Maintaining & Protecting Pressure Treated Wood Using Treatments & Preservatives [UPDATED]

Pressure treated wood is used for a wide variety of garden structures, be it a shed, a playhouse, fencing, decking or garden tables, through to telephone poles, seaside piers and, unbelievably, residential building foundations in some countries!

Renowned for its ability to fend off decay, pressure treated timber is ideal for high moisture and/or ground contact installations. Also sometimes known as tanalised timber, pressure treated wood is ideal for 'all seasons' with the bonus that is insect resistant as well as rot resistant. With little maintenance, it will last for years and years.

Editor’s Note [01.11.23]: 

Our guide to what is pressure treating of wood and selecting best wood preservative for sheds was originally published on January 12, 2017. Our update today includes new information about a definition of what is pressure treated wood, maintenance requirements, using for decking, choosing the best wood preservative, and some dos and don’ts of using this type of wood.

If you are wondering about “What is pressure treated wood”, well it is everyday timber that has been specially treated under pressure with a high-quality wood preservative. The timber is placed in a tank and treated with chemicals under high pressure.

This process makes the wood resistant to bugs, mould, and rot. It really gives your timber a boost against the worst of the UK weather and protects against nature's villains. It is especially popular for outdoor use due to this extra protection. Pressure treating has been a surefire winner for outdoor wooden products as they last massively longer now in the great outdoors.

OK, so you have bought high-quality pressure treated wood, but that does not mean you can entirely forget about it. Even though it has significant protection, you still need to pay attention occasionally.

Here are just some of the reasons why your wood will require occasional wood protection treatment:

1)  Beauty matters - over a period, untreated wood can start looking a bit rough. Think faded colours and a tired appearance. Keeping up with painting and varnishing maintenance helps it look fresh

2)   Strength is important - even pressure treated wood can weaken over many years. Regular check-ups and touch-ups for patches which might become exposed ensure it stays strong and does not spoil

3)   Mould & mildew – although it is treated mould and mildew can still rear their head in years to come. Keep them away with cleaning and treatments if this becomes a problem

4)   Natural wear & tear - wood does get scratched, dinged, or chipped. Regular care helps sort out little mishaps like these

5)   Safety first – be careful to avoid splinters. Keeping your wood smooth and well-maintained means fewer (if any) splinters will occur

6)   Value for money – keep your wood in tip-top shape, and you will ensure your pressure treated wooden products last even longer

Prior to applying any treatment or paint, pressure-treated wood should be given time to weather. This is because it probably still contains treatment residue, as evidenced by the blue-green colour. Even if it does, any further treatments or paint will not adhere to this residue and will wash away with it. 
 
Prior to adding anything to pressure-treated wood, wait two to three months. Additionally, make sure the wood is completely dry.

Some industry experts do not recommend painting pressure treated wood at all; if you do not do it under the right conditions, you may trap moisture which will cause the paint to peel away. However, many others have stained or painted their wood successfully.

Most pressure treated wood will not need treating for a decade or two, so you shouldn't need to apply another preservative coating. Many of our pressure treated sheds are guaranteed for 25 years against rot and decay without any need to re-treat.

However, if you do decide to treat or paint your pressure treated fence or shed, be sure that the coating is recommended for use with pressure treated wood.

Decking is often an unsung hero of outdoor spaces, but it needs some TLC too! Adding some quality wood preservative helps keep it looking fresh and long-lasting. It is a little bit like sunscreen for your decking; after all, you would not skip on this when going out in the sun, would you? The process is easy, simply clean the deck, let it dry, then brush on the wood preservative. Later when you are relaxing on your deck, you’ll be glad you cared for it.

For further information read our detailed blog article on this topic – How to maintain your timber decking over winter.

Right, when it comes to our sheds, we all want them looking fly and lasting ages. Wood preservatives are a bit like part of a beauty regime for timber products. They spruce up the wood, keep it looking fresh and strengthen it. For sheds, you need the wood to be able to cope with the challenges of adverse weather and pests. Wood preservative is like a solid moisturiser for your shed's skin but has some added muscle power.

