THE BLOG

 

Everyone wants to have their dream home and/or timber structure; whether it’s a stunning timber pavilion, gazebo, or pergola and trellis, you want to keep it pristine. This is tenfold when you live in Ontario, where winters are known for being unforgivable. 

 

So, how do you prepare your timber frame structure for winter in Ontario? Fortunately, Wolf Lake Timber Works is a leading provider of timber frame structures in the province, and our impressive portfolio speaks volumes about our expertise. 

 

In this blog, we’ll give tips and tricks for seasonal care for outdoor timber structures. 

 

Step One: Being Prepared 

 

Preparing outdoor timber structures in Ontario is vital to keeping them pristine and preventing potentially costly repairs in the long run. Fortunately, keeping your structures looking good and well-maintained isn't as difficult as you think - especially with Wolf Lake Timber Works’ products. We specially design all our products to withstand the elements where you live, so you can trust our products can handle the weather.  

 

This could involve regular inspections throughout the year to ensure your structure is holding up. Realistically, with our products, this can be an annual inspection.   

 

Wolf Lake Timber Works provides prefabricated structures that have already been sanded and stained, meaning your structure comes in perfect condition upon installation.  

 

We design our structures with specific snow load values in mind, tailored to the needs of each area. Unlike mass-produced products from large retailers, which often lack snow load considerations, our designs ensure durability without needing regular snow and ice removal.  

 

Many customers come to us after replacing cheaper options that couldn’t withstand the weight, opting for our more reliable, long-term solutions. 

 

Step Two: Breaking Down the Maintenance 

 

Now that we’ve addressed the general beginning practices, let’s get into the nitty gritty of timber frame outdoor structures in Ontario and how to prepare them for the winter. Let’s begin:  

 

Monitor for Moisture Buildup and Pests 

When it comes to wood applications, it's generally important to understand that our timber products can get wet, but they need to be able to dry and breathe to prevent rot and insect infestations. Bugs generally thrive in damp conditions, so it's important to prevent prolonged moisture buildup. 

 

Wolf Lake Timber works uses an oil-based stain on our timbers, applied in our shop to all sides, not just the visible ones. This ensures a penetrating, moisture-wicking coat that repels water and prevents moisture buildup. Additionally, the end grain of the timber, especially at the bottoms of posts, is sealed with this stain to protect against water absorption, especially where snow might sit. 

 

Still, it’s good to keep an eye on your structures throughout the season and report back if you notice any issues with the wood.  

 

Choose Quality for Longevity 

At Wolf Lake Timer Works, we use quality Douglas firs in our builds because it has a natural rot resistance, protecting your structure against mold, mildew, and insects - which means our products are built to last longer than those that use Pine or Hemlock. 

 

All of our timber products are finished with Osmo One Coat Only HS Plus - one of the highest-quality, premium oil-based products that is our #1 choice after extensive trial and error. It has a proven track record of outperforming other brands in terms of colour longevity, meaning you need fewer touch-ups over time. This means your timber structure is going to look great for years while requiring less maintenance.  

 

The only concern to keep in mind is that all stains generally fade due to UV light exposure. Areas that aren't in direct sunlight, however, are less likely to be affected. If you have South or West-facing posts, they may require more attention to maintain optimal colour.  

 

Be Sure to Clean the Gutters 

Good even as a general practice, but even though our timber products are tough and built to last, it could be beneficial to address clogged gutters to reduce the likelihood of water pooling on the roof and freezing. This is good as a best practice to maintain the health of your gutters and ensure you’re taking extra steps to keep your structure solid. Make sure to clean gutters and downspouts a few times per season to allow rain and melting snow to flow without clogging.  

 

 

Step Three: Extra Steps 

 

Winterize Outdoor Furniture  

Winter can be hard on outdoor furniture and accessories that accompany your timber structures, going as far as to cause a lot of wear and tear. In extreme cases, this could lead to you having to replace this furniture entirely, which is a costly mistake. 

 

If your gazebo, pavilion, or trellis has furniture or other outdoor accessories, it's essential to move them indoors to a garage or basement, or at the very least cover them with weather-protective tarps to protect them from the elements. This will reduce wear and tear.  

 

Natural wear and tear can occur when furniture is used throughout the year, meaning that if it’s left throughout the winter, this damage could become exasperated.  

 

Ensure that any additional furniture or functional parts of your structure (such as fixtures, seating, railings, etc.), are securely attached. Wind or snow accumulation could cause loose parts to become damaged.  

 

Trim Any Surrounding Vegetation  

Vegetation such as trees and vines can drop heavy amounts of snow and ice onto your outdoor timber structure and subsequently cause some potentially serious damage. 

 

Trim and remove any vegetation that hangs over, near, or on your timber structure. This can be as simple as pruning branches or removing some plants entirely. Also, cut back on any overgrown or dead vines that could weigh down your structure.  

 

FAQ About Wolf Lake Timber Works 

 

What Materials Does Wolf Timber Works Use? 

All of our timber frames are specially designed with extreme attention to detail, and carefully crafted with structurally graded materials. For our frames, we use #1 Grade rough sawn, free of the heart centre Douglas fir timbers and J-Grade 2x6 T&G roof decking. Essentially, we use the highest quality products available to ensure all of our structures are Grade A, maximum standard. 

 

When Was Wolf Lake Timber Works Established? 

Our operation was established in 2018 by Kaine Laursen and Mike Spohn, based on a passion for timber framing and creating works of art. With their combined years of experience, they created what is now one of the leading providers of timber frame structures in Ontario. Today, there are an additional six talented members of staff who make up decades of combined experience.  

 

How Customizable are Wolf Lake Timber Works’ Structures? 

Our team has always taken a great deal of pride in crafting creative and long-lasting structures alongside our clients, specially designed to meet their desires and needs. Throughout the entire process, we check in and plan out our processes and concepts to fit your vision to ensure we exceed your expectations, every time.  

 

How Sustainable are the Products? 

For every timber frame structure we build, we fund ten trees to be planted to match the species we used for the project. This is a part of our long-standing mission to maintain a sustainable and green business. Timber trees are also a natural carbon sink, which is why we insist on replacing the ones we use. The trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere as they grow, and once the timber is used, that carbon remains trapped in the lifespan of the structure.  

 

Choose Wolf Lake Timber Works 

 

Don’t let your outdoor timber structures weather the Ontario winter alone. Let the experts at Wolf Lake Timber Works craft and prepare your outdoor structure, carefully designed to completely weather the storm.  

 

If you have any queries, want additional information, or just have general questions, you can contact us today. Or you can fill out our contact form available on our website to receive more information.