Hardware Buying Guides

Woodcare Buying Guide

Whether installing new doorways or refreshing a surface, proper care is essential to keep timber looking its best, which is why we have pulled together this woodcare buying guide. From varnishing to preserving organic looks with oils, this guide covers everything you need to know to keep wood features safe and stylish for many years to come.

What woodcare products are available?

Varnish

Usually applied with a paintbrush, varnish adds a lacquer to wood, which hardens the exterior to protects it from damage. It is also a great way to defend against the weather, wear, and tear. This means it is a sound investment for floors, stairs, and doorways, which experience more traffic than other features in a home.

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Wood oils

Oils offer a decorative touch that adds colour to timber, whether that is a warm natural tint or a deeper treatment for a dark palette. Using oil also nourishes the wood, preventing it from cracking while retaining the natural grain. Oiled surfaces need to be maintained periodically, particularly around cleaning areas, to keep it looking its best.

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Wood treatments

Regular maintenance is vital in preserving a wooden fixture. To prevent long-term damage, you should choose products that clean deeply, while avoiding harsh chemicals that can affect the look and structure of a timber product. Specialist repair kits can also be sourced for certain materials, like oak doorways, to fix signs of wear.

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Recommended brands

Osmo

Great for finishing and treating, Osmo is well known for its versatile oils. Some of the most popular products include doorway protection and countertop finishing, with numerous options for retaining the natural look of wood with a satin or matt finish.

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Sadolin

Known for a broad range of quality varnishes, Sadolin is a great choice if you are looking to shield wood from damage. With options that include external applications, they offer a great selection of outdoor varnishes to use on unpainted front or back doors.

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Howdens

We know how important it is to prepare, treat, and maintain wood, whether that is an interior doorway or a timber work surface. That is why our selection of oils covers a wide variety of uses, making it easy to find the right treatment for any job.

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Caring for timber

Repairing doorways

Dings and scratches are inevitable with any doorway, and specialist repair kits make it easy to cover up unsightly marks to make a panel look as good as new. Often supplied in a spray, these repair kits coat and lacquer the surface to remove marks.

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External varnishing

External surfaces, like front or back doorways, need added protection against the elements if they are not going to be painted. Varnishing for outdoor use will prevent damage from moisture or sunlight, so the wood retains its natural appearance.

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Oiling countertops

Work surfaces are exposed to many unique elements, so opting for a specialist oil keeps counters around cooking and cleaning areas free of damage that can occur from water and detergents. Solid wood is a premium choice, and specific oils ensure it always looks its best.

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Sealing work surfaces

Sealing the joints between surfaces is an integral part of fitting. Water can enter through gaps between the counter, around sink bowls, wall joins, or below cooking equipment, which is why specialist sealants are essential for preventing damage and reducing the risk of leaks.

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Protecting floors

Adding a membrane above a sub-floor provides a layer of protection for floors. It stops moisture from penetrating the wood, which is instrumental in keeping it safe and intact. In addition, underlay insulates and helps protect against fluctuating temperatures.

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Maintaining wood floors

Engineered and solid wood options are hardwearing, thanks to a finishing treatment that protects the surface. To maintain it, solid wood can be sanded and retreated many times, while engineered can only be refinished two to three times, depending on the thickness.

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Woodcare purchasing considerations

Preparation

Before finishing wood, it is important to make sure the surface is properly prepared. This includes sanding and smoothing out imperfections. Applying the correct number of coats when treating the wood will also ensure it stands the test of time.

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Cleaning

While wiping down can be done with a damp cloth, generic cleaning solutions risk damage to wood. A deeper clean, especially for easily-stained surfaces like countertops, require specialist products that keep the surface clean and hygienic without affecting its look or strength.

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Specialist tools

Woodworking equipment covers everything from preparing doorway panels to removing imperfections for flawless finishes. Items for tasks such as chiselling or clamping together timber is a crucial part of any solid wood installation and requires specialist kit.

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Sanding

Sanding helps to smooth out any imperfections on the surface before priming, varnishing, repairs, or finishing. Preparing by hand is best for small areas or tidying up intricate detail, while power equipment will make light work of large surfaces.

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