Colour up your garden
Smarten up wood and metalwork with the latest garden paints, says Geoff Hodge. You’ll keep fences and benches in tip-top condition
Smarten up wood and metalwork with a lick of paint. Here’s our buyers’ guide
Wood is an extremely versatile material for making garden structures – from fences to sheds and ornamental pergolas, plant supports and containers. But over time it can deteriorate and rot if not protected from the vagaries of the British weather and decaying fungi. Water is wood’s number one enemy. It can crack and warp wood as its surface absorbs moisture (swells) and dries out (shrinks). Wet wood is also the perfect host for fungi, moulds and even wood-boring insects. Heat can also take its toll, while sunlight diminishes the colour and grain of hardwoods left bare or not maintained. Hardwood is often used in high quality garden furniture and is generally the least prone to damage, but it costs more than softwood, which is why the latter tends to be used for fences and plant supports. Luckily, wood preservers, stains and paints are very effective at protecting timber from the worst of the elements. These help prevent rotting, warping and discolouration. Essentially they’re all waterproof coatings that allow the wood to breathe, and may contain fungal inhibitors to protect from mould and decay. Most give long-lasting protection, so you don’t have to
apply every year. But it’s worth checking annually and treating as necessary to keep all wood looking great for years to come. A clear wood preservative will maintain its natural colour, while stains or paints are available in a range of colours, and help structures stand out or fit in with the rest of your garden’s décor – even turning them into features in their own right.