Walford Timber Gate Care

Timber is a natural product reacting to the weather conditions and aspect that they are in, particularly heat and humidity. Timber has a natural tolerance in terms of how much it can expand and contract before succumbing to warping and shrinkage. It is for this reason that we recommend you treat all our planed timber gates with a modern UV oil for planed timber such as Barrettine Protective Treatment or Barrettine UV Ultimate Protection Oil on a regular basis. 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.

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. 

Our gates are made using slow grown kiln dried redwood timber. It is important to treat your untreated gates with a UV Oil, before hanging them out in the elements. This prevents moisture ingress, which can cause swelling, warping and degradation of the timber. Make sure that any cut outs and drill holes are also treated with preservative and oil. Always refer to manufacture instructions for full process of treatment.