Wood is a beautiful, rustic and durable material. It’s an organic product that can last for a prolonged period of time, provided that you take good care of it.
The organic warmth and aesthetic appeal of wooden structures can be hard to replicate which explains why wood is so popular. However, if you want to enjoy your wooden garden shed for decades to come then proper upkeep is in order.
Wood maintenance should be a top priority before you even start building your new garden shed. Here, our focus will be on suggestions on how to protect and care for your wooden garden shed.
The Advantages of Putting Up a Wooden Garden Shed
Wooden garden sheds are easy to assemble and will take most people just a few hours. Also, in the event that certain parts need to be replaced in the future, then doing so is usually quite affordable and easy.
Wood blends well in any garden, and wooden sheds are usually aesthetically pleasing to most gardeners. Wooden garden sheds also require less planning authorization when compared to other shed types.
Another benefit of wooden garden sheds is that they possess insulating properties that are natural. They are also very easy to upgrade or modify. So if you are thinking of making additions to your shed, then there is a wide range of choices.
Shed Features and Accessories
Your wood will need to be protected from a myriad of different external factors such as mould, mildew, termites, ants and fire. There are a variety of paints and varnishes that you can use to protect your wood from decay, insects and other threats. A stable foundation is essential in order to protect your shed from the damaging effects of cold seeping up from the soil.
A stable foundation will also provide some much needed insulation that will help protect your shed against excess moisture. Shed insulation is necessary in order to help keep your shed warm during the winter and cool during the hot summer months.
The wood should also be treated with wood preservation products before you actually start putting it together. Wood care products are made with potent chemical agents that will easily penetrate deep within the wood in order to protect it from moisture.
One caveat that should be considered before you assemble your shed is that wooden sheds are vulnerable to thieves. As such, you should protect your shed by installing a security camera. The presence of a security camera may deter criminals from targeting your shed.
Motion sensor lights and alarms can also help protect your shed, as can deadbolt locks and a guard dog.
Inspect and Look for Pests
It is essential to make a thorough inspection of your entire shed at least once per year.
Check the roof, walls, floor and both the interior and exterior of your shed for chipped or faded paint, rotting wood, mould, mildew, excess moisture, protruding nails, strange odours, insects, pests and other signs of deterioration or pest invasion.
By eliminating problems while they are small you will save hundreds of dollars down the road. A wooden shed that is well taken care of will last many years and will increase the curb appeal of your home.
Moreover, your shed should be vacuumed or swept at least once every 3 months. A clean shed that is free of clutter will be less likely to attract termites, ants, cockroaches, spiders, raccoons and other vermin.
Get the Shed Organized
Keeping your wooden garden shed organized is of the utmost importance. By keeping your shed organized you won’t have to worry about accidents, such as tripping over obstacles.
You will also be able to quickly find what you are looking for without having to rummage through clutter and the like. The wood in your shed should also be treated with a state of the art protective coating at least once every 12 months to keep it in pristine condition.
Decluttering your shed will take some time and effort, so you can use a long weekend or the holidays to do this chore. Go over each item in your shed in order to decide what needs to be thrown out, recycled, donated or sold.
A wooden garden shed is supposed to be an asset to your home. Taking the time to tend to your asset will help it appreciate over time. When you are ready to sell your home a well-maintained, wooden garden shed will actually increase the real estate value of your home, helping maximize the return on your investment.
Building Your Dream Wooden Garden Shed
It is imperative that you keep your new shed protected at all costs. Many thieves target sheds because they tend to be easier to break into. Also, they are usually not occupied by the owners, making them an easy target for criminals.
Installing cameras, an alarm system, and motion, light and glass break sensors will deter most criminals from targeting your wooden garden shed. As for wood maintenance, you should use a product that allows the wood to breathe.
Speak to an expert at your local hardware store in order to determine which varnish, sealer or paint is best for your wooden garden shed. The goal is to not only enhance the durability of your shed but also to keep it looking good as it ages.
A well-maintained wooden garden shed is an impressive asset to any home and will allow you to meet your gardening goals and complete your projects with minimal hassle and stress.
Source: Protection and care tips for your wooden garden shed (deavita.net)