Blog

As the weather starts to warm up and the sunshine starts to make an appearance, many of us are starting to think about getting our outdoor spaces ready for the summer season.

As well as dragging the BBQ out from the back of the shed and figuring out where you decided to store the paddling pool for safe keeping, here are 5 top tips for breathing new life into your garden no matter what its size.

1. Stop Weeds From Impacting Your Garden Landscaping Project

There are lots of weeds that are hugely beneficial for our pollinators and are visually very beautiful in their own right. However, their ability to grow just about anywhere can quickly cause frustration, especially when they pop up in places that aren't ideal.

Whether you want to create a new, crisp pathway or you want to ensure that

Fencing panels are a common sight in many gardens and their primary purpose is to define the boundary of your property whilst providing privacy and security. They also have the benefit of making your garden look visually pleasing as you can choose to stain the panels in a range of different colours or add decorative elements and plants. However, as with any outdoor wooden structure, fence panels can be affected by the weather which can cause problems such as damage, rot and mould. In this post, we will explore how long fence panels can last and what factors can influence their lifespan.

How Long Should a Wooden Fence Last?

The average lifespan of a pressure-treated wooden fence panel is approximately 10 -15 years. This lifespan can be dependent on several factors, so it is not unusual for a fence to last only five years or, if conditions are right up to 30 years.

Feather Edge fencing is one of the most popular fence styles used in gardens around the UK and here at Mill Timber Direct, we stock both feather edge panels and feather edge boards. In this post, we will discuss the benefits of each type of feather edge fence product to help you decide which will be best for your garden and your fencing needs.

Benefits of Feather Edge Panels

Feather Edge fencing panels are constructed from boards or slats which are secured together vertically and slightly overlap to create a solid, secure fence panel. For extra strength, they usually have a wooden frame or rails situated behind the boards to which the feather edge boards are attached. The main benefit of using feather edge panels in your garden is the speed at which the fence can be erected. They come in ready-to-install panels in set sizes, which will enable you to cover large areas quickly

If you've had a traditional wooden fence in your garden for many years, the chances are it might have seen better days. There comes a point with wooden fencing at which, no matter how much time and treatment you put into looking after it, it will need replacing. So, what are the five signs that it's time to install a new fence?

Discolouration

Over time, your wooden fencing can become discoloured by the sun or rain and the growth of moss, lichen, or mould. Fences that were once stained brown, chestnut or grey can start to turn a murky or dusty green which both looks unsightly and can cause the structure of the wood to weaken and split. Regularly

Never underestimate the importance of having good fencing around your home and garden. Not only does it improve the privacy, safety, and security of your property, but it also looks appealing, creating the perfect finishing touch for your outside space. If you are looking to make some garden improvements this spring, you may want to consider feather edge fencing. This attractive and durable type of wooden fencing is consistently popular with homeowners. Follow our helpful guide to building your own feather edge fence.

What is a Feather Edge Fence?

This type of fencing is an attractive alternative to standard fence panels. It is made from overlapping vertical timber panels that are fixed to horizontal rails, which are then secured to posts and concreted into the ground.

What are the Benefits

A new year means new goals and for many of us, that means improvements to our homes. As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, homeowners everywhere are looking for cost-effective and easy ways to improve their homes. From panelling to decking, we have come up with the top DIY home improvement ideas and trends that will be big in 2023.

Add Some Wall Panelling

Panelling was one of the biggest home trends in 2022 and it doesn't look to be going away anytime soon. It is easy to see why this home trend is becoming an enduring one. Not only can panelling add interest to a blank space, but it can be used as an architectural tool to help zone spaces, insulate walls and improve acoustics. It is traditional yet modern at the same time and can be an inexpensive and simple DIY home improvement.

There are so many different types of panelling to add to your home and all are

Wall panelling, sometimes known as wall moulding, is a well known decorative wall feature. Dating back centuries and often associated with period properties, wall panelling is making a huge comeback.

This decorative feature also works exceptionally well in contemporary homes. It's extremely affordable and very easy to do yourself. In this article, we take a look at the new up-and-coming trend.

Where Can You Use Panelling in the Home?

The good news is that DIY panelling can be used in any room of your home. It is not just for walls either. From creating a panelled headboard behind the bed to decorative door panels, this new trend can be seen everywhere. Panelling can be used to create a feature wall or decorative borders along the hallway or stairway. A quick internet or Instagram search (using the hashtags #wallpanelling and #wallpanellingideassearch)

As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, we are all looking for ways to save money on our bills. Making our homes as energy efficient as possible has become a top priority in the face of soaring energy prices. One simple yet highly effective change you can make to your home is adding loft insulation. When done correctly using the right materials, this can help to slash your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.

Loft insulation is often described as being like 'a blanket for your home.' Various materials can be used for insulation, but the most common are mineral fibre wool and sheep wool. These fabrics can be rolled into the space between loft joists, into hollow spaces and around the rafters. When purchasing mineral wool or sheep wool, it is important to look at the R-value. This measures how well a material resists heat flow. The higher the R value, the better the

As temperatures gradually decrease, leaves start to fall from the trees, and the days become shorter. The autumnal garden changes to an array of vibrant colours. Now is the perfect time to prepare your garden for the coming year. Little changes can have a big impact later on, when the garden reawakens in the spring.

1. Lawn preparation

Small amounts of moss can be removed with a rake, and added to the compost heap. If your lawn has a significant amount of moss, consider applying a moss killer to the lawn first. Lawns that have a lot of moss will also need extra care in the spring. Add grass fertiliser to improve soil quality, to ensure better regrowth later on. If there are any bare patches, now is the time to put grass seed down, before the cold winter frosts appear.

2. Weed control

As the plants start to die back, weeds will become more noticeable. Be sure to pull up all the roots to avoid them growing back next year.

If you want to enhance your garden, taking a look at your fencing is a simple way to make a big impact. While they seem merely mundane and practical, garden fences and gates can really help to transform your outdoor space- both aesthetically and practically. The basic purpose of a fence around your home is to mark out your territory and separate your property from your neighbours. But fencing can, in fact, do so much more than that for your garden and your home.

Fencing and gates can change the look and feel of your garden

There is a wide array of fence and garden gate styles available today and what you choose will impact on the look of your outdoor space. If you prefer a classic look, opt for traditional fence panels. Or, if you are looking for something different,