Care & Maintenance Guide

Care & Maintenance Guide

Your Ceepeeshandmade product is built to last for years. With proper care and maintenance, it will continue to look great and perform well in all weather conditions.

What to Expect on Delivery

All our products are handcrafted from natural, unfinished timber and are supplied in their raw state. This is intentional — it allows you to apply your preferred treatment to suit your garden aesthetic and local climate.

When your order arrives on the pallet, please do the following before assembling or using your unit:

  • Inspect all panels for any transit damage and contact us immediately if anything is damaged
  • Sand any rough edges lightly with fine-grit sandpaper (120–180 grit) — this is normal for natural timber and not a defect
  • Apply a quality timber oil or exterior wood preservative to all surfaces before first use — see Initial Treatment below

Please note: the natural texture of raw timber, including surface grain and minor roughness, is an inherent characteristic of the material and not a manufacturing fault.

Initial Treatment (Before First Use)

Before assembling and using your unit, we strongly recommend treating all timber surfaces:

  • What to use: Quality outdoor wood preservative, timber oil, or decking oil
  • How: Lightly sand any rough edges first, wipe clean, then apply treatment to all surfaces according to the manufacturer’s instructions
  • Why: Untreated timber exposed to outdoor conditions will weather quickly — treatment protects against moisture, UV damage, and extends the life of your unit significantly

Regular Maintenance

Annual Treatment (Recommended)

To keep your timber storage unit looking its best and ensure maximum longevity:

Paintbrush applying finish to wheelie bin storage
  • When: Treat once a year, ideally in spring or early summer
  • What to use: Quality outdoor wood preservative, timber treatment, or decking oil
  • How: Clean the surface first, allow to dry, then apply treatment according to manufacturer’s instructions
  • Why: Protects against moisture, UV damage, and maintains the wood’s natural beauty

Cleaning

Cleaning Timber Wheelie Bin Storage

  • Wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris
  • Use mild soapy water for stubborn marks
  • Avoid pressure washers as they can damage the timber
  • Allow to dry thoroughly before applying any treatments

Seasonal Care

Spring

  • Inspect for any winter damage
  • Clean thoroughly after winter weather
  • Apply annual treatment
  • Check all fixings and tighten if necessary

Person inspecting wheelie bin storage for winter damage

Summer

  • Monitor for excessive drying or cracking in hot weather
  • Ensure adequate ventilation for bin storage units
  • Keep area around unit clear of vegetation

Autumn

  • Clear fallen leaves and debris
  • Check drainage around the unit
  • Inspect for any damage before winter

Person clearing fallen leaves and debris around wheelie bin storage

Winter

  • Remove snow buildup from lids and tops
  • Ensure water can drain away properly
  • Check after severe weather for any damage

Person removing snow from wheelie bin storage lid and top

What to Expect from Timber

Timber is a natural material that will change over time:

  • Colour Change: Wood naturally weathers to a silver-grey colour if left untreated — this is normal and doesn’t affect durability
  • Minor Cracks: Small surface cracks may appear as wood expands and contracts — this is natural and doesn’t compromise strength
  • Grain Variation: Each piece of timber is unique with its own grain pattern and characteristics
  • Knots: Natural knots are part of the timber’s character and are not defects
  • Surface Roughness: Raw timber may have rough edges or surfaces — a light sand before first use is recommended and normal

Protecting Your Investment

Do:

  • ✓ Sand rough edges before first use
  • ✓ Treat with timber oil or preservative before first use and annually thereafter
  • ✓ Keep the unit clean and free from debris
  • ✓ Ensure good drainage around the base
  • ✓ Inspect regularly for any issues
  • ✓ Address any damage promptly

Don’t:

  • ✗ Use pressure washers
  • ✗ Allow water to pool on or around the unit
  • ✗ Use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners
  • ✗ Paint over the timber (unless you want to change the finish)
  • ✗ Ignore signs of damage or wear
  • ✗ Use the unit outdoors without applying an initial treatment first

Specific Product Care

Wheelie Bin Storage

  • Keep hinges clean and lubricated
  • Ensure ventilation gaps remain clear
  • Wipe down interior occasionally to prevent odours

Wood Stores

  • Keep base clear to allow air circulation
  • Don’t overload beyond recommended capacity
  • Stack logs neatly to prevent damage to sides

Planter Top Units

  • Ensure drainage holes remain clear
  • Use a liner to protect timber from constant moisture
  • Don’t allow soil to sit directly against timber for extended periods

Troubleshooting

Surface Mould or Algae

Clean with a solution of water and mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, allow to dry, and treat with wood preservative.

Loose Fixings

Check and tighten all screws and fixings annually. Contact us if you need replacement fixings.

Damage

Minor damage can often be sanded and re-treated. For significant damage, please contact us for advice.

Questions?

If you have any questions about caring for your Ceepeeshandmade product, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you get the most from your purchase!