Monthly Archives: June 2021

decking in wolverhampton

Decking Ideas For the Summertime

Are you thinking of adding some decking to your garden? Summer is finally here; and the sun is shining. As such, there is no better time to transform your garden into an outdoor paradise.

If you need some inspiration; Weston Sawmill have got you covered with this post giving you all the information you need.

Taking your decking to the next level

You can lay decks at different heights and levels, depending on the shape and surface of your garden.

A raised deck is the best option for sloped or uneven gardens to create a flat surface for a dining table or a seating area. If you build a tall enough frame, you can even use the space underneath your decks for additional garden storage.

A ground-level deck keeps your surface flat in the garden and is more straightforward to install than raised decks.

Choosing the best shape for your garden

You need to be open-minded when it comes to the shape of your decking and design it to best fit the space you have available. Rectangular or square-shaped decks are traditional and create clean; angular lines in your garden whereas straight-edged decks are easier to construct than one with a curved edge.

Decks with a curved edge help to create a softer finish to your garden plus it looks great with bark, gravel or grass against the curved edge.

Bring colour to your garden

Our timber deck boards can be painted or stained with decking paint, which is available from most DIY retailers. For a contemporary and stylish finish go for a black and grey or merge navy and white for a nautical design.

For a two-tone look, you could paint the deck boards different colours to the railings or balustrades around it. Complementary colours such as greys and whites are a great choice or you could mix it up with a bold colour contrasting with natural wood.

Get in touch with any questions

If you have any questions about Weston Sawmill’s range of decking boards, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

fencing - aggregates

What Can I Use Postcrete For?

Weston Sawmill offers 20kg bags of Postcrete, which is a ready-to-use blend of selected sand, cement and additives formulated for fixing wooden, concrete and metal posts.

The beauty of Postcrete is that is ready to use straight out of the bag, with no mixing required.

Using Postcrete for Sitework

Here is a simple guide to using Postcrete –

  • Dig your hole to the correct depth and width relevant to post size
  • Fill the hole with water to a third of the depth
  • Pour the mix evenly around the post until no standing water is visible, meaning it completely covers the water surface. Also, sprinkle water on top of the powder.
  • Position and level the post as required, with the setting taking place within 5-10 minutes.
  • When set, cover the top of the hole with soil or grass

Make sure you do not mix Postcrete with water by hand or machine.

It is packed in new weatherproof packaging and needs to be handled and stored with care as it is a cement-based material. It can be stored, unopened in either indoor or outdoor conditions, with information on the maximum storage located on the bag itself.
Remember, all equipment should be cleaned with water and not flushed down the drain.

Health and Safety Advice

Contact between cement powder and body fluids, such as sweat and eye fluids may cause irritation, dermatitis or burns. Cement is classified as an irritant under the Chemical (Hazard Information and Packaging) Regulations.

Contact Weston Sawmill with any queries

If you have any questions about Postcrete or gravel packs, please do not hesitate to get in touch now. Weston Sawmill has been providing a host of garden solutions for clients across Shropshire and Staffordshire since 1993, including decking, fencing and all aggregates to ensure you have the complete solution for your outdoor space.

If you need further inspiration, please read more of our blog posts.

fencing in shropshire

Telltale signs you need new fencing

Wooden fences, when cared for properly can last up to 20 years but there is a time when you will need to replace them. This is where Weston Sawmill comes in handy.

We have been providing customers right across Shropshire with high-quality fencing, including premier overlap panel and sturdy close board panel fences.

5 reasons you to replace your fencing

Most fences will likely last around 10 years, but how do you know when it is time for something new? Here are five tell-tale signs you need to replace your fence instead of repairing it again –

Rotting – While one rotten board is one thing, generalised rotting in your fence means it is time to replace it. In wooden fences, the rot will happen in areas where the fence is closest to the ground. This is where the boards experience the most sustained moisture which accelerates rot. Rot can be prevented with regular maintenance and by applying a preservative. Nature will eventually take its course and rotting will begin in fence posts and boards.

Leaning – Wind, rain and shifting ground can cause your fence to lean off to one side because the general structure is losing strength. Slight leaning in only one section can be repaired by replacing or adjusting a few fence posts. Please note, that generalised leaning across the fence is a sign of irreparable damage.

Splits and Missing Boards – One split or missing board can be easily replaced. Lots of split and missing boards mean it is time to start over. Not only will this ruin your aesthetic appeal but it will also result in structural problems.

Loose and Missing Fasteners – Screws and nails could become loose or even fall out of your fencing over time. These can be replaced, although over time the wood may not be able to withstand a new screw or nail. If your fence has started to be wobbly due to loose and missing fasteners, it is useless to try and replace them all.

Repairs become too costly – When repairs start to become costly it is time to invest in a new fence.

Get in touch for more information

If you have any questions about fencing, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

garden swing seats

Everything You Need to Know About Garden Swing Seats

Garden swing seats from Weston Sawmill are ideal for relaxing outdoors with their hanging structures designed to swing gently back and forth.

