{"id":5188,"date":"2025-12-10T14:29:54","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T14:29:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/?p=5188"},"modified":"2025-12-10T14:36:43","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T14:36:43","slug":"safety-tips-for-working-with-timber-during-colder-months","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/safety-tips-for-working-with-timber-during-colder-months\/","title":{"rendered":"Safety tips for working with timber during colder months"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>With winter finally here, it\u2019s that time of year when all we want to do is stay indoors and get cosy \u2013 but if you\u2019ve still got some work to do outside, you might have to brave the cold weather. Though winter can be challenging when you\u2019re working outdoors with timber, it can be done, and we\u2019re here to help.<\/p>\n<p>At Savoy Timber, we\u2019ve been helping people transform their gardens all year round for the last 70 years. From <a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/decking.html\"><strong>timber decking<\/strong><\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/fencing.html\"><strong>fences<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/garden\/sheds.html\"><strong>sheds<\/strong><\/a>, we\u2019re proud to provide durable, high-grade timber products guaranteed to enhance any outdoor space. With that in mind, let\u2019s explore some safety tips you\u2019ll need to consider when working with timber this winter.<\/p>\n<h2>Make sure you fully consider how the weather will impact your project<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" img-responsive aligncenter wp-image-5192 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/timber-storage-blog-image.jpg\" alt=\"timber in storage \" width=\"730\" height=\"330\" srcset=\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/timber-storage-blog-image.jpg 730w, https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/timber-storage-blog-image-300x136.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 730px) 100vw, 730px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/how-to-build-a-timber-log-store-before-the-cold-sets-in\/\"><strong>building a log store<\/strong><\/a> to protect your firewood or are adding a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/garden\/sheds\/pub-sheds.html\"><strong>pub shed<\/strong><\/a> and deck to enjoy in Spring, it\u2019s important to consider how the cold weather will affect your project. Winter can offer suitable conditions for building, but if the ground is frozen or muddy, it can be tricky to work with, and may affect the safety, longevity and stability of your build.<\/p>\n<p>We recommend choosing a period of days where the weather is dry and mild, waiting for the ground to thaw before you get started. This is especially important if you\u2019re using concrete to install fences or decking posts. A too-low temperature can slow down the curing process, weaken the set concrete and cause the foundations to shift and become unsteady. If you\u2019re installing something like a timber fence, we also recommend adding gravel first to the bottom of the hole for drainage, making sure you bury the posts below the frost line so they aren\u2019t shifted by frost heave.<\/p>\n<p>When working in winter, it\u2019s also important to properly store timber between projects. Keep your supplies in a shed or beneath a waterproof, breathable tarp, using something like concrete blocks to elevate them off the ground. This encourages air circulation and protects your wood from moisture, making sure it stays safe and strong.<\/p>\n<h2>Choose the right timber to make sure your builds can withstand harsh winter weather<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" img-responsive aligncenter wp-image-5191 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Timber-in-warehouse-blog-image.jpg\" alt=\"timber in warehouse\" width=\"730\" height=\"330\" srcset=\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Timber-in-warehouse-blog-image.jpg 730w, https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Timber-in-warehouse-blog-image-300x136.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 730px) 100vw, 730px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When the temperature drops and the days get wetter, timber is particularly vulnerable to problems like warping, rot and cracking. Choosing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/timber-and-sheets\/construction-timber.html\"><strong>pressure-treated timber<\/strong><\/a> is a great way to make sure your projects can withstand the weather. We also recommend adding an extra layer of protection by applying stain, sealant or paint. Just remember: only apply sealant to dry wood to make sure you aren\u2019t trapping in moisture. Also, keep in mind that cold temperatures can stop treatments like sealants from properly curing, leading to an uneven, ineffective finish. Always check how long your sealant will take to dry in the current temperatures, and find a few dry days to get the job done. This will help to keep your timber sturdy and protected in the harsh winter weather.<\/p>\n<h2>Prioritise safety when building in winter<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" img-responsive aligncenter wp-image-5193 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-drilling-decking-blog-image.jpg\" alt=\"man drilling decking in winter\" width=\"730\" height=\"330\" srcset=\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-drilling-decking-blog-image.jpg 730w, https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-drilling-decking-blog-image-300x136.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 730px) 100vw, 730px\" \/>When transforming your garden in winter, you need to fully consider your safety. Make sure you\u2019re dressed for the cold, wearing gloves if necessary to keep your hands warm and dexterous, preventing accidents and injuries. If you\u2019ve installed a new timber deck, take the time to regularly clear away snow, leaves and ice. As well as helping to prevent problems like rot and mould, this also means you\u2019re less likely to slip and fall. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/decking.html\"><strong>timber decking<\/strong><\/a> features handy anti-slip grooves, designed to keep you safe in the tricky winter weather. Best of all, you can use our handy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/calculator.html\"><strong>timber decking kit calculator<\/strong><\/a> to make sure you order the exact materials you need to finish your winter project without wasting money or timber.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s the essentials covered! If you\u2019re looking for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/timber-and-sheets.html\"><strong>timber<\/strong><\/a> to complete your next garden project, we\u2019re here to help. With great prices and speedy national delivery, there\u2019s no one better placed to help you upgrade your outdoor space. Our friendly team is on hand to provide expert guidance 7 days a week, so you can find exactly what you need to transform your home. Interested? Don\u2019t hesitate to give us a call on <a href=\"tel:0345 0268 799\"><strong>0345 0268 799<\/strong><\/a> or visit one of our stores today!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With winter finally here, it\u2019s that time of year when all we want to do is stay indoors and get cosy \u2013 but if you\u2019ve still got some work to do outside, you might have to brave the cold weather. Though winter can be challenging when you\u2019re working outdoors with timber, it can be done, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":5196,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[43],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v19.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Safety tips for working with timber during colder months<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Winter may be here, but if your outdoor projects aren\u2019t finished, you may find yourself working through the colder months. Here are some tips to keep you safe!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/safety-tips-for-working-with-timber-during-colder-months\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Safety tips for working with timber during colder months\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Winter may be here, but if your outdoor projects aren\u2019t finished, you may find yourself working through the colder months. Here are some tips to keep you safe!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/safety-tips-for-working-with-timber-during-colder-months\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Savoy Timber\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SavoyTimberDIY\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-12-10T14:29:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-10T14:36:43+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"http:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/timber-in-winter-featured-image.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1532\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"625\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Tamzin Martin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@savoytimber\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@savoytimber\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Tamzin Martin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/safety-tips-for-working-with-timber-during-colder-months\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/safety-tips-for-working-with-timber-during-colder-months\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Tamzin Martin\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/#\/schema\/person\/d9b1ebd671a763b493e06a2ad878c19e\"},\"headline\":\"Safety tips for working with timber during colder months\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-12-10T14:29:54+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-10T14:36:43+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/safety-tips-for-working-with-timber-during-colder-months\/\"},\"wordCount\":729,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/#organization\"},\"articleSection\":[\"News\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/safety-tips-for-working-with-timber-during-colder-months\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/safety-tips-for-working-with-timber-during-colder-months\/\",\"name\":\"Safety tips for working with timber during colder months\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2025-12-10T14:29:54+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-10T14:36:43+00:00\",\"description\":\"Winter may be here, but if your outdoor projects aren\u2019t finished, you may find yourself working through the colder months. 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