Simple steps for taking care of your wooden shed

If you have just bought or are considering buying a wooden shed, it is important to have a good grasp of how to care for it. Annual treatments are one of the most crucial elements, but there are other things to consider too. Find out more with our guide.

Wood treatments – your options

If you buy a wooden shed from a reputable company, it is likely that it will arrive pre-treated. For example, Waltons typically ships its sheds pre-treated with a water-based preparation, as well as a ten-year anti-rot guarantee. However, you will still need to take care to treat your shed yourself shortly after construction.

So, what exactly do you need to do? There are three main types of wood preservative to choose from. More often than not, you should apply these soon after installing your shed, and then once a year after that. For the best results, you should always apply two coats, waiting for the first to dry before beginning on the second.

Generally speaking, the best option is considered to be spirit-based treatments. These combine preservative and waterproofing in one step, and on the whole are the highest quality treatments available for sheds. This means that they are also usually the more expensive option.

You could opt for a water-based wood preservative, which comes in a wide range of shades, so it can be a good choice if you are hoping to give your shed a new look. With this kind of treatment, you also have the option of using it like a base and painting over the top of it, so it can be quite versatile. That said, it is worth remembering that some paints will simply slide off treatments, so make sure you ask for advice on choosing the right combination.

The last main option is a creosote substitute. Usually, these are mixed with a little engine oil – a combination that means it can offer comprehensive protection that includes making the shed waterproof.

Whatever product you choose, you will need to remember to treat the shed annually, as well as carry out general checks on its overall condition, which we will look at in more detail below. As you will have gathered from the above, waterproofing is an important element in the care of wooden sheds, so make sure that, if your building has windows, you seal them using a product such as silicone sealant.

General care

While remembering to apply regular treatments is, arguably, the most important factor in caring for wooden sheds, there are other steps to bear in mind.

For example, it is worth keeping an eye on the roof. Should it be flat, you need to make sure water does not collect there, as this could cause structural problems for your building in the future. While you are at it, also clear off any leaves that have collected there.

You should look out for any foliage growing in the vicinity too; tree or plant branches that grow into the shed can also cause structural damage and let water in. So, be sure to cut back any plants that might feasibly result in damage.

Next, turn your attention to the door. You ought to oil hinges and door handles regularly to prevent rust, while it is also important to make sure you have some security measures in place. A hasp and padlock is a particularly good idea if you are storing valuables inside.