What are timber treatments?

Timber treatments are essentially chemicals in the form of oils, stains or gels which are applied to your timber using a series of techniques and methods, helping to protect and revive all your timber products. All treatments have directions for use, so it’s important to apply them following the recommended steps and routines as listed in our How To Guides.

The Purposes Of Treating

If you’re looking to treat your timber, the biggest thing you need to ask yourself is: why? Could it be that you’re after a treatment that will strip and clean your existing timber? Have you just fitted new timber and are looking to protect it in order to preserve its lifespan? Is your existing timber beginning to look tired and is in need of a bit of general maintenance or restoration? Whatever the reason, there are various kinds of treatments suitable for different purposes; from cleaning and protection to decoration and maintenance; the treatments you get all depends on what your purpose is for treating. For old, greyed timber, you’ll require cleaning products to revive your wood in preparation as well as the protection oil to treat it. Most protection oils provide UV protection in addition to the anti-mould, rot, fungal, and algae properties. For decoration and maintenance purposes, you can choose which treatment will give your timber that perfect finish that suits you and the look you’re trying to achieve.

The Benefits

The most obvious one being – improving and extending your timber’s lifetime. Treatments will prevent your timber from rotting, actively killing harsh fungi, bacteria and mould that will damage the longevity of your wood. The chemicals also work to deter any unwanted insects that might jeopardise your timber’s future, salvaging it before its too late. Protective timber treatments will prevent all these diseases and infestations, ultimately prolonging your timber’s life, enhancing its sustainability and making your timber purchase worthwhile.

Another advantage of treating is how the oils are able to enrich your wood’s colour, elevating the beauty of your space. Over time, you’ll find the colour start to fade and even, in some cases, begin to grey. Some timbers worse than others, depending on the type of wood and what it’s being used for. Treating your timber will restore its original beauty and bring it back to its true tone, reminding you why you fell in love with its appearance in the first place. Every treatment has a different finish, so you can choose the finishing pigment you want for your timber. Its all about bringing life and colour back to your project, diminishing any discolouring that may have happened over the years.

What happens if you don’t treat your timber

Untreated timber survives perfectly well outdoors, however its more susceptible to all the detrimental things that treatments deter, potentially giving your timber a shorter life-span. Your timber will suffer from general weathering which, depending on the look you’re trying to achieve, can be a benefit, giving your timber a natural feel to it.

Maintenance is key. And if you’re ever unsure as to what treatments you need to achieve your goals, just get in touch with us! We want you to make the most of your timber which is why we’re here to help through any worries or concerns you might have about the aftercare of your wood.

Love your timber, get it treated!