Maintenance Tips For Different Shed Wood Types
An improperly cared-for backyard shed can become susceptible to moisture and pest infestation. Regular inspections and cleaning help identify problems before they escalate further.
Apply a protective sealant. A fresh layer of paint or sealant provides extra protection from rain and humidity, giving you added peace of mind for future rainstorms and humidity issues.
Check for signs of rot. Soft, dark or crumbling wood must be immediately replaced before it becomes worse and spreads fungi further.
Regular Framing Lumber
Regular framing lumber is generally cut from softwoods like Southern Yellow Pine, Douglas Fir, Hem-Fir (which combines Western Hemlock with various species of firs) or Spruce-Pine-Fir. Urea may be added for moisture protection.
Wood surfaces exposed to the elements must be regularly washed to remove dust, dirt and mildew before it wears away the protective coating and dulls their beauty. Doing this will prolong their lifespan as well as keep the stain looking vibrant.
TSP (trisodium phosphate) is an ideal general-use detergent. As an effective, yet safe cleanser, TSP can remove old finish or prepare heavy timbers for staining with ease. Be sure to read and follow all safety precautions on its label for use and follow its directions accordingly to ensure safe wood cleaning practices.
Pressure-Treated Lumber
Pressure-treated wood is treated with preservatives that offer protection from rot, termites and other pests, making it more durable than regular framing lumber and making it perfect for shed construction projects that may be exposed to the elements. When buying pressure-treated lumber look for its end tag containing information about its preservative use and American Wood Products Association use code. This will help determine if its appropriate for your project.
When handling pressure-treated lumber, it’s essential that it be handled carefully and with care. Chemical preservatives contain chemicals which may cause skin irritation if in contact with them; for this reason it is recommended that gloves should be worn when handling it and that galvanized or stainless steel fasteners be used when fastening it for optimal longevity.
One of the most cost-effective sheathing options available to shed owners today is OSB (oriented strand board), made of compressed wooden granules made of wood fibers. OSB sheathing is ideal for sheds with no load-bearing walls as it’s more affordable than plywood sheathing; however, OSB does not perform as well under different weather conditions than plywood sheathing does.
Tongue-and-groove siding offers another solution for sheathing your shed: tongue-and-groove sheathing is composed of boards joined together with overlapping joints that allow for expansion and contraction as temperatures change. However, tongue-and-groove sheathing tends to be more costly than its alternatives and more difficult to install properly than alternative options.
Board and batten siding is an increasingly popular form of shed sheathing, consisting of wide boards joined with narrow wood strips installed either horizontally or vertically. While durable, board and batten sheathing requires regular upkeep due to damage from moisture and insects.
When selecting cladding for your shed, it’s essential to keep natural durability, dimensional stability and aesthetic beauty in mind. While some home improvement stores sell chemically treated (or tanalised) spruce products which may work for certain sheds, long-term solutions should consider durable wood such as western red cedar, European oak, Siberian larch or Douglas fir for best results.
Cedar
Cedar wood sheds can add an elegant, natural scent and long-term durability. However, it may be more delicate than other wood types and requires regular care and maintenance in order to stay looking its best. Moisture can damage cedar over time, so make sure it stays protected against humid environments like humidity and rain.
Oxalic acid-based cleaners provide an efficient means of eliminating dirt and dead cell build-up on timber surfaces, while also helping prevent mould, mildew, fading of tinted paints, as well as potential structural defects that could arise over time. Regular use is highly recommended to preserve their aesthetic value as well as safety for you and the environment.
A low PSI pressure washer should be used when cleaning a cedar shed, as higher PSI levels can cause irreparable fiber damage that results in water spots and leakage. When using any pressure washers make sure you abide by their manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Maintain your cedar shed by applying preservative products on a regular basis. Available from most hardware stores, these preservatives can protect it against abrasions, rot, mildew and mould. Furthermore, painting it with high-quality exterior paint may offer extra protection against drafts and rainwater infiltration.
If you’re building your shed on a budget, oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing may be the right option for you. Made of wooden granules compressed together under high pressure, OSB sheathing offers cost-effective protection without load-bearing walls; however, its durability may not stand up against harsh weather conditions as well as other timber options.
If you’re in the market for cladding, consider using more premium species of wood such as Western red cedar or European oak. Both these high-performance materials make a statement with timeless golden-brown hues, possessing Class 2 ratings according to BS EN 350 standards and offering excellent dimensional stability. As an alternative option, thermally modified timber such as Thermo-ayous or Thermo-Nordic pine may offer superior outdoor performance by increasing resistance against fungi and insects while creating an eye-catching exotic brown finish finish.
Redwood
Redwood is widely recognized for its beauty and resilience, yet all wood requires maintenance to keep its beauty shining bright. Regular cleaning with mild detergent or oxalic acid will keep your redwood looking its best, while light sanding followed by stain application can restore faded spots on its surface. Sealants protect redwood against moisture damage while fending off sun damage to maintain its brilliance for years to come.
No matter how handy you may be, sometimes professional help may be required. They can inspect your shed or other wood features for signs of pest infestation or cracks or discolorations that don’t clear up after routine cleaning, for instance.
When planting a redwood tree, be sure to do it in its native growing zone and amend your soil so it will thrive. In its first years after being planted, water your redwood frequently to help it establish itself and protect it from excessive summer heat; otherwise this could harm young redwood trees.
As with any wood, redwood should be kept free from leaves and debris to prevent moisture build-up and mold growth. You should also make sure any areas where items such as wood mulch or firewood are stored are adequately fenced off as these could eventually lead to rot in the long run.
Are You an Aspiring Gardener? For those with an eye for landscaping, planting their own redwood tree could be a rewarding endeavor. While seed-grown redwoods can be grown successfully from seed, for ease of planting it is often easier to purchase a small sapling or pre-established seedling from a nursery and transplant it directly into your garden or yard. Doing this ensures a healthier specimen than trying to dig up and uproot an entire mature tree!