How to Take Care of your Timbertrove Product
Here are a few useful tips to enable you to get the most out of your timber product, whether it be a shed, fencing, trellis, play unit or furniture. By doing so, you will protect your timber product and effectively extend its lifespan. Below, you will be provided with information regarding 1. Our Golden Brown & Pressure Treated Products and 2. Our Teak Furniture Range.
Specification of Timbertrove Products
• All our sheds are made to order, each time different batches of wood are used, and therefore the actual colour of your product can vary from the one shown in a picture on our brochure or website.
• As timber is an organic material, it will be subject to many naturally occurring changes from environmental conditions i.e. surface and colour change, splits, cracks and shrinkage – none of which have any effect on the stability of the product.
• In prolonged driving rain, wet patches on the green internal liner of your shed may appear, but this is normal, it’s just the liner doing its job.
1. Golden Brown & Pressure Treated Products
- Softwood is a natural product that can twist or warp through changes in climatic conditions. To minimise this, Timbertrove products should always be sited on firm and level ground that is away from areas where water collects.
- During the treatment process, some grain may be raised – you can enhance your product by a little fine sanding of any raised edges.
- Changes in weather may cause fixings to loosen but these can be tightened up as needed.
- Green marking may become visible as it dries following pressure treatment. It will fade over time and does not affect the performance of the product.
- To keep softwood products in good condition, wash down surfaces regularly with a wood- cleaning product.
- Pressure treated products will gradually weather in colour, first to a honey brown and eventually to a silver grey. This does not indicate any loss of preservative protection.
- Pressure Treated products should not receive any further treatment until the timber is completely dry, as this could cause the timber to warp or split.
- A quality wood stain or paint can also be used to add colour to your timber product. Apply the wood stain or paint in dry weather & to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Maintenance of any coating should be carried out each year, or sooner if needed. A quick clean with soapy water or wood cleaner, and a new coat of wood stain will keep your timber product looking great.
- When applying a wood stain pay attention to horizontal surfaces & areas that could collect water. Horizontal planes wear quicker, whereas vertical surfaces can last longer before a fresh coat is needed.
- We would recommend the Protek range of water-based products. The Protek Pale-Green is perfect for maintaining that pressure treated look.
- Pressure treatment on our sheds is designed to help protect against rot & insect attack and to give the wood an extended and low maintenance life. The treatment is not intended to act as a waterproofing and so water may permeate the product. A breathable membrane on the inside of the shed may during times of extreme rain show up wet patches as a result of water permeating the product. Adding a coat of Protek wood stain can help seal the product & act as a water repellent.
2. Teak Range
Teak is an extremely durable wood and naturally requires little maintenance or care, making it an ideal material for outdoor patio furniture. It is typically sold in one of two conditions: finely sanded in it's natural form and treated with teak oil. If left untreated, teak will weather to a silver-grey tone which is preferred by many people. Some prefer to maintain the wood's original golden honey tone. To achieve this look, there are a few easy methods to help you treat your furniture that you can employ. Regardless of the look, teak remains a strong and high-quality material choice for outdoor furniture and accents. Use this guide to help easily maintain and care for your teak furniture. Teak wood has a natural resistance to mould and rot; however, unsightly mildew can still form on the surface of the wood if not cared for. Regular cleanings will help prevent discolouration on both treated and untreated wood.
Cleaning Teak Furniture
Regular cleaning of your teak will help prevent mildew build-up and potential discolouration. A quick wash with mild soap and water and some bleach or vinegar mixed in usually does the trick. Make sure to use a soft plastic brush as metal brushes can scratch and damage the wood's surface.
Some harder to clean stains can be removed with a store-bought teak cleaner. When cleaning your teak, always start with the mildest cleaning solution. If that doesn't work, try something more concentrated.
2 Easy Homemade Cleaning Solutions:
Mix 1 cup each of chlorine bleach and laundry detergent with 1 gallon of warm water
Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water
To begin, clear a space to clean your furniture. For most outdoor furniture this shouldn't be a problem, for indoor teak furniture make sure to use a drop cloth and clean in a well ventilated space. Apply your cleaning mixture to the teak item using a soft plastic brush and scrub into the wood as you apply. Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. This cleaning method may not work for teak furniture that has been left outside to the elements for a long period of time. You may find that a more aggressive store bought solution is needed.
Oiling Teak Furniture
Oiling teak furniture is not a method for protecting the wood but rather a way to retain and enhance the wood's natural golden colour. Some people prefer this look to the natural weathering of the wood when left untreated. Oiled teak furniture is best for indoor use as the environment is more stable. If you choose to oil furniture that will be outside you will need to be more regular with the maintenance, by oiling the furniture every 2 to 3 months and keeping the furniture out of direct sunlight. Tung oil is preferred by most professionals for teak furniture but linseed oil is also common. There are also specialised teak oils for purchase that use additives such as UV blockers and mildew retardants. Only oil teak furniture once it has been completely cleaned. Cleaning will remove any natural oils built up on the surface and applying a new coat of oil that will restore the original character of the wood. When applying teak oil use a paint brush to paint the oil into the wood in even strokes. A cloth dampened with mineral spirits should be used to wipe up any excess oil as you go. Oil that drips onto other surfaces such as painted wood or fibreglass should be wiped away immediately to avoid staining. The amount of oil required for each teak piece will differ. You should continue to paint on the oil until the wood no longer soaks it in, leaving oil pooled on the surface of the wood. At this point the wood should have a matte finish without any shiny spots. Oil should be reapplied every 2 to 3 months. With each application the teak furniture should be washed and cleaned and fully dry before you begin.
Tip! When washing your teak furniture, start from the bottom and work your way up to avoid leaving streak marks from any dripping water on the unwashed surfaces.