Wood is just about the most sought-after material available on the planet. It’s great for wall accents, furniture, fences, decks and entire houses, especially these charming little mountain cabins. Who doesn’t love a good sunbathing or relaxation session on a stunning wood terrace, right?
Nevertheless, as a natural material, it’s a bit more demanding – not just on your wallet. We’re talking of course about care and maintenance. Normally as long as it grows in good health, it looks great, simply because it has everything it needs – water, just the right amount of sun exposure and essential oils it produces. Now when it’s cut down, those essential oils eventually run out. That’s when wood becomes very dry and more vulnerable to damage of various shapes and forms. We have to bear in mind wood has no shortage of foes – from UV rays and mould to regular wear, especially in exterior applications.
Dry wood may be great for a campfire, but not so much for anything of functional value around the house that’s actually made from wood. To prevent that we need to use the right products with the right frequency. It may sound like a lot of work, but with just a few simple tips and sufficient knowledge – it’s really not.
Types of Wood
First of all, we have to understand there are different types of wood used in specific settings. To keep things simple, let’s just stay on the basics. There are two different groups – hardwood and softwood.
· Hardwood
The first group is pretty easy when it comes to maintenance. You can honestly get away with a lot, with very little effort. Hardwood grows more slowly and has far higher natural density, which is what makes it so strong and durable. It’s probably the very best kind of wood (not for every application, mind you). As you can probably expect – the quality comes with a rather hefty price tag. Oak wood is a prime example; it’s often used for external doors since it can withstand demanding conditions. On top of that, if left untreated or in its natural form without any paint, it actually weathers beautifully, adding to its undeniable charm.
· Softwood
This type of wood is – you guessed it – much softer. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an inferior option. As a much more budget-friendly option, even including the maintenance and care costs, it’s still a far more popular choice, especially for panels, deck boards, sheds and other exterior elements. Bear in mind it does have to be treated one way or another. With the right tools, it can take a lot, and last for a long time. It’s also more flexible in more ways than one, offering quite a few customization options. You’ll need to use some sort of woodcare products like specialised paints, sealants or preserves. Also, varnish or wood stain for protection, and depending on your choice you can either bring out the natural colour of the wood or add some colour you like. With a clear finish the first one offers, it’s often also a preferred choice for hardwood doors.
Care & Maintenance
Now that we’ve got our basics covered, we can move on to specifics. Depending on where you live and what kind of weather conditions you’re dealing with on a daily basis, you should treat the wood every 6 – 18 months. That’s not a small bracket. But don’t worry – just a simple visual inspection can help you. If you notice any fading, it might be time to consider a re-paint. If you notice any cracks, flaking or peeling or the surface starts feeling brittle and very dry – it’s time.
Let’s now move on to the process itself. First of all, as always, you have to prepare the surface. That means cleaning it while making sure it’s as smooth as possible and free of any solid particles. But before you even think about starting your little DIY project, first check the weather. It can’t be too hot or too cold and if it’s a rainy day – just stay home. Optimal conditions are extremely important for the drying process, so anywhere between 18 – 25 °C is the way to go. Remember also to do all the repairs before you start applying anything.
Then, it’s time for a protective layer, as mentioned, there are quite a few options out there. Especially for outdoor applications, waterproofing is extremely important. You probably want to be done in one, so consider a product that offers protection and changes the colour at the same time. The final choice is yours to make. No matter what product you decide to use, every single one has a specific set of manufacturer’s instructions regarding drying times as well as the number of layers that need to be applied for the best effect. It goes without saying we should always stick to those. If the surface has never been treated, the first step is to use a preserver. Then, it’s time to pick a product.
- Oils are best for high-traffic areas as they offer long-lasting protection and are easy to clean and reapply, but you’d need to get rid of all the old paint first.
- Stains have a similar effect and are great for both interior and exterior applications, but they can’t be applied on surfaces previously treated with oil.
- Dedicated paints offer a wide range of colour options and fairly good protection but typically don’t nourish wood quite as much, and tend to be more expensive.
- Finally, exterior varnishes are great if you need good protection against scuffs and knocks, but require a very thorough preparation.
The Importance of Care
It’s hard to pick one ultimate method or product for woodcare. There are so many different needs, requirements, variables, projects – and people. The best piece of advice here is to consider your own needs and the time you’re willing to put in. Remember the best solution is one that works for you.
