How to treat outdoor wood and prevent rotting

Whether you have a wooden shed, a wooden fence or wooden garden furniture, there are two things you need to do to protect your outdoor wood from rot: treat your wood and keep it dry. Follow our step-by-step guide on how to achieve both!

When was the last time your outdoor wood received some TLC? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to treat your outdoor wood properly:

What you’ll need:

• Soft bristled brush
• Sponge / paintbrush / roller / spray
• Sandpaper / sander – optional

Step 1: Clean

Use a soft bristled brush to remove dirt and debris from the woods surface.

Step 2: Lightly Sand – optional

Lightly sanding the wood before applying a wood preserver or wood treatment can help improve the absorption and adhesion of the treatment to the woods surface.

Step 3: Apply Protective Coating

It’s best to apply a wood preserver or wood treatment around every 12 months. You can apply the solution with either a sponge, paintbrush, roller or spray – although not a traditional applicator, a sponge could help you get into those hard-to-reach areas.

Treating your wood improves its strength and durability, saves you money in the long run and protects it from decay, insects and moisture – a protective coating allows the rain to simply fall off the wood, rather than seep into it.

Wood is susceptible to decay and damage and moisture is woods nemesis! Here are some top tips on how to keep your outdoor wood dry:

What you’ll need:

• Waterproof cover
• Soft bristled brush

Step 1: Cover your Outdoor Wood

When not in use, make sure your outdoor wood, like garden furniture, is shielded by a waterproof cover.

Step 2: Repair Leaks and Waterproof the Sheds Roof

Make sure any leaks are repaired and your wooden shed has a waterproof roof.

Step 3: Don’t Grow Latching Plants Near the Wood

Plants like ivy, honeysuckle or clematis can grow into gaps in wood and allow moisture to seep in. And as we know moisture leads to rot.

Step 4: Don’t Lean Materials Against the Wood

Materials, like gardening equipment left lent against your wood can cause gathered rain to soak into the wood.

Step 5: Regularly Clean

Ensure proper care and maintenance by regularly removing any built-up dirt, debris or green growth from your wood using a soft bristled brush.

So, to prolong the life of your outdoor wood, remember, keep the moisture at bay and the rot should stay away!

Treat your outdoor wood to a wood treatment and wood preserver today! With Solseal’s bundle deal including: Sikagard Wood Preserver and Sika Universal Wood Treatment 5 Star. Shop our wood treatment bundles.