Our softwood gates are made from slow grown kiln dried Scandinavian Redwood with the moisture content reduced to about 16%.  Once gates are in the outside air though  they will absorb and release moisture to match that of the surrounding atmosphere and the timber will  react accordingly, swelling in wet weather and then shrinking in dry weather as it absorbs and then releases moisture which will carry of for the life of the gates. This can produce weather splits and warping and is an entirely natural process of the timber. Pressure treatment does not prevent this and in fact it may increase the chance of movement as the timber dries out after treatment, especially in hot weather. Scandinavian Redwood has a timber classification of non- durable and as such will need immediate and ongoing protection.

Pressure treated

Pressure treatment will protect the timber against rot and fungal attack but won’t protect from the effects of UV. This can degrade the treatment and increase the chance of warping. We recommend that gates be treated with  a modern UV oil on a regular basis. This will reduce the effect of UV damage and also help the wood stay balanced as weather conditions change restricting the uptake and loss of atmospheric moisture. We do not recommend pressure treated for large boarded gates.

Non pressure treated

As these aren’t pressure treated the risk of movement from that is removed but the same natural characteristics of the timber remain. These come with a single coat of clear preservative and will need further protection straightaway, preferably before hanging. Again, a modern UV oil is preferred as this will prevent moisture ingress and will flex with the wood. Tinted oils give greater protection and as our own pre treatment is clear it won’t interfere the intended oil colour. We use Rubio Monocoat Oil which is a single application oil which bonds with the cellulose in the wood. It’s important to follow oil manufacturers guidelines and ongoing maintenance procedures whichever oil you use. Painting is not recommended as a finish as the movement of the timber will break the paint’s protective barrier and allow moisture in.