Care & Maintenance

Protect Your Investment, Enhance Its Beauty

Our timber products—crafted from premium Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, and Teak—are designed to bring natural beauty, character, and strength to your home or outdoor space. With the right care, these woods will continue to age gracefully and perform beautifully for years to come.

General Guidelines

While each species has unique characteristics, all wood products benefit from regular inspection and maintenance. Follow these guidelines to help preserve appearance, prevent weathering, and extend the life of your timber accents.

  • Inspect Annually: Look for signs of wear, water damage, insect activity, or UV discoloration. Address issues early to prevent long-term damage.

  • Clean Seasonally: Use a soft brush and mild soap solution to remove dirt, pollen, mildew, and other surface contaminants. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

  • Avoid Standing Water: Ensure water doesn't collect on or around the timber, especially at the base of posts or near joints.

  • Proper Ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow around structural and decorative elements to help the wood breathe and stay dry.

 

Sealing

All timber must be sealed with an exterior UV-blocking stain or sealing product to protect it from future degradation and weather damage. If a slivery gray patina is desired, it’s ok to delay application of the sealer until the wood has achieved this color. We offer a range of sealing options, expertly applied by hand by our craftsmen.

 

Species-Specific Tips

Western Red Cedar

  • Naturally resistant to decay and insects.

  • To maintain color, apply a high-quality UV-blocking stain or sealer every 2–3 years.

Douglas Fir

  • Known for its strength and fine grain.

  • Use penetrating oil-based stains or clear sealers for best protection and color enhancement.

Teak

  • Rich in natural oils that protect against moisture and insects.

  • To maintain its original golden tone, apply teak oil or a teak-specific sealer once or twice per year.

 

Finishes & Treatments

Our products can be delivered unfinished or stained, depending on your preferences and project needs. If finishing on-site:

  • Always apply finishes to clean, dry wood.

  • Use a high-quality exterior wood stain or sealer formulated for your wood species.

  • Reapply as needed based on exposure to sun, rain, and humidity.

Note: Horizontal surfaces (like pergola tops or mantels) are more exposed to weather and may require more frequent maintenance than vertical elements.

 

Installation & Long-Term Care

  • Ensure proper flashing, drainage, and ventilation during installation.

  • Avoid direct ground contact unless the wood is properly rated and treated for such use.

  • Tighten any fasteners annually and inspect brackets or joinery for movement.

Need Help?

If you have questions about maintaining a specific product—beams, posts, pergolas, or anything in between—our team is here to help.  Email us at sales@tarriver.com or call 1-800-635-1100 for guidance or product-specific recommendations.