How To Stain, Paint And Maintain Your Wooden Pergola

That means wood can look great when it’s fresh and new but is just as appealing after decades of exposure to the elements. However, even the hardiest of woods will need a bit of care and attention to help it withstand weather extremes.

Think about your wooden pergola, standing strong outside in your yard or garden, looking beautiful either on its own or as a framework for climbing plants, sunshades or more. But then take a moment to remember that your pergola is out there 24/7/365. Come wind, rain, snow, sleet, hail (or a combination of the above), your pergola has to withstand it all.

Cracks and fissures appear in the wood, and water can get inside the grain. The sun’s powerful UV rays can damage the surface, and extremes of temperature and humidity can cause it to expand, shrink, crack or warp. All of which means some care and maintenance is much appreciated. So, just how do you go about looking after your pergola?

Preserving and varnishing

Depending on the type of wood used to make your pergola, it can withstand the weather conditions to some degree. Soft woods like pine are less able to deal with prolonged exposure than woods like cedar or teak. But then there is always the price point to consider. The better suited the wood for outdoor use, the less care and attention it will need, but all wood will appreciate some help. All the timber we use is pressure treated and, as such, can remain free from rot or fungal attack for up to 15 years. However, a wood preserver can help to add extra protection, especially after a few years’ service.

A wood preserver is a wood treatment (usually available in various wood shades, although we always recommend a clear coat) that penetrates the grain of the wood, providing excellent protection against moisture, mould, algae and boring insects. It also helps to preserve the natural grain.

Varnish is an exterior protective layer that can be applied to the surface, creating a hardened protective barrier. This reflects moisture, UV rays, and a range of other potential threats. However, we find that varnish can yellow and peel over time, so we always recommend a wood preserver to keep your pergola looking its best. It is generally easily applied with a brush, roller or spray application and is available from most hardware stores.

Pergolas are so versatile!

Paint

Like a preserver, paint is applied to the exterior surface of the wood using a brush, roller or spray and hardens to form a protective layer on the wood. The advantage of paint is that it comes in every conceivable shade and colour, which can be changed with each application according to taste. However, paint does have the drawback of covering much of the natural beauty of the wood.

Make sure you choose an exterior paint suitable for use on wood, and always go for a quality product on top of an appropriate primer. Cheap paint will weather quickly, and you’ll end up repainting way sooner than you would with a quality product, eradicating any savings you might think you’re making.

Maintenance

As well as providing the wood with exterior protection in the form of paint or varnish, there are other treatments you can apply to help preserve its strength and character. These include natural oils and treatments such as linseed oil that can help wood weather more slowly, without using chemical products.

Pergolas or other wooden structures may also need sanding before any new coat of stain, paint or preserver is applied. Not only does this refresh the grain but it also gives the surface a key onto which the treatment can bond. However, remember if an oil-based product is used it will be difficult to change to a non-oil-based finish later as it will struggle to adhere.

If you do have plants or other organic materials in contact with the wood, these need to be pruned to ensure they are not interfering with the structure itself. You may need to clean off any residue, mildew or other growth on the wooden surfaces before applying any fresh coat of treatment. It’s also a good idea to tighten any nuts, bolts or other fixings while refreshing the surfaces.

If your pergola is constructed well, using good fixings and high-quality wood, the amount of care and attention it needs will be minimal. A few hours of gently sanding and applying a fresh coat every few years should be enough to maintain its natural protection against the elements. That’s not a lot, especially when you think about all the countless hours of service it gives you in return, not to mention the pleasure and joy of having a natural wooden structure in your exterior space. Get in touch with our pergola team here at Rutland to find out more about pergola sales and aftercare.