We will tell you everything you need to know about choosing the best garden swing seat for this blog.

First Considerations for Garden Swing Seats

It is important to choose a garden swing seat that matches the style of your garden or decking area. Seats are traditionally rectangular, while it is possible to find some swing seats with rounded edges for a softer and slightly different look. Wooden models tie in perfectly with a rustic theme but make sure the material is looked after.

The amount of outdoor space will dictate the size of your swing. Two or three-seater swing seats are quite common but it is also possible to find single swing chairs.

If you want to stretch out, some swings come with four seats just be sure to check the maximum load supported by the swing.

Generally speaking, the comfort of your swing seat depends on how cushioned it is, so pay attention to the seat padding at the quality of the fabric.

Wooden Swings Explained

Wooden swings provide a warm and natural look that will complement your garden. If you choose wood, it’s important to know the different resistances to moisture, insects and fungi.

You will also need to keep on top of treating your wood and use the correct product for the timber, whether this is wax, oil, varnish or wood brightener.

Contact us for more information

If you have any questions about wooden swing seats from Weston Sawmill, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us now.

Weston Sawmill is the leading supplier of fencing, decking and any other garden furniture for customers across Shropshire. Visit our Facebook page to browse our latest projects.

Purchase your wooden garden furniture from Weston Sawmill Today

How To Care For Your Wooden Garden Furniture

Depending on how long you want to keep it, wooden garden furniture can be a serious investment. While some customers choose to buy new furniture pieces every year, most decide to keep our products in their gardens for years. And while our products have been carefully treated to extend their life times, there are some important steps you can take to care for your wooden garden furniture. 

In order to keep your wooden furniture looking good for as long as possible, we’ve compiled this brief guide. 

Keeping Your Wooden Furniture Covered Up 

Depending on the time of year it’s very likely that your wooden garden furniture will be left to the elements for weeks and months at a time. As well as moss and insects (which we’ll discuss lower down) this can attract wood rot — a fungus which grows into damp wood and slowly devours it. If left untreated, wood rot can lead to a situation where your furniture is totally unusable.

While there are a number of products you can get to treat your wooden furniture, the easiest way of keeping it free from wood rot is to keep it covered and away from moisture. The best material to do this with is a large plastic tarp sheet — preferably a translucent or transparent one. This will allow light through and discourage insects from nesting on your furniture.

While covering your furniture won’t totally keep it free from insects and other plants, it’s a big part of keeping your furniture looking pristine for as long as possible. To learn how to keep your wood free from insects and other pests, scroll down. 

Keeping Your Wooden Furniture Free From Pests

By far the most important part of maintaining your wooden garden furniture is making sure it’s free of pests. 

As previously mentioned, depending on the time of year, it’s very likely that your furniture will be absorbing a lot of moisture from the rain — which will attract a number of pests and make it the ideal home for moss. The UK is home to multiple species of insects that live and feed off wood — including Wood Boring Weevils and the Death Watch Beetle. 

Because of this, it’s important to treat your furniture every so often. We recommend you only use green insecticides and pesticides on your furniture. This is because these products keep your wood free of insects without harming any insects that want to make your furniture their home. Likewise, only using green pesticides will save the rest of your garden from any possible cross contamination. 

It’s important to read the instructions before applying any pesticide and insecticide. Do not use your wooden furniture immediately after using any pesticide or insecticide products. Read more information on why it’s a good idea to use green pesticides.

Keeping Your Wooden Furniture Clean & Looking Good

The final part of keeping your new garden furniture looking good for as long as possible is to make sure it’s cleaned to a good standard. You don’t need to clean your wooden furniture too often — especially in Autumn or Winter. Typically, it’s a good idea to give it a deep clean at the start of Spring and then again every couple of months, until the weather starts to turn. 

Your wooden furniture isn’t hard to clean. All you need is a couple of things: 

  • Sandpaper
  • Hot water
  • Soap
  • Bucket 
  • Sponge
  • Hardwood cleaning fluid

To start with, pour the hot water and the hardwood cleaner together into the bucket, making sure you follow the instructions provided in order to get the ideal mix. 

Use your sponge to cover your garden furniture with the water-hardwood cleaner mix — making sure to cover the entire surface. When you’re done, leave the furniture to dry. Depending on the temperature and weather conditions, this may take up to several days. 

When your furniture is fully dry, take your sandpaper and gently apply it to the surface of the piece. Not only will this keep the surface of your furniture looking fresh and free of ugly blemishes, but it will also make sure that pests will be kept away. 

You may have to repeat this process before you get the desired effect. You may also need to sand the surface of your furniture more than once depending on your desired effect. 

Depending on your preferences, you may wish to let your wooden furniture age naturally. If you decide this is for you, we encourage you to use hardwood oil after sanding your furniture. This will preserve that natural palatina look that comes with age. 

Contact Us 

If you have any further questions about how to care for your wooden garden furniture, contact us today and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.