made up of quality material
- Nordicare Sealing Wood Oil for Outdoor Garden...
- Brand : Nordicare
- Product type: BUILDING MATERIAL
- 2.5 L
- nordicare danish teak oil for outdoor furniture...
- Superior Weather & UV Protection: GRAIN GUARD...
- Deep Penetrating Formula: Our oil penetrates deep...
- Natural Finish & Enhanced Beauty: Restore the...
- Easy Application: Designed for convenience, our...
- Versatile Use: Whether you’re sealing garden...
Wood Stain Or Dye
If you are looking for something that will give your wood excellent coverage then a wood stain or dye might be the right choice. These products also benefit from being very hard wearing and so are great for areas that will be exposed to heavy use such as a decked patio. Decking will also benefit since wood stains often have anti-slip properties.
Your wood stain colour choices are enormous so this is also a good product for people who are trying to achieve a certain aesthetic in their gardens.
- Timberlife Light Oak 1ltr
- Rustins Timberlife Wood Preserver - Protective and...
- Superior Protection: Rustins Timberlife Wood...
- Versatile Colour Options: Available in various...
- Convenient Sizes: Choose between 1L and 5L sizes...
- Gives long lasting protection to all external wood
- Quick drying,
- Very durable
- Provides up to five year protection
- Resists cracking, blistering and peeling
- Showerproof in just one hour (when used outdoors)
- Helps prevent UV damage
- Water repellent - provides an ideal all weather...
Wood Preserver
Wood preservers are similar in nature to oils and stains and they offer just as excellent waterproofing. In addition to this, they are fantastic for preventing rot which can make your wood incredibly weak. They are ideal for various types of outdoor wooden surfaces including sheds and fences.
For added protection over the summer months, it is worth using a wood preserver that has increased UV protection as this will prevent the material from fading or warping in the sun. Since the preserver has the ability to penetrate deeply into the wood, you get a much greater level of protection.
- TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED – micro-fine active...
- QUICK DRYING – This ready-to-use mix is low...
- SUITABLE FOR INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR WOOD AND...
- IDEAL FOR EXTERNAL PREP WORK – When used on...
- PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR FINISH – When used...
- QUICK-DRYING – This non-flammable Sika wood rot...
- SPECIALLY FORMULATED – Employs a low-odour,...
- FUNGICIDAL – Contains finely dispersed...
- MULTI-USE – Suitable for both internal and...
- GENEROUS COVERAGE – 5 litres covers 15-20 m2.
- Waterproofs wood & maintains appearance
- Reduced organic growth - reduces mould & algae...
- Protects wood from warping and improves...
- Long lifetime
- Non Biocidal - Ready for use
Wood Varnish
Varnish is not a product that should always be used alone but one that creates a nice finish. They come in matte or gloss finishes so you can alter your garden aesthetic to your liking. Wood varnish is best applied over the top of something like a wood stain; once it has dried, of course. It works very well for surfaces like door frames, gates and wooden window frames.
What’s great about varnish is that it is superior when it comes to UV protection and won’t peel or crack once applied.
- Superior Weather Protection: Rustins Quick Dry...
- Fast Drying Formula: Our advanced quick-dry...
- UV Resistant Finish: This premium varnish offers...
- Available in Satin, Matt, and Gloss: Choose from...
- Easy Application: Designed for smooth and easy...
- YACHT VARNISH CLEAR - This is an extra durable,...
- INTERIOR & EXTERIOR VARNISH - Suitable for...
- SIMPLE APPLICATION - Ensure surfaces are clean,...
- VERSATILE TREATMENT - For new timber, thin 5-10%...
- DRYING TIMES - The gloss varnish for wood will be...
- Vibrant Colour Palette: Explore a range of rich...
- Quick Dry Formula: Achieve swift results with the...
- DIY Delight: Enjoy an easy and enjoyable...
- Lasting Brilliance: The coloured varnish not only...
- Versatile Application: Ideal for various wood...
How To Correctly Prepare Your Wood for Finish
Once you have chosen your treatment, it is important that you correctly prepare your wood. You cannot simply start lashing on the paint or dye and hope for the best as this won’t give you the finish you are looking for.
Sanding
To begin, you will need to sand your wood down for a smooth finish. Using an electric sander will provide you with the quickest and most even results, working in the direction of the grain for best results.
Vacuuming
Once you have removed any coarse parts or unevenness from the wood, you will want to make sure that no dust is left behind. Using a vacuum is a great way to do this but giving the wood a dust down with a cloth also works well. If any dust remains, this will become stuck in your treatment and will ruin the finish.
Removing Stains
If your wood is heavily stained, you may wish to remove these using mineral spirits which can be applied with a clean, dry cloth.
How To Apply Outdoor Wood Finishes
There are several ways that you can apply your wood treatment, in the main, the following methods work best.
- Brushes work well for exterior wood paint, varnish, wood preservers, wood stains and dyes and oils.
- Spray applicators work well for exterior wood paint.
- Cloths work well for wood stains and dyes as well as wood oil.
Once you have applied the first coat of wood finish, you will need to allow it time to dry before applying the next coat. Using two coats will ensure maximum protection but you should give the wood a light sanding before applying the second coat. The only exception to this is when you are using a wood preserver which doesn’t require sanding in between coats.
Conclusion
The UK is notorious for its unpredictable weather so when you are using wood outdoors, it is more important than ever to protect it from the elements. The good news is that there are many ways you can do this and what’s more, a lot of these methods also deliver a beautiful finish for your wood.