If you are looking for top-quality treatments for your timber, Buy Sheds Direct has the best wood preservative for sheds awaiting you. We have handpicked the creme de la creme of wood care. Explore our range now and give your shed the pampering and protection it deserves. We have summarised products in our range below -

1)  Timmersol Exterior Timber Stabiliser and Waterproofer - Clear - this is like an invisible shield for your timber, keeping it safe and stable. It is your secret weapon against weather damage

2)  Fence Treatment 5Ltr - Dark Brown – are you looking to give your fence that rich, dark chocolate look and protect it too? This treatment is the protective makeover you have been searching for

3)  Fence Treatment 5Ltr - Harvest Gold - for those who prefer a golden touch, this is just the ticket. It has an air of summer, bottled in a tub, and will protect your fence

4)  Timmersol Exterior Timber Stabiliser and Waterproofer - Jacobean Walnut – enjoy a vintage look and feel with this classic walnut finish. Its style and protection rolled into one

5)  Timmersol Exterior Timber Stabiliser and Waterproofer - Seasoned Applewood - bring a bit of countryside charm with this applewood hue. It is like a cosy, autumnal hug for your timber

6)  Timmersol Exterior Timber Stabiliser and Waterproofer - Siberian Larch - for a sleek, modern look, you cannot beat this Siberian Larch shade. It is the final touch your wood needs to stand out from the crowd

Take a look at our pressure treatment videos to find out more.

Shop our range of pressure treated garden sheds

Check out these impressive infographics for more info

When starting to use pressure treated timber, it is crucial to know the best practices to ensure its longevity and maintain its appearance. Here is a quick run-down to guide you:

• Inspect regularly - it is a good idea to keep a lookout for indications of wear, damage, or potential decay whether it has been treated or not
• Let it dry out first - allow pressure-treated wood to dry after purchasing it. When applying paint or stains two to three months later, this facilitates absorption
• Use galvanised or stainless steel fasteners - when in touch with the chemicals present, these will not corrode or rust
• Keep it raised off the ground - store it off the ground to prevent unneeded moisture absorption
• Clean annually - pollutants including dust, mildew, and others can assemble over time. Thorough cleaning with a mild cleaner once a year (or more often if you can) works wonderfully
• Re-seal as necessary – it is time for a fresh layer of protective sealer if you notice that water is not beading up on the wood any longer

• Inspect regularly - it is a good idea to keep a lookout for indications of wear, damage, or potential decay whether it has been treated or not
• Let it dry out first - allow pressure-treated wood to dry after purchasing it. When applying paint or stains two to three months later, this facilitates absorption
• Use galvanised or stainless steel fasteners - when in touch with the chemicals present, these will not corrode or rust
• Keep it raised off the ground - store it off the ground to prevent unneeded moisture absorption
• Clean annually - pollutants including dust, mildew, and others can assemble over time. Thorough cleaning with a mild cleaner once a year (or more often if you can) works wonderfully
• Re-seal as necessary – it is time for a fresh layer of protective sealer if you notice that water is not beading up on the wood any longer
• Burn it - burning pressure-treated wood is likely to release dangerous chemicals and toxins (e.g., arsenic leaking) into the air
• Rush the treatment - before painting or staining freshly pressure-treated wood, wait at least 2-3 months
• Ignore safety precautions - always wear gloves and a mask when working with treated wood, especially when sanding or cutting

So, concluding, wood undergoing the pressure treating process plays an important role in the look & feel and protection of outdoor garden buildings. It is super tough against rot, decay, and insects, making it a go-to for many gardening projects. If you are looking for a definition, we also provided one in our “What is pressure treated wood” section.

If you want your wood to last and keep looking immaculate, do not slack on the maintenance. Doing the little check-ins, occasional wood protection treatment, and maintenance checks makes a huge difference when talking over decades. Essentially extra care now means your wood stays looking fabulous for longer. Whether you are sprucing up a garden nook or decking out a big space, this wood is a great option.

For further information about our products have received wood protection treatment, why not contact us? 

Here at Buy Sheds Direct, we sell outdoor living products from leading manufacturers who use the best wood preservative for sheds and other garden buildings.

For support and advice, our contact information is:

• Phone calls - 0333 003 0514
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