Why Finish Your Timber Project Before Autumn?

For most outdoor timber projects, dry conditions make life considerably easier. Timber naturally responds to changes in moisture, and products such as oils and finishes need suitable conditions to penetrate and dry properly. As we move further into autumn, shorter days, lower temperatures and wetter weather can make those jobs slightly more difficult. So, if you’ve got timber waiting to be installed or a finished project that still needs treating, getting it done during late summer gives you a better opportunity to complete the work in suitable conditions.

It’s also worth checking whether you have everything you need to clean, prepare and finish the timber before you start. We currently have selected Osmo, Owatrol and Thermory treatments on special offer, so if treatment is one of the final jobs on your list, it’s a good time to pick that up too. Always check the application guidance for the particular treatment or finish you’re using, including the required weather conditions and drying times.

Finishing a Decking Project

If your decking project is already underway, now is a good time to get those final boards down, sort the finishing details and make sure you have everything you need before autumn. For an existing deck, late summer is also an opportunity to clean the boards and carry out any maintenance that may be required. With hardwood decking such as Ipe, Yellow Balau, Jatoba or Tali, whether you choose to apply a finish will depend on the appearance you want to maintain. Left untreated, hardwood decking will naturally weather and develop a silver-grey appearance over time. If you want to retain more of its original colour, a suitable decking finish can help.

Still need the timber to finish your project? Our August Sale currently includes savings across selected decking products and lengths, including Ipe, Yellow Balau and Thermo-Ash decking. So, if you’ve been waiting for the right time to finish a deck, or planning the next one, it’s worth checking what’s currently available.

Getting Your Cladding Finished

Cladding isn’t quite as dependent on the season as some other outdoor jobs, but getting it installed before the wetter months can still make the job easier. Western Red Cedar continues to be a popular choice for exterior cladding thanks to its natural durability, stability and distinctive appearance. There are also plenty of thermally modified options available if stability and durability are high on your list. The thermal modification process changes the properties of the timber, improving its dimensional stability and resistance to decay without relying on chemical treatment.

At Southgate Timber, our thermally modified range includes options such as Thermo Ayous, Thermowood Pine and Thermo-Ash, giving you a choice of profiles and finishes for different styles of project. Selected cladding products are also included in our current August offers.

Don’t Forget the Fencing

Fencing can sometimes be the part of a landscaping project that gets left until last. If you’re already ordering timber for another part of the project, check the fencing requirements at the same time, particularly any shorter lengths you may need to complete a run. We currently have selected shorter lengths available across species including Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir and Thermo Ayous, with a number included in our current offers. It could save you having to come back for those last few pieces once the rest of the project is finished.

Make the Most of Current Stock

If you already have an outdoor project planned, it’s worth checking our current stock before placing your order. As part of our August Sale, we’ve reduced a wide range of decking, cladding, fencing and other timber products, including selected lines and lengths across Larch, Iroko and many more!

And if you’ve already got the timber but still need the finishing touches, there are also plenty of fixings and treatments currently on offer. It’s worth checking what’s available before you finish the job, whether you need decking fixings, oils, cleaners or treatments. Some products are clearance lines, which means availability will depend on the stock and lengths we have remaining. If something you were already planning to use is included, now could be a good opportunity to get the materials together and get the project finished before autumn. View our Special Offers to see all of the timber currently reduced.

Before You Get Started

A few things to check before finishing your outdoor timber project:

• Make sure you have all the boards and lengths you need before starting the final section.
• Check the forecast before applying oils, stains or other finishes.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparation, application and drying times.
• Remember that untreated timber will naturally change in appearance as it weathers.
• Check our current stock and special offers if you still need materials to complete the job.

And if you’re not sure how much timber you need, which profile is right for the job, or what’s currently available, contact the Southgate Timber team. We can help you work out what you need to get the project finished.