How to Protect Your Wooden Structures for the Winter

As the nights draw in and the first frosts bite, most of us start thinking about staying warm indoors. But what about the timber structures outside—your pergola, fencing, or that oak porch that frames your home? These hardworking features face months of rain, frost, and wind, and without a little care they can quickly lose their charm. The good news is, a few simple steps now will keep them looking their best for years to come.

At Gozzett Carpentry, we work with timber day in and day out, so we know exactly how wood behaves in our unpredictable weather. Here are some practical tips we share with our own clients.

Step One: Give It a Check-Up

Before you open a tin of oil or paint, take a slow walk around your structure. Are there any cracks? Loose fixings? Green patches creeping across the surface? A good clean makes all the difference—warm soapy water and a stiff brush usually do the job. If you spot any repairs that feel beyond a DIY fix, that’s where we can step in. Small issues caught early save a lot of hassle (and cost) later.

Step Two: Keep the Weather Out

Moisture is timber’s biggest enemy in winter. Once water soaks into wood and then freezes, it forces tiny cracks wider with each frost. A quality preservative or breathable oil creates a shield without suffocating the timber. On oak, we always recommend oils over varnish—they allow the natural movement of the wood and keep that beautiful grain alive. If you like a splash of colour, exterior stains or paints designed for British winters are a great option.

Step Three: Design Matters Too

Sometimes it’s not about the finish, but the details. Flat tops on fence posts or pergola beams will hold water like a tray. Simply planing a small angle helps rain run off instead of soaking in. Posts set directly in soil tend to rot quickly; metal post shoes or gravel bases give much longer life. These are the sorts of design tweaks we build into every Gozzett Carpentry project because they make a real difference long-term.

Step Four: Keep Up the Routine

Timber doesn’t ask for much—just a little attention now and then. A fresh coat of oil every couple of years, a spring clean to brush off moss, and a quick annual inspection is usually all it takes. Think of it as giving your structure a “service” just like you would a car.

Special Care for Oak Frames

Oak is naturally durable, which is why it’s our material of choice for porches and framing. Many people love the way oak slowly weathers to a silvery grey, and that’s perfectly fine—but even oak benefits from a bit of care. Keep gutters clear so water isn’t spilling onto joints, and check for places where rainwater might collect. We’ve built countless oak porches across the region, and we’re always happy to advise on keeping them in top shape.

A Final Word

Looking after your pergola, fence, or oak porch isn’t complicated, but it does pay off. A few hours of care before winter sets in means you can enjoy your outdoor spaces come spring, rather than face a list of repairs.

And if you’d rather leave the hard work to someone else—or you’re thinking about adding a new oak frame porch or timber feature—that’s exactly what we do at Gozzett Carpentry. From designing and building bespoke oak structures to maintaining existing ones, we combine craftsmanship with a modern edge.

, and we’ll make sure your timber looks its best, whatever the weather throws at it.