Caring for outdoor timber
When looking into timber for outdoor applications it quickly becomes clear that there is no silver bullet to maintaining it and keeping it looking good when it is exposed to the elements. Left unprotected timber will lose its colour, become dry and brittle, be prone to cracking and warping, as well as mould and wood rot.
So what timber protection is available and what are the pros and cons of each.
Paint
Pros - Paint provides by far the best protection for outdoor timber – A high quality paint will provide a barrier that protects the timber from UV rays, water and mould spores while being flexible enough to accommodate natural timber movement. It also has the longest life, only needing to be repainted every 8-10 years and when it is repainted the finish should be ‘as new’.
Cons – The only con in my view, which is a deal breaker for many, is the fact that you cannot see the timber once painted.
Oil – Oil based
Pros – oils are designed to soak into the timber rather than sit on the surface as a film. Because of this they do not peel or flake off, rather they fade over time. As they start to fade it is very easy to reapply, bringing back the colour and protection. They are also very forgiving when you apply them as they do not show brush marks like surface films do.
Cons – Oils need to be reapplied more regularly than most other products though it is an easier task. I recommend Cutek or Intergrain Natures oil.
Oil – Water based. Hardware stores often recommend water based oils such as Integrain Ultra deck but they aren’t oils at all and they do not soak in like oils do.
Pros – If applied properly these finishes are harder and more protective than oils and don’t need to be reapplied as often. Also they can produce a brighter and more glossy finish which can be very attractive.
Con’s- Because they sit on the surface rather than soak in there is a tendency for them to peel and flake. If this happens they need to be sanded back to bare wood before reapplying in order to get the best results. Also they are harder to apply and tend to show brush marks and run drips quite easily.
Leave it natural- It is becoming quite popular to leave timber to grey off naturally leaving a soft rustic finish. Zero effort, beautiful finish what could be better.
Pros – Zero effort and if it is a good class 1 above ground timber it will last a long time. Perhaps decades.
Cons – The nice silver grey affect you get after a year or so doesn’t last forever. In its place you are likely to get dull, dark to black areas where mould is eating into the surface trying to turn you timber into compost. A better option is to use something like Cutek clear oil which protects your timber while letting it go grey.