As our gardens have been basking in glorious sunshine for weeks on end (and with surprisingly little rain), we have had to take extra care of our plants and grass, including lots of watering.
However, while our attention has been turned to keeping blooming flower beds alive, your decking, fences and garden furniture might have been “suffering silently”, and it could cost you more than you think to repair them, an expert has warned.
With this in mind, Emily Green, timber care specialist at Howarth Timber, has shared her professional advice on how the recent hot weather could be “quietly damaging” your outdoor timber and what you can do to protect it.
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Most people don’t realise that timber, although “strong and beautiful”, is highly sensitive to the elements.
Prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat can cause serious, long-term damage to outdoor wood.
Without proper care, the investment you made in your outdoor space could start to fade – literally and structurally.
What happens to garden fences and decking in the heat?
When timber is exposed to high temperatures and direct sunlight, several things happen:
UV rays break down the wood’s surface, causing it to lose colour and turn grey over time.
Heat accelerates moisture loss, making the wood dry out, shrink, and eventually crack or split.
Uneven heating and drying can lead to warping, cupping, or twisting – especially in decking boards or fence panels.
Have you recently had decking put in your garden? (Image: Getty Images) ‘Costly’ mistake you might be making with garden fence and decking
Essentially, your timber can become brittle, discoloured and even structurally compromised if left unprotected in extreme weather, Emily says.
The timber care specialist has warned that neglecting proper timber care in hot weather is a “costly mistake”.
Replacing warped or cracked decking boards, refinishing faded furniture, or even dealing with full structural repairs can quickly add up.
As damage tends to build gradually, by the time it becomes obvious, it’s often too late for a simple fix.
How to protect a garden fence from the sun
Choosing the right timber from the start is just as important. Opt for UC4-treated wood for anything in contact with the ground or water and UC3 for general outdoor use.
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This ensures your timber is built to withstand the environment it’s exposed to.
You can also:
Apply a UV-protective finish
Use an exterior-grade wood oil, stain, or sealant that contains UV blockers. These help preserve colour and prevent the surface from drying out and cracking.
Clean your timber regularly
Dirt and grime trap moisture and heat. Clean your decking or furniture with a wood-friendly cleaner to keep the surface breathing and healthy.
Keep it shaded when possible
Use parasols, awnings, pergolas, or furniture covers to reduce direct sunlight exposure, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Avoid standing water
Make sure water drains properly off the decking. Standing water mixed with heat can warp or stain wood over time.
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Reapply treatments seasonally
Don’t rely on one treatment to last forever. Recoat with oil or sealant at least once a year—more often in extreme conditions.
Lift and ventilate furniture
Elevate items like planters or heavy furniture slightly to prevent trapped moisture and heat buildup beneath them.
How to fix damaged garden fences and decking
However, if your wooden garden fences, decking or outdoor furniture is already damaged, there is no need to worry as you can try the following tips and tricks to restore it:
Fading or discolouration
Use a wood restorer or brightener to bring back natural tones, then apply a tinted oil or stain to even out the finish and add protection.
When did you last replace your garden fence? (Image: Nick Murrall/Getty)
Cracks or surface splits
Lightly sand the affected area to remove rough edges. Fill deeper cracks with a flexible exterior wood filler, then seal over it with oil or finish.
Warping or cupping
If minor, secure the board down again once it’s been moistened and flattened. Severely warped boards may need to be replaced entirely.
Loose fixtures
Check for movement due to expansion and contraction. Retighten or replace fasteners with corrosion-resistant ones, and consider pre-drilling to avoid splitting.
Rotten areas
If the wood is soft or crumbly, it may need to be removed and replaced. Always treat the surrounding areas to prevent further rot.
Recommended reading:
Should you paint a fence in the sun?
Welch Fencing advises: “Too hot or cold weather will affect the paint’s appearance after drying.
“That’s not to say that you can’t paint your fence on a nice day while it’s warm out, but during peak sunlight hours while the rays are beaming down, it’s best to put the task on hold.
“If it’s nearly 30 degrees out, and the sun has been beating on your fence since the early hours, the surface temperature of your fencing will be even hotter – which will affect how the paint sits, absorbs and dries.
“The best time to paint your fence is when it’s warm and dry out, and there are no signs of rain in the foreseeable future. That’s when you’re most likely to get the best results.”
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