Wood finishing and weatherproofing tips for garden
sheds, arbors, and other wood garden structures
To keep wood garden sheds,
arbors, or
trellises looking their best, consider using a
wood finishing product such as sealer, stain, or outdoor
paint. Wood finishing protects exposed wood from sun, water, insect, and
fungal damage.
Here's a list of some common wood finishing products:
Wood Sealer. Wood sealer blocks the pores of the wood, while still allowing
natural fading and weathering.
Stain. Stain penetrates the wood, and unlike paint, it does not trap
moisture and cause blistering or peeling. Stains come in many colors,
and in transparent or solid applications. Reapply the stain every other
year to keep the color fresh.
Paint. Exterior paint protects the wood surface and is available in every
conceivable color. The garden shed or arbor must be sanded and primed before
application. Remember that aging paint flakes and cracks, so you'll need
to scrape and sand again to refinish the wood down the road.
Here are some
other low maintenance wood finishing options
Vinyl
Siding. For wood garden sheds, you can use vinyl siding instead of
wood siding. Vinyl siding is ultra low maintenance, comes in many colors, and only requires periodic cleaning (once a year) with water to
keep its fresh appearance.
Unfinished Cedar. If your wood garden shed or arbor is made from cedar,
(such as Western Red
Cedar), you can choose to leave it unfinished. Cedar does not warp,
and it contains natural preservatives that prevent rot. Natural
weathering over time turns unfinished cedar a lovely sliver-gray color.
Applying wood finishing products is easy with the right tools
Stains and sealers can be applied with a brush roller, pad, or
spray gun. Check the wood finishing manufacturer instructions. Apply two coats
and expect to reapply every two the five years.
