Wood is an elegant material often used to construct garden structures, yet its susceptibility to moisture and changing weather conditions makes it susceptible to decay and mildew. Preservatives are essential in safeguarding sheds from such threats as fungus, mildew or any other forms of decay that might appear over time.
Lifetime Wood Treatment is a trusted wood sealant formulated from family recipe, that penetrates wood fibers and seals out moisture, non-toxic and safe for organic garden structures like raised beds, chicken coops and greenhouses.
1. Eco Wood Treatment
Wood preservatives (also referred to as timber preservatives) are specially-designed products, coatings or solutions that protect wooden structures against degradation due to fungus degradation, fungal decay or rot, moss growth and sapstain stains caused by sapstain. Furthermore, wood preservatives protect wooden structures against being destroyed by insects that feed off of decayed timbers. They can be applied directly onto bare wood or existing paints and finishes. Garden sheds, wooden fences, wooden panels and any other wooden garden structures like raised beds will benefit greatly from using these treatments. Creosote and engine oil were once widely used commercial timber preservatives; however, as they pose significant health risks they have since been restricted to industrial applications only. Modern domestic wood preservatives on the other hand offer an effective yet eco-friendly solution.
Organic gardeners looking for an environmentally-friendly way to treat wooden garden structures will appreciate Eco Wood Treatment as a non-toxic option. Available as individual packets that simply mix with water, this non-toxic solution gives a rustic yet weathered finish in only one application!
Its formula has been passed down for 60 years by one family, using only plant and mineral extracts for maximum efficacy. Penetrated into wood fibers to seal out moisture, this sealant creates an appealing silver patina and won’t wear off or peel over time; making it safe for chicken coops, greenhouses and other organic garden structures.
Solvent-free wood sealant that can be easily applied by rolling or brushing onto unfinished wooden surfaces, reacting with naturally occurring free alkali in wooden pores to form silicate glass crystals and prevent water soaking through. Perfect for organic gardeners as it won’t leach into soil and contains no toxic chemicals!
2. Tung Oil
Tung oil has long been used to protect wood for centuries. Made from seeds of Vernicia fordii tree seeds, tung oil has non-toxic and safe for use on organic garden structures that come into direct contact with food such as raised beds or chicken coops. Tung oil seals moisture out while its elastic properties allow it to expand and contract as the wood moves throughout seasons; its resistance against mold and mildew also make this an invaluable solution.
Before applying tung oil, it is recommended to sand the surface to ensure an even, smooth finish and remove any imperfections or existing finishes that might detract from its effectiveness. This step is particularly necessary with unfinished wood surfaces or painted finishes. Once this step has been completed, ensure all dust and dirt have been completely eliminated from the area to help avoid contamination and prolong its lifespan.
Once the surface has been prepared for a new coat of oil, it’s important to thin it for easier application and faster drying times (per product instructions). A citrus solvent or odorless mineral spirits may serve as eco-friendly thinners; an initial application of full strength should then be followed up with subsequent ones thinned down by using thinner.
Tung oil requires ample time to set between applications, so it’s crucial that you work in an area with adequate ventilation and weather conditions that will promote rapid drying times. A dry environment speeds the drying process more quickly – typically taking one or two days in total before having to be reapplied periodically in order to provide protection.
3. Pure Linseed Oil
Pure linseed oil, also known as flax seed oil, is an eco-friendly preservative for garden structures. Penetrated deeply into wood fibers to safeguard against moisture damage, it is safe for raised beds and chicken coops that come into direct contact with soil and plants as it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. Unfortunately, however, its drying time can take days if applied too thickly on damp materials or during cold weather – an inconvenience when seeking quick project completion!
Boilled linseed oil resembles raw linseed oil in that it has been treated with heat and additives to speed up its drying process and enhance its protective properties. While drying time may be reduced somewhat, several days are still required before being food safe; furthermore it contains nuts oils.
Many wood preservatives contain chemicals that are potentially toxic to humans and pets, including pressure-treated wood which contains chemicals to combat rot and decay, while dip-treated pieces contain creosote or coal tar which have been identified as possible carcinogens.
Water-based preservatives are the safer choice, releasing only minimal amounts of volatile organic compounds during formulation and usage. Cuprinol Ultimate Garden Wood Preserver comes in various colors to meet this need and is suitable for protecting sheds, fences, and other wooden garden structures.
No matter the preservative you select, it is vitally important that you regularly inspect your garden beds for damage and wear. If any areas appear dry or discolored, reapply wood preservative to restore a protective barrier and maintain the look of your garden beds. Reapplication may be required every 1-2 years depending on climate conditions in your region.
4. Cedar Oil
Cedar oil is an environmentally-friendly wood preservative ideal for use on wooden structures such as sheds, fences and garden furniture. It protects against fungus, mould, mildew and wood rot while increasing water repellence. Thanks to its natural oils, minerals and resins content it’s also great for outdoor projects exposed to weather elements.
Preservative that penetrates wood fibers deeply to create a waterproof seal and provide long-term protection from extreme temperatures, cold weather and UV light exposure. Ideal for all garden wood including cedar and larch.
As it dries, it creates a hard protective barrier resistant to chemicals. With no VOC emissions and suitable for those with sensitive skin and household pets, this formula has proven popular with those wanting to maintain wooden structures without harsh chemicals.
Cedarwood oils contain cedrols and cedrene compounds, which contribute to its distinctive woody aroma and can also be used to produce fragrances and soap perfumes.
ACQ (alkaline copper quaternary), a water-based nontoxic preservative that acts as both a fungicide and insecticide, prevents decay due to fungi and insects while acting as mildew inhibitor, has very low risks compared to older preservatives containing creosote or coal tar, is currently being reviewed by EPA to see whether it should remain registered and is the best choice for wood that will be painted using water-based shed paint or garden furniture stain as it doesn’t contain waxes silicons or oils that would repel or repel coatings that might repel such preservatives that contain waxes silicons or oil that would repel or repel coatings from adhesion or coatings from adhesions or repel these coatings from adhering onto surfaces that could repel such preservatives from being formed from.
5. Alkaline Copper Quaternary
Chromated copper arsenate (CCA), first popularly utilized during the 1930s, has long been recognized for its greenish tinted wood preservation properties. CCA consists of oxides or salts of chromium, copper and arsenic mixed together and used in combination to form its name-giving CCA preservative formulation; today however, residential uses have been banned due to concerns that CCA leaches harmful arsenic into soil and groundwater sources; however fortunately another alternative wood preservative called ACQ exists that works just as effectively – ACQ!
ACQ was designed as an environmentally friendly alternative to CCA, providing timber with additional insect resistance while inhibiting decay fungus growth. Safe for timber in contact with soil or above-ground levels such as garden structures, patio furniture, handrails and millwork, it can also be used on garden structures for garden structures, patio furniture handrails and millwork.
Due to its toxic properties, copper has inspired a number of novel wood preservatives. Tebuconazole has become one of the more widely-used alternatives, registered by the Environmental Protection Agency to replace CCA in most applications. Other popular choices are acid copper chromate and copper azole which contain synthetic materials that cannot be used organic production per NOP requirements.
Though wood preservatives provide essential protection from rot, they don’t prevent rain or snow from damaging structures in your garden. Therefore, after the preservative has dried thoroughly it is wise to coat your structure with weatherproof outdoor wood oil which repels rain and snow while helping your structure to last longer. These oils can easily be maintained with regular top coats according to local conditions in your area.