The Best Way To Protect Outdoor Wood
When it comes to the warmer months, we all want to get out in the garden and enjoy a bit of fresh air. This means that many of us are investing in everything from outdoor furniture to new fencing, that can help us relax and soak up the sun. But what is the best way to protect outdoor wood to prevent it from getting damaged? Our experts have put together this handy guide to protecting outdoor wood so you can have peace of mind that it will continue to look beautiful long-term.
In this guide we will cover:
- Why is it important to protect outdoor wood?
- What is the best way to protect outdoor wood?
- Step-by-step guide to protecting outdoor wood
Why Is It Important To Protect Outdoor Wood?
Outdoor wood is naturally porous and will absorb moisture if left untreated. While hardwoods like oak or teak are more durable than softwoods, all wood will take in water, which can lead to damage over time. Protecting it helps prevent moisture-related problems and keeps the timber in good condition.
Rotting
While all natural mineral surfaces when exposed to high levels of moisture will decay in some way, wood is particularly prone to damage over time. Bare, untreated outdoor wood, especially in this country, will be left exposed to high levels of moisture which continue to saturate the material. Eventually, when the rotting sets in, it causes wood to become weakened and eventually will break off and require repairs to be made.
Organic growth
Organic growth is a broad term that refers to any moss, lichens or other fungi that grow on natural surfaces such as wood. As wood is highly porous and can uptake large amounts of moisture, it is particularly prone to organic growth. This is because this organic growth relies on moisture levels in order to spread. The more moisture present in a material, the better the conditions are for organic matter to thrive.
Discolouration
Aside from the discolouration that is caused by organic growth, the wood will darken in colour when it becomes wet. This leaves wood looking tired and patchy, as the colour change differs where sections of wood are more exposed than others. Overall, especially in a climate like the one here in the UK, you will lose the beautiful, natural look of the wood each time there is a downpour.
What Is The Best Way To Protect Outdoor Wood?
There are many exterior wood products available, but they don’t all protect wood in the same way.
Paints, stains and oils
These mainly change the colour or finish of wood. While some offer weather resistance, they are not fully waterproof. They still allow moisture to soak into the timber, which can lead to long-term damage.
Waterproofing treatments
For full protection—especially if you want the wood to stay looking natural—you need a water-repellent waterproofing treatment. This stops water from absorbing into the wood.
There are two main types:
Film-forming sealers
- Create a sealed layer on the surface
- Block both water and the wood’s ability to breathe
- Can trap moisture inside, causing the film to peel or crack over time
Penetrating waterproofers
- Absorb into the wood instead of forming a film
- Keep the wood breathable while repelling water
- Prevent moisture uptake without altering appearance
- Highly durable and won’t peel or flake
The most effective way to protect outdoor wood, without changing how it looks, is to use a penetrating, breathable, super hydrophobic treatment like Emperor Exterior wood waterproofer.
Emperor Wood Waterproofer is a super hydrophobic treatment for all outdoor wood, from garden furniture to cladding. It absorbs deep into the timber to create long-lasting water repellency while staying highly breathable, helping wood stay dry and protected.
Independent testing, by UKAS accredited laboratory Lucideon, showed no change in performance or appearance after 25 years of accelerated weathering. Because of this, we offer a 10-year manufacturers guarantee with no need to reapply during that time.
If you want to prevent rot, decay and discolouration without changing the natural look of the wood, this one-coat waterproofing treatment is the ideal option.
Learn more: How to prevent wood rotting
A Step-By-Step Guide To Protecting Outdoor Wood
You will need:
- Emperor Exterior Wood Waterproofer
- Paint brush, roller or pump-sprayer
- Dust sheet
- 180 grit sandpaper (may be required)
- Masking tape
- Exterior wood filler & filling knife (may be required)
1. Preparation
Check the condition of the wood and repair any damage to extend its lifespan.
Clean the surface to remove dirt, weathering and organic growth, as these will remain visible after applying an invisible waterproofing treatment. Use a power washer for heavily soiled wood, or hot soapy water and a soft brush for lighter dirt. Sand badly discoloured areas with 180-grit sandpaper.
Apply a fungicidal cleaner such as Emperor Exterior Cleaner and leave to dry for 2 hours to kill moss, lichen and other growth.
Repair any rotten areas with an exterior wood filler, matching the wood colour. Finally, protect surrounding surfaces with a dustsheet.
2. Applying the wood waterproofer
Apply using a hand-pump sprayer, brush or roller. The thin, watery formula is easy to use.
Apply to bare wood at 5m² per litre for best performance. It’s a one-coat treatment – leave to dry for 1 hour at 20°C (longer in colder conditions).
Once dry, the wood becomes fully water-repellent and protected from weathering for at least 25 years. The full beading effect, on the wood treatment, will appear several days after, while it cures, but the wood is waterproof straight away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it change the appearance of the outdoor wood?
No. Emperor Wood Waterproofer absorbs into the timber instead of forming a film, so it stays completely invisible with no colour or sheen change.
Does the type of wood affect how I protect outdoor wood?
All wood is damaged by moisture, but softwoods weather faster than hardwoods. Softwoods benefit from protection as early as possible.
What guarantee is there?
The product was independently tested to withstand 25 years of weathering with no change in performance. We provide a 10-year guarantee and will replace the product if it fails to prevent water absorption when applied correctly.
We hope we have answered any questions you may have had regarding the best way to protect outdoor wood. If you have any other questions, feel free to get in touch with our team of experts who are on hand to assist you. You can chat to them by emailing [email protected] or calling them on 01254 936121.
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