The Many Benefits Of Wood Treatment

If there is one thing we can all agree on, it’s that natural wood exteriors, be they cladding, doors, fences or sheds, have the potential to look amazing. Their natural grain, coupled with unique colouring and tone gives every timber a sense of individuality and character. However, unlocking this potential requires a bit of work; in order to bring out their aesthetic features while protecting them from wind, rain, snow and sun, timber is often subjected to a number of treatments.

Here in the UK, our weather is unpredictable, to say the least. Swift changes in temperature as well as rain and sunshine mean that protecting buildings and structures requires versatile and effective methods. Fortunately, wood treatment is a widely used and incredibly effective means of coating, toning and protecting timber from day-to-day weathering as well as long-term degradation.

Whether you’re a homeowner, shed-lover, DIY enthusiast or simply looking to protect your timber all year round, there are a number of steps that can be taken to prevent damage and keep it looking incredible for years to come.

Here at Treatex, we’ve put together a guide to the many benefits of wood treatment.

Read on to hear our thoughts.

What Does Treating Wood Mean?

So, what does it mean to ‘treat’ wood? Whilst the term wood treatment can mean a few different things, the principle is the same; treating wood refers to the process of coating or adding chemicals to timber in order to enhance its durability, resistance, strength and aesthetic properties.

Before we continue it is worth outlining the difference between pressure-treated wood and the use of wood preservatives such as wax oils, sealants and protective coatings. As the name suggests, pressure treatment refers to the process of pressurising wood in order to then force chemical preservatives deep into its internal structure. While this process is highly effective, this article will focus on treatments that can be applied at home, without the need for specialist machinery.

There are a wide range of treatment processes and preservatives available today, which we will cover shortly. Each of these is designed to provide different enhancing properties, such as water resistance, UV protection and non-slip grip. It is important to note that different woods require different treatments, so understanding the differences can be highly advantageous.

As mentioned above, timber that has been coated or treated with preservatives is more durable than untreated wood.

Why Treat Wood?

As we mentioned briefly in the section above, treating wood serves a number of purposes. These range from basic aesthetic qualities, such as tone enhancement and staining, to more practical benefits such as water resistance, pest protection and slip prevention.

Below, we’ll cover a few of the main benefits of wood treatment, explaining how they work, and why they are well worth the investment.

Rot Prevention

When it comes to timber degradation, rot is a common culprit. Wood rot is a type of decay caused by moisture and the growth of microscopic organisms, or fungi. In order for rot to develop, timber must be damp for an extended period of time, encouraging the fungi to spread and grow on it.

For timbers that are particularly susceptible to rot and fungal growth, a wood preservative such as the Treatex W216 is a perfect choice. Not only is it particularly easy to apply, but it also provides highly effective protection against blue stain and mould on vulnerable woods.

Water Resistance

Next on our list of wood treatment benefits is water resistance. As mentioned above extended exposure to water and dampness can allow rot to develop, but this isn’t the only issue. Long periods of rain and harsh weather conditions can penetrate the timber’s structure, causing swelling and expansion. This, in turn, can lead to misshapen decking and structural issues.

For treatments such as these, our range of exterior oils are ideal. Designed for use on a range of timber surfaces such as decking, cladding and outdoor furniture, exterior oils penetrate the surface of the wood to provide immense protection from the elements.

What’s more, with a wide range of colours to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect exterior oil for your timber, which brings us to our next point.

Aesthetic Appearance

As well as boasting a range of practical enhancements, wood treatment can also be used to improve the aesthetic appearance of timber. As beautiful as natural wood can be, opting for a preservative or oil that incorporates a colour or tone can work to enhance the original grain and qualities of the timber.

Moreover, properly treated timber will retain its aesthetic appeal for much longer than its untreated counterparts. As prolonged exposure to wind, rain and sun takes its toll on your timber, cracking, bleaching and fading are likely to occur. Not only can this damage the wood’s structure, but it also spoils its appearance.

Treating your timber with high-quality products is the surest way to keep them looking their best for years to come.

Pest Protection

Next up is pest protection. Though it may not be the first thing that springs to mind, small pests and insects can wreak havoc on untreated timber. Bugs such as wood-boring weevils and woodworms are notorious for attacking soft and hardwoods that are damp and decaying, so preventing them from penetrating your wood is essential.

This can be done by using wood sealants and preservatives to prevent the wood from becoming damp or rotting. When treated properly, preventing bugs and pests is simple and environmentally friendly.

UV Protection Oil

Last but not least, treating your exterior timber provides unparalleled protection from sun damage. UV light can cause significant damage to wood when left exposed as it degrades the lignin. In other words, sunlight can change and destroy the cellular structure of timber, causing it to weaken, warp and lose its aesthetic appeal.

Treating your wood with our UV Oil is the surest way to protect it from sun damage and structural decay. By penetrating deep into the timber and attaching to its capillaries, UV oil provides long-lasting protection from harsh ultraviolet rays.

Treating Wood At Home

Whether you’re looking to protect your garden furniture, decking, cladding or shed, treating and preserving your timber shouldn’t feel like an overwhelming task. What’s more, with the right equipment, it is a simple and straightforward process. Here at Treatex, we stock everything you need to treat your timber efficiently, including brushes, rollers and trays.

Treatex: Wax Oils and More

When it comes to treating your timber, choosing to use high-quality products, designed and sold by experts, is essential. Here at Treatex, we take immense pride in supplying a wide selection of products designed to protect and enhance your wooden surfaces.

Whether you’re searching for interior or exterior protection, from floorboards to cladding, you’ll find what you’re looking for with us. What’s more, with over 40 years of industry experience, you can be certain that you’re in good hands.

Don’t let wind, rain, snow or sun get the better of your timber, protect it with Treatex today.

Call us on 01844 260416.

Admin17 November 2022