Care Information

Thank you for purchasing one of our Duckpaddle Products.

Here at Duckpaddle we take pride in all of our products and the materials we use. We use Pressure Treated Scandinavian Redwood to make all our Garden Furniture. The timber has been infused with preservatives to protect the wood against rot and insects. 

We are confident that when looked after properly, our wooden products will stand the test of time. The appropriate maintenance should be carried out in accordance with the care instructions below.

After Care - Timber

We recommend applying a water or oil based preservative as and when required, usually every 1-2 years. A brand we recommend is Barrettine. Such preservative treatment should only be done after algae, lichens and mosses have been removed.  

To keep it in good condition, wipe down surfaces and then treat with a preservative. 

• Apply the preserving stain in dry weather
• When applying a preservative, pay particular attention to horizontal surfaces, areas that collect water and those in contact with damp soil.

Once the timber has faded to grey it is harder to replenish the original colour, if you wish to maintain this please apply the preservative.

Wood Checking 

You may think it’s a flaw in the timber used, but rest assured, it’s not. Cracking and checking is a normal part of timber frame buildings, fences, and furniture and is not a result of any structural issues.

Cracking and checking of timber is a very natural part of the life cycle of wood – even once it’s been cut, shaped, and prepared. Checking is the separation of grain that occurs in timber as moisture levels change and timber dries. 

After care - Paint

How does weather affect painting?

Temperature fluctuations can cause paint to expand in the heat and contract in the cold. Over time, this can lead to cracks in the paint. As the wood or other material under the paint also contracts and expands, this will result in peeling paint.

Depending on atmospheric conditions, we recommend giving attention to the paintwork where necessary and only usually requiring a sand and touch up of paint, usually every couple of years. The timber underneath the paintwork is pressure treated as stated above. We supply a tin of touch up paint on delivery.
Apply the paint in dry conditions, wiping down the surfaces first to remove any build up of algae. For further information on this please get in touch.

After Care - Cedar Shingled Tiles

Life expectancy of the shingles is 15 plus years if looked after.

Cedar is naturally a very durable timber, but it can deteriorate if constantly exposed to damp and organic material is allowed to build up, so to get the most out of the cedar shingles they need maintaining and protecting over time.

Under ideal conditions cedar shingles dry out quickly after rain but in areas with long wet winters or where roofs are north facing or shaded by trees, they may not dry quick enough allowing problems such as rot to set in.

Again, preservation treatment should be done after any algae , lichens and mosses have been removed. Once these have been removed then a treatment can be applied.

The Shingles will also turn grey within the first few months so if you wish to maintain the colour then the preservative can be applied earlier.

The preservative can be applied with a good brush, starting at the top and working down, coating is applied ensuring plenty is able to get in between the shingles.

If you require any further information regarding the above, please do not hesitate to get in touch via email or 01782 394587.