DIY Basics: Part 1 - Timber maintenance

There are some DIY essentials that every homeowner should know - from floor sanding, gardening to the odd painting job.

And if you have timber somewhere in your house, it is vital that you know how to care for and maintain it to ensure longevity.

Outdoor timber structures will require the most care due to their exposure to the elements - often needing an annual sanding to ensure they stay in top condition.

Using equipment such as a floor sanders, orbital rotary sanders and belt sanders from your local Kennards Hire store will assist you with your timber renovation job.

Before treating any timber you will need to check how it has previously been treated to ensure its new finish is compatible.

When using sandpaper, always remember to go with the grain of the timber otherwise you will end up with a rough, bumpy surface rather than the smooth finish you desire.

Start with the coarser sandpaper and work down to the finest variety to get the right finish.

When working with timber you may also find it useful to use a sanding block - this easy to use tool enables you to sand corners and around curved surfaces.