Treating your building is essential for protecting the timber from rain, moisture, and everyday wear. Regular treatment helps prevent rot, mould, and cracking, and keeps your building looking good for years to come.
This guide explains why treatment is important, what products to use, and how to treat your building properly.
Note: This guide applies to wooden garden buildingsonly.
Why Treating Your Building Is Important
Untreated or poorly maintained timber can:
Absorb moisture and swell
Develop rot, mould, or mildew
Crack or split over time
Lose its appearance and durability
Even Tiger Sheds supplied with our Industry Leading 20 year guarantee still require regular treatment to maintain protection.
What Should I Use to Treat My Building?
The most common and effective options are:
Wood Preserver
A high-quality wood preserver protects timber from:
Rain and moisture
Fungal decay and rot
Insect infestation
We would always recommend using our TigerSkin Preserver, but if you're looking elsewhere then always make sure the treatment you choose is high quality and suitable for smooth planed timber, or rough sawn timber if your shed is overlap.
Waterproof Paint
Waterproof outdoor paint adds a weather-resistant outer layer and can change the colour of your building. This is optional - paint is not required if you are using a suitable wood preserver.
When Should I Treat My Building?
Treat your building as soon as possible after assembly
Reapply treatment every 12 months (unless pressure-treated)
Choose a dry day with no rain forecast for at least 24 hours
How to Treat Your Building
1. Prepare the Walls
Make sure the timber is clean and dry
Brush off dirt, dust, and loose debris
Lightly sand rough or splintered areas if needed
2. Apply the Treatment
Use a brush, roller, or sprayer
Apply the treatment evenly, following the grain of the wood
Pay special attention to joints, corners, and lower panels
Avoid missing edges and overlaps between boards
3. Apply Additional Coats
Most treatments require two coats
Allow the first coat to dry fully before applying the second
Follow the drying times recommended on the product label
How Do I Waterproof the Inside of My Building?
If you notice damp inside your building:
Inspect the external walls for gaps or cracks
Fill small gaps with a waterproof sealant or wood filler
Check that boards are securely fixed and aligned
Wooden garden buildings are naturally breathable, so internal condensation is less common than in metal sheds.
Warping and movement caused by insufficient treatment
Warping is a natural characteristic of timber and can occur when timber is not treated correctly or consistently.
Wood is a natural material that absorbs and releases moisture depending on weather conditions. If your building is left untreated, or treatment is applied unevenly, moisture can enter the timber at different rates. This imbalance can cause the boards to expand, contract, or twist, leading to visible movement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Treating wet or damp timber
Skipping annual re-treatment
Ignoring the bottom panels where moisture collects
Using unsuitable indoor wood products
Extra Tips for Long-Term Protection
Keep plants and soil away from your walls
Ensure good drainage around the base
Treat doors and window frames at the same time
Check walls annually for signs of wear