Outdoor timber louvre maintenance: stain, moisture and natural changes
Outdoor timber louvres need a fresh coat of stain every 2–5 years. You do not need to sand them during routine maintenance. Simply clean the timber and apply another coat of stain. The same process applies to timber frames, louvres and pergolas.
Timber protection during production
We apply the finish during production, before installation. We use Remmers HK-Lasur 3v1 oil-based wood stain, available in 23 shades. You can choose from natural timber tones and Grey Protect shades. The most popular shades are sand grey, teak, walnut and anthracite.
If the timber needs to match other elements of the building, we can apply an opaque coating in a RAL colour for an additional charge. This coating conceals approximately 90% of the timber grain. Anthracite is the most popular opaque coating.
The amount of maintenance also depends on the combination of materials. With a timber frame and aluminium louvres, only the frame needs recoating. With an aluminium frame and timber louvres, only the louvres need recoating.
How to maintain outdoor timber louvres
We recommend renewing the stain every 2–5 years, or as required. Timber exposed to sun and rain may need recoating sooner than timber beneath a roof or in the shade. Look particularly for a matt or faded surface and areas where water is beginning to soak in.
- Wait for dry weather. The timber must be dry before applying the stain.
- Remove any dirt. Clean dust, leaves and other deposits from the surface. You can use a soft brush.
- Sanding is not essential. You can sand the timber lightly, but this is not necessary when renewing the stain.
- Apply the stain. Use the same type and shade already applied to the timber.
- Allow the coating to dry. Only tilt the louvres once it has dried, following the stain manufacturer’s instructions.
If you are building the shading yourself, we supply Klasik timber louvres from our online shop without a surface finish. They therefore need to be coated before installation.
Protecting the frame from moisture
We install every frame on adjustable feet with a height of 1–5 cm. They help compensate for the slope of the terrace while keeping the timber above the paving. This prevents the frame from standing in water and absorbing moisture from the ground. During maintenance, simply check that leaves or other debris have not collected underneath it.
What is normal for outdoor timber
Timber is a natural material, so no two louvres are exactly alike. Their grain and colour beneath the stain will vary. Some may twist slightly over time, while others remain unchanged.
Fine cracks are also normal. If a louvre needs replacing, we can do this at your property. Thanks to the SAM KIT system, we can remove it without dismantling the frame. We explain this in more detail in our article on why timber louvres crack and twist.
Frequently asked questions
Does timber need sanding before recoating?
It is not essential. You can sand the timber lightly, but when renewing the stain, it is enough to clean the surface thoroughly and apply another coat.
How often should the stain be renewed?
Renew the stain every 2–5 years, or as required, on timber frames, louvres and pergolas. Areas exposed to sun and rain may need recoating sooner.
Can timber be coated in a RAL colour?
Yes. For an additional charge, we use an opaque coating in RAL colours. It conceals approximately 90% of the timber grain.
Summary
Outdoor timber louvres only need cleaning and recoating with stain every 2–5 years. Sanding is not essential. Adjustable feet protect the frame from moisture on the paving. Send us a photograph of the space and its approximate height and width, and we will prepare a free, no-obligation quote.
