Timber Care
Looking After Oak Through the Seasons
Solid oak asks very little of you. A seasonal guide to keeping oak planters, furniture and structures looking their best for decades.
One of the quiet pleasures of oak is how little it asks of you. Left alone it will silver gracefully and carry on doing its job for decades. A little seasonal attention simply keeps it looking its best.
Spring
Brush off winter debris and give the timber a wash with warm water and a soft brush. Check anywhere soil sits against the wood, as in a planter, and make sure drainage holes are clear so the timber is never sitting in water.
Summer
Water the plants, not the planter. Where irrigation or regular watering wets the wood, let it dry fully between soakings. Oak copes well with this, but it appreciates the chance to breathe.
Autumn
Clear fallen leaves from ledges, joints and the tops of posts. Leaves hold moisture against the grain and can mark the surface if left to rot down over winter.
Winter
Oak is happiest outdoors in all weathers, so there is no need to cover or store it. Simply avoid letting planters stand in pooled water during the wettest months, and raise pots on feet if they sit on solid paving.
To treat or not to treat
Untreated oak silvers to a soft grey that many people love. If you prefer to hold the warm honey colour, a UV-protection oil applied in spring will slow the silvering. Either way, the timber beneath remains sound. If you are ever unsure, send us a photograph and we will happily advise.