Timber Maintenance Tips for Winter

As winter settles in, it becomes even more important to look after the timber around your home and garden. Cold temperatures, increased rainfall and frost can all take their toll on wood if it is left unprotected, which is why a little seasonal maintenance goes a long way. By preparing your timber now, you can help it stay strong, attractive and ready to enjoy when the warmer months return. Whether it is decking, fencing, cladding or garden structures, winter is a good time to check the condition of your timber and deal with any small issues before they become bigger problems.

Inspect and Clean All Timber Surfaces

The first step in winter timber care is a thorough inspection. Walk

As the new year approaches, many homeowners are already thinking about ways to refresh their outdoor spaces. A well-planned garden can add beauty, functionality and value to your home, and 2026 is the perfect time to tackle some improvements that will make your garden more enjoyable all year round. Whether you are creating a relaxing retreat, designing a space for family activities or adding practical features, there are plenty of projects to consider that can transform your garden.

Upgrade Your Fencing and Boundaries

One of the most effective ways to improve your garden is by upgrading your fencing or boundary structures. Fresh fencing can provide privacy, define spaces and enhance the overall look of your garden. Wooden panels remain a popular choice for their natural aesthetic, and with the range of fencing available at Mill Timber Direct, it is easy to find options that suit your style and budget. You could also consider taller panels or trellis

When it comes to fitting a new door, most of us think about the style, finish, or material first — oak, pine, glazed, or panelled. But there’s another essential element that often goes unnoticed: ironmongery for doors. It might not be the star of the show, but without it, your doors simply wouldn’t function. So, what exactly is ironmongery, and why is it such an important part of any doorway?

What Does ‘Ironmongery’ Actually Mean?

In simple terms, ironmongery refers to all the metal fittings and accessories that make a door work — the bits that help it open, close, lock, and look good while doing so. The word itself dates back centuries, originally describing products made by blacksmiths from wrought iron. Today, however, modern ironmongery includes materials such as stainless steel, brass, aluminium, and even zinc, designed for both functionality and style.

When

Water repelling plywood is precisely as it sounds: structural plywood designed to shrug off rain and site moisture during build, so the sheet keeps its shape and strength while work carries on. We see it as a practical upgrade for floors, roofs and wall sheathing when the programme won't wait for a clear forecast. Instead of worrying about brief showers affecting walls or roof panels during installation, you can fit the boards and move on, confident that the sheet will perform as intended and keep the build on schedule.

When it comes to enhancing your garden or carrying out landscaping projects, wooden sleepers are a popular and versatile material. They're commonly used for retaining walls, raised beds, borders, steps, and even garden furniture. But with a variety of wooden sleepers available on the market, knowing which type is right for your needs can be confusing. This guide breaks down the main types of wooden sleepers, softwood, hardwood, and treated options to help you make an informed choice.

Softwood Sleepers

Softwood sleepers, typically made from pine or spruce, are among the most commonly used and cost-effective options. They are generally pressure-treated with preservatives to improve their resistance to rot and insect attack. This makes them ideal for most garden projects, including raised beds, borders, and decorative edging.

Timber cladding brings warmth, character, and a timeless finish to our homes. It's a natural choice for those of us who value aesthetics as much as function. However, like all things natural, timber needs care to stay in top condition. In this guide, we'll share our best advice for timber cladding maintenance, with hands-on tips you can use yourself, even if you're new to home improvements.

Why Timber Cladding Needs a Little TLC

Wood is a living, breathing material. That's part of its appeal, but it also means it's vulnerable to the elements. Sun, rain, frost and even air pollution can all take their toll. Without regular upkeep, cladding can fade, warp, crack or suffer from mould and rot. That's why it's important to stay on top of maintenance. It helps protect the timber, extend its life, and keep our homes looking great.

Step 1: Inspect Regularly

We recommend giving your timber cladding a once-over

Working out how much timber cladding you need for your project is actually quite simple. With the right formula and a bit of planning, you'll avoid running short or wasting money on excess materials.

The Simple Cladding Calculation Method

To figure out how many linear metres of cladding you need, you just need to know two things:

The total area you want to cover (in square metres)

The coverage per board of your chosen profile (in metres)

Then, you will need to use this formula: Total area (m²) ÷ Coverage per board (m) = Linear metres needed

Let's take a look at an example for a 72m² project comparing

Timber remains one of the most versatile and timeless materials for a variety of home improvement projects. Whether you're upgrading your living space, adding unique character to your interiors, or enhancing your home's overall practicality and value, timber offers endless possibilities.

Its natural beauty, impressive durability, and sustainability make it an excellent choice for countless applications. As a trusted and reliable supplier, we take pride in providing high-quality timber products to help bring your creative ideas to life.

Here are three inspiring ways to use timber for impactful and stylish home improvements in 2025.

1. Transform Your Garden with Timber Decking

A timber deck

When selecting timber for your project, understanding timber grading is vital. Timber grading provides a clear standard for the quality and strength of wood, ensuring that you get the right material for the job. Let's explore what timber grading means, the different types of grades, and how to choose the best one for your needs.

Why Is Timber Grading Important?

Timber grading allows us to classify wood based on its strength, durability, and appearance. Whether building a sturdy framework or crafting bespoke furniture, knowing the grade helps us choose timber that matches structural and aesthetic requirements. Grading also ensures safety by aligning timber strength with intended applications, particularly in construction where load-bearing capacities are crucial.

Grading is typically divided into two main categories:

When starting a DIY project or professional construction task, selecting the right type of screw is absolutely essential. Screws are not a one-size-fits-all. They are specifically designed to cater to various materials and applications. In this guide, we will focus on four primary types of screws: masonry screws, wood screws, drywall screws, and decking screws. Each of these has unique features and purposes, ensuring your projects are secure and durable.

Masonry Screws

Masonry screws are specifically designed for use in hard materials such as brick, concrete, and stone. The threads are sharp and closely spaced to grip the masonry securely.

When to Use Masonry Screws

Masonry screws are ideal for attaching items like brackets, shelving, and fixtures to concrete or brick walls. They require a pilot hole, which must be drilled with a masonry bit to match the diameter of the screw.