Why should I paint fences, sheds, and garden furniture in autumn?
Timber, even when pressure-treated, will eventually succumb to weathering if left unprotected. In winter, persistent moisture can penetrate the grain, while freezing conditions can cause it to expand and contract. Over time, this leads to splitting, flaking, and structural weakness.
Painting in early autumn allows you to:
Apply coatings in dry, moderate temperatures, avoiding the extremes of summer heat or winter frost.
Build a protective barrier before prolonged wet weather sets in.
Refresh the appearance of your garden structures, keeping them looking their best year-round.
Sheds – keeping storage dry and secure
Protection all year round
Your shed is one of the hardest-working buildings in your garden, storing tools, bikes, furniture, and all manner of equipment. Painting it now ensures the timber remains weather-tight, extending its lifespan and reducing future maintenance.
If you have one of our Apex sheds or Pent sheds, or a modular Powershed, the same principles apply: clean the surface, make any necessary repairs, and choose a paint suitable for exterior timber. A rich, opaque colour can modernise the look of your shed, while a traditional wood tone will maintain a classic aesthetic.
Fencing – protecting your garden’s boundaries
Choose high-quality wood paint
Pressure-treated traditional featheredge fencing is our best-seller for its durability and privacy qualities, but the overlapping boards still need periodic protection. Painting in autumn helps maintain your fence's integrity, adding a valuable layer of protection to the natural wood.
Use a high-quality product such as Bird Brand One Coat Shed & Fence Paint for rough-sawn featheredge boards, Thorndown Wood Paint for a wide range of colours with minimal environmental impact, or Treatex Classic Colour Collection for a premium, weatherproof finish. Whichever you choose, work along the grain and into the overlaps for full coverage.
Garden furniture – preserving comfort and style
Making sure seats and tables last longer
From arbours and benches to arches and rustic seats, timber garden furniture adds charm and function to your outdoor space. But constant exposure to sun and rain can cause fading and surface damage. A coat of protective paint or stain in autumn helps lock out moisture, keeps colours vibrant, and ensures your seating will be ready to use come spring.
Choose a breathable finish that allows the wood to expand and contract naturally without peeling. Our range includes products suitable for both softwood and hardwood furniture, allowing you to match or coordinate with your fencing and sheds.
How can we help?
Painting your sheds, fencing, and garden furniture this autumn is an investment in your outdoor space – keeping timber strong through the cold months, reducing the need for costly repairs, and ensuring everything will be ready to enjoy when warmer days return.
Browse our full range of paints, preservers, and timber products, or speak to our team for advice on the best solutions for your garden.
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