Give all exterior wood the love it deserves this summer…

OUR climate doesn’t look favourably on timber garden furniture and yet most of us remain slaves to fortune by plonking some kind of timber structure in our garden every year. If you have timber gates, fences, panelling, decking or furniture, then chances are you’re already on the way to the hardware store for some weather resistant timber paint!

The upside of timber is that it can be softer on the eye and more decorative than other materials. But the downside is it requires more work and is hardier to maintain. Six months of wind and rain has probably taken its toll by now and if, like me, you always promise to put away the table and chairs safely in the shed each autumn but never do, then it’s time to make amends with some DIY.

There’s just no getting away from the fact that if you have timber features in your garden, they need maintenance to stay looking pretty and in good shape. Your local DIY shop will offer plenty of advice on what products to use.

Personally, I tend to use the more durable, creosote based products for tougher, less attractive structures likes front gates, fencing and sheds. Basically, any timber structure that’s used for more functional purposes can get a rough and heavy coat of paint protection. For timber furniture and decking, subtly is best.

Decking floors can never have enough coats of varnish which is why it pays to give spindles and banisters less coats than the decking floor – varnish is expensive after all. The latter will naturally bear the brunt of winter rain as it pools on the surface for longer, whereas the water will run quicker off spindles and bannisters. This is why the decking floor should always receive more coats of protective varnish. Also, the floor is likely to discolor quicker if not properly treated.

Timber furniture will also benefit from copious coats of varnish but you’re really on a hiding to nothing here if you don’t cover or store them away come winter. To jazz up your garden timber this summer, why not apply some coloured wood paint? This really enhances timber furniture and can bring great life and colour into your garden. So, why not paint your garden fences green and your garden furniture purple this summer?