How to Prepare Your Timber for the Cold Winter Months

With winter fast approaching, now is the time to prepare your timber for the coming colder months. Although wood is generally a durable material, harsh weather conditions, such as plunging temperatures, heavy rainfall, hail, and snow, can damage both interior and exterior timber features. To minimise winter’s impact, it’s essential to begin your timber preparation now to give it an extra layer of protection.

Read on to discover our guide to protecting timber against winter conditions.

Move Wooden Furniture Indoors

One of the best ways to protect exterior wood is by shielding it from the elements. Wherever possible, try to bring your outdoor wooden furniture indoors. Sheds or garages provide ideal storage spaces for wooden sun loungers, dining sets, or other outdoor pieces until they’re ready to be used again in spring.

Prepare Outdoor Timber

Before applying any type of timber treatment or exterior oil for wood, the timber must be cleaned properly. Start by dusting off the timber with a cloth to remove any surface debris or dust. Next, lightly rub down the wood with a soapy water solution and either a cloth or a soft-bristle brush; this should remove any residue that may have built up on the surface or within the grain. Rinse the wood thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Apply a Wood Protector

Once the timber is clean and dry, it’s ready for treatment. A range of timber treatments, including oils and finishes, can be applied to seal the wood. These treatments not only nourish the wood but also form a protective layer that repels water.

Here are our top timber treatments for protecting exterior wood:

●      Treatex UV Oil Exterior: Provides UV and water resistance for enhanced protection against sunlight and rain. Ideal for vertical applications, including fences, doors, and sheds.

●      Treatex Exterior Oils: Available in various shades, Treatex exterior oil for wood penetrate the timber, creating a weather-resistant coating that protects it from moisture and UV damage. Suitable for decking, wooden doors, and cladding.

●      Treatex Classic Colour Collection: A durable, protective finish that offers UV resistance and weather protection. Available in a variety of colours, the Classic Colour Collection range can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Cover Wooden Furniture

For any outdoor wooden furniture that cannot be moved indoors, consider investing in water-resistant covers. These covers will shield your timber from rain, snow, and hail, preventing moisture from reaching the wood’s surface.

Don’t Neglect Your Interior Timber

While indoor timber surfaces aren’t directly exposed to harsh weather, they still require attention to maintain their quality. Flooring, for example, is susceptible to dirt and debris carried in from outside on footwear. Applying an interior wood protector, such as Treatex Hardwax Oil Ultra, helps protect wooden floors, doors, stairs, and furniture, keeping them nourished and safeguarded.

Additionally, when windows are opened less frequently during the winter, dust tends to accumulate on wooden surfaces, which can cause scratches. To combat this, regularly dust wooden surfaces with a damp, soft cloth.

Browse our wide range of woodcare products for both interior and exterior timber online, or contact us with any enquiries.