Shed treatment in Exeter
Professional shed treatment services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£160
Typical Duration
1.5-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Garden sheds and timber buildings treated with quality wood preservative to protect against rot, decay, and weather damage. Quick application that soaks in deep and enhances natural grain.
Keep Your Shed Alive for Years
Untreated timber in a Devon garden doesn't last. Rain, sun, and our damp winters rot wood from the outside in. One coat of proper treatment soaks in and protects for years - stops water getting in while letting the wood breathe.
💡 Pro tip: Treatment isn't just about colour - it's active protection. Good preservatives contain fungicides and water repellents that stop rot before it starts. Skipping treatment or using cheap stuff means replacing your shed years earlier than you should.
Why Professional Treatment Matters
Anyone can slap preservative on a shed. Getting it to soak in properly and protect evenly takes the right technique and materials.
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Clean, dry surface before treating | Slap it on dirty, damp wood |
| Generous coat worked into grain | Thin coat that barely covers |
| End grain soaked (where rot starts) | End grain skipped or rushed |
| Quality preservative that penetrates | Cheap watery stuff that runs off |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Prep | Clean surface, check for damage, mask hardware |
| Treat | Apply preservative liberally, work into grain |
| Detail | Extra attention to end grain and vulnerable spots |
📦 You're Left With
- Wood protected against rot and weather
- Natural grain enhanced and visible
- Water-repellent surface that sheds rain
Pricing Guide
| Shed Size | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small 6x4 garden shed | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| Standard 8x6 shed | 2-2.5 hrs | £110-£135 |
| Large workshop/summer house | 2.5-3 hrs | £135-£160 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Price assumes one coat - severely weathered sheds needing two coats take longer.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Regular maintenance - keep rot at bay before it starts
✅ Natural look - want to see the wood grain, not cover it
✅ Quick refresh - faster than painting, still looks great
✅ New shed - protect it from day one
Why Choose Us for Shed treatment in Exeter?
Wood protected against rot and decay
Preservative soaks deep into timber
Natural wood grain enhanced
Weather-resistant finish applied
What to Expect
Step 1: Clean & Check
I clean the surface and check the wood condition. Treatment won't save rotten timber, but it'll protect sound wood brilliantly.
Step 2: Apply Treatment
Preservative applied generously with brush, working it into the grain. End grain gets extra attention - that's where water gets in and rot starts.
Step 3: Detail Work
Windows, door frames, and vulnerable corners get careful treatment. Quick check for drips and runs, then it's done.
🔧 DIY Tips
Treating your own shed? Here's how to do it properly:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- 3-4 inch brush (foam or bristle)
- Stiff brush for cleaning
- Stirring stick
- Dust sheets for the ground
- Gloves (this stuff stains hands)
🪵 Surface prep
- Clean the shed - brush off dirt, cobwebs, algae
- Let it dry completely (couple of dry days minimum)
- Stir the treatment thoroughly - colour settles to the bottom
- Check weather - you need 4-6 hours without rain
- Remove or mask door handles and hinges
🎨 Application technique
- Work from top to bottom
- Apply generously - it should soak in, not sit on top
- Brush along the grain, not against it
- Pay special attention to end grain (bottom of panels, cut edges)
- Don't worry about perfect coverage - it's meant to look natural
- One coat is usually enough unless wood is very weathered
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Treating damp wood (it won't soak in)
- Applying too thin (trying to make it stretch)
- Skipping end grain and corners
- Not stirring the tin (colour comes out patchy)
- Treating in full sun (dries too fast on the surface)
💡 Pro trick: Pour some treatment into an old margarine tub and work from that instead of the tin. If you knock it over, you've lost a cupful, not the whole lot. Also means you can get right into corners without a heavy tin in your hand.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Colour choice: Clear treatment shows every mark and stain on the wood. Light oak or cedar tones hide imperfections better. Dark browns and blacks look dramatic but show every cobweb. Choose based on your garden style and how much cleaning you want to do.
Fence needs doing too? Get both done together - same product, same setup, saves you money on the callout.
Previously painted shed? You can't treat over paint - the preservative won't soak in. If your shed is painted but the paint is failing, we'd need to strip it back to bare wood first (or just repaint it instead).
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between shed treatment and shed painting?
Treatment soaks into the wood and protects from the inside - you still see the wood grain through it. Paint sits on top and covers the grain completely. Treatment is faster to apply and looks more natural, but needs redoing more often. Paint gives better long-term protection but takes longer.
How often does shed treatment need doing?
Depends on which side of your garden the shed faces. South and west walls get hammered by sun and rain - maybe every 2-3 years. North and east sides can go 4-5 years easily. When the wood starts looking dry and faded again, it's time for another coat.
Can you treat my old shed or is it too late?
Old sheds are fine as long as the wood is still solid. I'll check for rot first - soft, punky wood needs replacing, not treating. If the timber is sound but just weathered and grey, treatment brings it back to life and protects it going forward.
Do I need to provide the treatment?
Either way works. If you've got a colour in mind, grab a sample pot so we can check it suits your garden. If not, I usually use Cuprinol or Ronseal - they soak in well and actually protect the wood. Cheaper stuff just sits on the surface and washes off.
How long before I can use the shed again?
Touch dry in a couple of hours in decent weather. You can put stuff back in the same day if you're careful not to lean against wet walls. Fully cured in 24 hours. The smell fades pretty quick with modern water-based treatments.
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