Have you noticed cracks or variations in colour on your outdoor wooden table, your wooden garden furniture or your play area? Don’t worry! Wood is what we call a living material; it reacts to the weather and changes over time. Its appearance and shape may change, but this doesn’t mean it loses its quality. Here are a few examples
The different ways wood reacts
The formation of resin
Some types of wood are pressure-treated, so the resin that occurs naturally in the wood may seep out. This resin will have no effect on the wood of your outdoor furniture, and it is actually very easy to remove: you can simply scrape it off! But be careful to use a tool that won’t damage your furniture.
The appearance of mould
Wood can be treated to resist fungal attack and rot. However, small brownish spots may appear, resembling microscopic fungi – but don’t panic! Simply brush the affected area and you’ll be rid of it in no time!
Cracks in wood
When the weather is dry, the wood will shrink and cracks or splits will appear and grow. When the weather becomes damp, the cracks and fissures will close up. This is a completely normal phenomenon for wood and is caused by changes in temperature and humidity. These changes cause the wood to expand or contract. However, there is no risk to your product; it is in absolutely no danger!
However, be careful not to block a crack, as the wood could split due to moisture.
Salt stains
As the wood treatment product penetrates deeply into the wood, green stains may appear on your wooden items. A quick sanding and those little green stains will be gone! Your wood will look as good as new!
Wood that turns grey
Wooden products, particularly those used outdoors and exposed to UV light, may take on a greyish hue. This is a completely natural process for wood. To prevent this and preserve the wood’s natural colour, you can treat the wood annually using a wood brightener and a suitable protective product.
Diameter variations
Due to changes in temperature or humidity, the wood may expand or contract, causing the diameter of the log to change. This can create a gap of varying size. Don’t panic – this does not affect the product’s strength. Please note: do not fill the gap between the log and the metal, as if moisture returns, the wood could split.
Differences in shade
This is a very common occurrence when the wood has just been treated and is therefore new. It is caused by the autoclave treatment and the origin of the tree. Don’t worry, this will fade away with use!
But then, how do you look after your wood?
Step 1: Cleaning
It is important to maintain and clean your wooden furniture twice a year, i.e. every six months! We recommend doing this at the end of summer and in spring, when the fine weather is well and truly back. To clean your wooden furniture thoroughly, we recommend using Marseille soap or black soap, and scrubbing with a brush and lukewarm water. Then, rinse the furniture, always with lukewarm water!
Step 2: We clear the grey
Feel free to sand your wooden furniture with fine-grain sandpaper. Well-sanded wood will minimise damage. You can also apply a wood sealer, which will prevent water from penetrating the top layer of your wooden furniture. Once these two steps are complete, to restore your wooden furniture to its original colour, you can apply what is known as an oxalic acid-based wood brightener!
Step 3: Protect your wooden garden furniture
If you want to take the best possible care of your wooden furniture and keep it looking ‘as good as new’, we strongly recommend applying a protective oil! It will enhance the appearance, prevent the wood from greying, and protect your furniture. This step should be carried out two days after applying the wood brightener. A few conditions must be met: The wood must be dry, it must not be too hot, and it must not rain within 48 hours. If all these conditions are met, apply the oil in the direction of the wood grain. Once the first coat is completely dry, you can apply a second one!
That’s all you need to keep your wood in top condition so you can enjoy it for years to come!
