Wooden products like benches, bin stores, and shelters add warmth and natural charm to outdoor spaces. However, wood is susceptible to wear from weather, insects, and daily use, especially when exposed to the elements year-round. Regular maintenance is essential for extending the life of these items and ensuring they remain safe and functional. Here’s a comprehensive guide on maintaining wooden products to keep them looking beautiful and durable for years to come.
Regular Cleaning to Prevent Buildup
Wood is a very robust building material, and we have all seen houses around the world built hundreds of years ago with wooden elements that are still going strong. However, this doesn’t just happen on its own, and wood needs good care to last a long time.
Dirt, dust, twigs, mould, and algae are common problems, and they can collect on wooden surfaces over time, making them look dull and accelerating decay. They are not hard to deal with; however, you need to give them a good clean occasionally. It can be done seasonally or more often if exposed to heavy use or direct weather elements.
To clean a wooden product, you can use a soft brush, cloth or a sponge to sweep away loose dirt and debris. A mixture of mild soap and water works well for cleaning wood without causing damage. However, remember to avoid harsh chemicals, as these can strip natural oils in the wood or anything the wood has been treated with. If you want to go a step further, you can add a biocidal wood cleaner to your cleaning routine – they are great at getting rid of the most stubborn things like spores, which the soap and water may not entirely get rid of.
Apply Sealants and Finishes
There are many sealants and finishes available on the market. Oils penetrate deeply and enrich the wood’s natural colour, adding a warm tone. Oil-based finishes should be reapplied every 6–12 months. Varnishes and polyurethane finishes form a hard, protective layer on the wood surface, and stains with sealant offer coloured finishes with added protection, which usually require touch-ups every 1 or 2 years.
Finishes like varnish, oil, or wood sealant create a protective barrier against moisture, UV rays, and daily wear. Waterproofing is one of the most important places to start because it minimises the risks of warping, cracking and swelling. Sealants of this type need to be applied annually for best results.
Rot is another big problem that should be mitigated in advance, ideally. Wood should be regularly examined for signs of soft spots, decay, and weird discolouration. Catching early signs of rot allows you to replace damaged sections or treat the wood before the problem worsens. However, you should also think about treating your wood preventatively against rot regularly to keep it in good shape.
Lastly, UV damage is another problem worth flagging: sun exposure leads to discolouration, fading, and surface damage. Sun-blocking finishes can help prevent this, so when buying, look for sealants and stains that include UV-blocking agents to avoid colour fading and minimise cracking. These should be reapplied as directed, often annually, to keep the wood well-protected.
When buying a wooden product, it is always best to check what it has been treated with. The best results are achieved either when the wood has been treated during manufacturing or within the first few months after installation.
Treat for Insects and Fungi
While we are on the topic of treatments and sealants, we should also mention that wood left untreated outdoors can become a target for pests, like termites, carpenter ants, and fungus.
Some types of wood have better natural insect-resistant properties, but they can also benefit from the occasional treatment. Apply insect-resistant treatments as part of your maintenance routine, especially if your wooden items are near vegetation or soil.
Mold and mildew can grow on wood in damp conditions, leading to unsightly stains and decay. For high-humidity areas, you can periodically use a wood-safe fungicide spray, following manufacturer guidelines.
Sand and Refinish for a Fresh Look
Once a product has been outdoors for a few years, it may be time to freshen it up by sanding and finishing it again. Sanding removes old finishes, surface scratches, and grime buildup, revitalising the wood’s natural grain. If you want to give that a go, you can use medium to fine-grit sandpaper (120-220 grit) for surface sanding, moving with the wood grain. After sanding, apply a new layer of oil or finish to refresh the protective coating.
This isn’t something to be done regularly but rather every few years or as needed based on wear. It is a way to keep wooden products looking like new and add layers of protection against wear.
Inspect Hardware and Fixings
Screws, bolts, and other hardware can rust over time, affecting the stability of wooden products. This is why it is important to remember to include them in your inspections and maintenance. Aim to check hardware annually to ensure that all pieces are secure and replace rusty or loose screws, bolts, or other fixings to keep the structure safe and stable.
Routine Inspections
Overall, we advise that once you install a wooden product, you should aim to check it regularly. Regular inspections help you catch small issues before they turn into costly repairs. You should check for signs of cracking, fading, mould, insect damage, and general wear. Make notes of any sections needing repair, refinishing, or treatment and do them sooner so they don’t become bigger issues.
Maintaining outdoor wooden products like bin stores, benches, and shelters can extend their lifespan significantly and ensure they remain safe and functional. By following these maintenance tips, including regular cleaning, sealing, protecting against weather, and checking for damage, you’ll keep your wooden structures looking their best and ensure a longer life. An investment in maintenance goes a long way in protecting your outdoor wood furniture and fixtures, adding value to your outdoor space for years to come.