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Timber treatment and gate care is important. Quality wooden gates are an investment and so it makes sense to look after them correctly to ensure they continue to look good and last for years.

The timber in our wooden gates is a natural product reacting to the weather conditions and aspect that they are in, particularly heat and humidity.

Why recommend oil? 

Timber has a natural tolerance in terms of how much it can expand & contract before succumbing to warping/shrinkage. It is for this reason that we recommend that you treat all of our planed timber gates with a modern UV oil. Modern UV wood oils are scientifically formulated from natural oils, resins, solvents & chemicals to make them longer lasting & faster drying i.e. more durable than traditional oils. The oils essentially “fill” the miroscpoic holes as it is absorbed into the wood and stops deterioration.

It is also quite common for small splits (shakes and checks) to occur during drying; this is nature at work and should not be considered a fault. However, the application of oil can considerably reduce the appearance of checks and shakes in the wood. It can also reduce warping.  Oil helps to control the absorption/evaporation of the moisture content of the wood. An added benefit of using oil is that it is relatively easy to apply and maintain.

The oil contains an active UV filter that preserves the colour of the wood. Any outdoor wood that is sealed with oil at least once every year will repel water.

Oil also stops wood drying out unevenly, which can lead to warping. Gates will last longer and look better than wood that is simply left to the elements.

Care tips

• Try your chosen oil/tinted oil before you start – try it on a scrap wood first.
• Use a natural quality brush or you will be forever removing loose bristles.
• Apply a preservative to all drill holes and cut outs. Make sure they are well treated as well and allow to dry.
• Apply modern UV Oil prior to fitting your gates to avoid moisture ingress (including the drill holes and cut outs).
• Use a flat brush to apply the oil. For the best results brush the oil along the grain following the length of the wood.
• Make sure you apply oil to the end grain and bottom of timbers well. These are most susceptible to absorbing water. Modern oil treatments allow the wood to breathe. You do not need to leave any part of the gate untreated. Apply two coats and allow to dry in between coats.
• Treat each side of the gate in the same time period. Oiling one side of a gate and leaving it to dry before treating the other side puts your gate at risk of twisting or warping. This is because it will create an unequal surface tension within the timber. The non-oiled side will try and absorb moisture, which could cause movement within the timber.
• Brush out any runs or drips straight away.
• Make sure you also treat your posts with oil. This will also reduce any naturally occurring splits & checks in the post and reduce any potential movement.
• How often should I treat my gates? Wood oils penetrate in to the wood grain to replace the natural oils lost over time. Therefore it is a good idea to check gates and apply oil regularly. This should be part of your yearly garden maintenance. However, the best way to tell if you need to treat your gates is to check to see if water beads on the wood. If the water does not bead then it is time for the gate to be oiled.
• If your gate is in an area surrounded by trees, hedges etc it is only natural that surface mould may start to form on your gate. This is not damaging your gate. Nor is it a manufacturing fault. It is simply a case of sponging it off with warm water and allowing to dry before re applying a coat of oil.

Please do not hesitate to visit the Timber Yard at Weston Sub Edge or contact to discuss your requirements on 01386 840373, email info@hartwellfencing.co.uk