It’s a natural building material known for its warmth and appeal. Here’s how to preserve and enhance the inherent beauty of timber in your next project.
There are many benefits to using timber in design and construction – from its sustainability to its warmth and appeal that enhances the ambience of spaces, providing a sense of comfort and connection to nature. However, it’s important to properly protect, care for and maintain this natural building material. Since 1999, Dryden has honed their expertise to help achieve exactly this.
Preserving the beauty of timber in architectural design
Ensuring the protection and maintenance of timber is essential to maximise its lifespan, maintain its structural integrity, preserve its appearance, and ensure the safety and well-being of building occupants.
“Regular inspections and appropriate protection measures are necessary to maintain its integrity. Moisture management is also critical as excessive moisture can lead to swelling, warping and decay. Finishes and treatments like Dryden WoodOil act as barriers against moisture penetration. Additionally, regular maintenance, including cleaning and refinishing, preserves the timber’s aesthetic appeal,” says Rob Farmer, Woodcare Trade and Training Manager, Dryden.
The warm and natural aesthetic of timber enhances the ambience of spaces, providing a sense of comfort and connection to nature.
To maintain timber's integrity, regular inspections and appropriate protection measures are necessary.
It's important to maintain the natural material when used both indoors and outdoors.
Protecting timber with Dryden WoodOil
Manufactured in New Zealand, Dryden WoodOil is specifically designed to cater to our local conditions and can be confidently used on a wide range of timber species regardless of their age or surface texture.
This unique timber protector is a non-filming, water-repellent solution that migrates into the timber. The water-repellent properties prevent the absorption of moisture, effectively reducing the risk of excessive warping, cupping and splitting. Doing so extends the lifespan of the treated timber it applies to.
“It is versatile enough to be applied to various exterior applications including timber cladding, shingle roofs and fencing. Additionally, it is suitable for specific interior finishing needs.”
A recent project that Dryden was able to lend its expertise to with the use of Dryden WoodOil involved the owner salvaging swamp totara from dried-up rivers. The timber used in the project was applied with careful machining and processing techniques to create a distinctive aesthetic, and applied the timber protectant to ensure the timber’s dimensional stability and prevent issues like splitting, cupping and warping.
For a high-quality finish, Dryden Platinum Colourtone+ was added to enhance the timber’s natural beauty – the finish not only adding visual appeal but also contributing to the overall durability and longevity of the timber.
Introducing Dryden OilStain
Dryden has also recently launched an innovative product called Dryden OilStain, specifically designed for high-density timbers and tropical hardwoods. One of its unique features is the ability to be tinted to any of Dryden’s 37 colours.
“Dryden OilStain offers water-resistant properties, effectively preventing water absorption into timbers. This greatly reduces the risk of excessive warping, cupping and splitting, ultimately extending the lifespan of the treated timbers. It also contains a fungicide that helps resist the growth of mould.”
For all its products, Dryden offers expert advice and guidance on colour selection, along with a complimentary sample service for both liquid and timber options.
“As every project is unique and involves various timber species, involving us from the beginning allows us to provide tailored recommendations that ensure suitability for your specific requirements and desired outcome. Our goal is to help you achieve the perfect aesthetic result while ensuring the functionality and purpose of the project,” says Farmer.
“At Dryden, our primary focus is to preserve and enhance the inherent beauty of timber, including its grain, texture and colour. We are passionate about being part of your projects and witnessing them come to fruition. Our goal is to intensify and reveal the remarkable qualities that nature has bestowed upon this versatile material.”
For this project in Otago, Dryden WoodOil was paired with the Dryden Colourtone Elm to help blend into the stunning surroundings.
If you are an architect, trade professional or designer looking to safeguard and enhance the natural aesthetic of the timber in your project, explore more products by Dryden.
