Materials & Finishes
Every structure that leaves our Somerset workshop has been made from timber chosen for a reason. Not for convenience, but for how it will perform in the garden over time, how it will look as it ages, and how it will retain a finish. The choice of species and finish is not an afterthought; it is a crucial part of the design process and one we approach with care.
Natural finish timbers
For structures finished in natural timber, we typically work with iroko, oak and cedar. All timber is sourced from UK merchants holding timber accreditation, ensuring every piece is legally and sustainably sourced.
Iroko is our most popular species, and for good reason, an alternative to teak, it offers exceptional natural durability and resistance to rot and insect attack, requiring no treatment to keep. Fresh from the workshop, it has a rich golden-brown colour; left untreated in the garden, it gradually weathers to a distinctive silvery grey without losing any structural strength. With periodic oiling, its original warmth can be maintained much longer. It is one of the best outdoor timbers available.
Oak has a weight and presence that suits substantial garden structures. It also ages to soft silver tones over time, but its characteristic grain and density give it an immediate quality that is hard to replicate. It is well suited for pergolas, bridges, and larger architectural projects. Cedar is lighter and softer in character, naturally resistant to decay, and warmer in tone.
Painted Finishes
Not every garden requires natural timber. Some schemes call for a painted structure, whether to complement rendered walls, match existing joinery, or simply achieve a colour that natural wood cannot. In those cases, the choice of timber changes entirely.
We work with accoya, sapele, and treated softwood for all painted applications, each chosen for their stability and ability to retain paint over the long term, which matters considerably in an outdoor environment where timber is subject to constant movement with changes in temperature and humidity. Accoya is a modified timber made from sustainably grown radiata pine, treated at a molecular level to provide exceptional dimensional stability and durability. It is one of the best substrates available for painted exterior joinery and is increasingly specified for this reason. Sapele, a timber with a rich interlocked grain, accepts paint beautifully and performs well outdoors. Preservative stain completes our range of finishes offering a reliable and durable option.
Litton Grey
Brendon Green
Chetsford Grey
Portlock
Exmoor Green
Dartmoor Green
Holford Grey
Lynton
Watersmeet
Pure White
Sherdon Grey
Black
Quantock Green
All painted finishes are sprayed in our own paint shop at the Somerset workshop, with one undercoat and two topcoats as standard. The result is a smooth, even finish that is hard to achieve with a brush. We can match any RAL colour and often work to specific shades from leading paint manufacturers, making it easy to coordinate a new structure with existing architecture, garden features, or interior joinery.
Call us on 01984 667458 to discuss timber species, painted colours, or custom colour matching.
Caring for your timber
With proper care, a Stuart Garden Architecture structure will perform well for many years. Every commission comes with full care instructions for the specific timber and finish, so you know exactly what is needed to keep it looking its best. For natural finish structures, regular oiling will slow weathering and help preserve the timber’s original colour for longer. For painted structures, clients are provided with a supply of touch-up paint to keep on hand for any future knocks or scratches.
If you would like us to return to inspect a structure or carry out any maintenance, our aftercare service is available at any time. We are always happy to discuss the best approach for your particular timber and finish.
For advice on materials, finishes, or aftercare, call us on 01984 667458 or contact us.