What timbers do you usually use in the manufacture of your garden structures?
Timbers we most commonly used are Scandinavian Red Wood and Western Red Cedar. We also manufactured structures using various hardwoods such Oak, Iroko and Yellow Balau.
What are the main differences between these timbers?
The obvious difference between Scandinavian Red Wood and Western Red Cedar is the colour. Scandinavian Red Wood is treated with a preservative, which gives the timber a dull green characterless tint. To add character to the trellis or pergola we apply a stained finish. When newly installed Western Red Cedar varies in colour with attractive shades varying between amber and brown, which with age matures to a soft silver grey.
Oak has more distinctive texture than either Iroko or Yellow Balau?
All three will weather to shades of grey over time, however the grain of the Oak has very attractive pitted rustic appearance, whereas Iroko or Yellow Balau will remain relatively smooth in texture and appearance.
How durable are these timbers?
Scandinavian Red Wood is treated against decay with a preservative, which complies with current required standards BS EN 335 for timber used externally in contact with the ground. Timber cut after treatment will be retreated with an appropriate preservative applied by brush. In contact with soil treated Scandinavian Redwood can last up to 20 years.
Western Red Cedar is classified as "durable" by TRADA, the Timber Research and Development Association and requires no additional preservative treatment.
Oak is classified as "durable" by TRADA, the Timber Research and Development Association and requires no additional preservative treatment.
Iroko is classified as "very durable" by TRADA, the Timber Research and Development Association and requires no additional preservative treatment.
Yellow Balau is classified as "very durable" by TRADA, the Timber Research and Development Association and requires no additional preservative treatment.
The classifications quoted comply with BS EN 350-1 for timber used externally, and refers to the resistance to fungal decay of the heartwood of the species.
What coloured stains do you use?
The stains we used are manufactured by Sadolin, from their Classic Range. Follow the link for colour images Sadolin Classic.
What colour paints do you use?
We are happy to use any RAL or BS colour.
What maintenance is required?
Once installed the structure should require no maintenance. The slow weathering of Western Red Cedar or any naturally durable timber is part of the process of a maturing garden.
The stains used on Scandinavian Red Wood, will over the years fade, again timber is part of the process of a maturing garden. If you want give your structure a fresh look, apply a new coat.
Can I install your trellises, pergolas, tunnel arbours and contemporary style trellis?
Yes you can. However, the relative size of components for a standard trellis or pergola scheme normally requires two people to carry out the installation. One of the installers should be knowledgeable and competent with leveling and fixing timber structures.
Can I install your gazebos and arbours?
In theory it is possible to install gazebos. It will take two competent carpenters to in stall a typical gazebo, installation for a smaller unit will take about a day, whereas the larger unit can take up to a week.
Our standard seating arbours are supplied ready for assembly. All arbours require two people to assemble them. The smaller units take one to two hours to assemble, the larger units take two to three hours.
Can I install your decking?
Sometimes yes you can. In general decking laid at ground level or on a roof terrace is relatively straight forward to install, and can usually be installed by a single person. The installer should be competent and have a basic understanding of leveling and fixing timber structures. More complicated decking patterns, decks with built in seats and planters or raised decks with balustrade will need to be installed but someone with experience.
What are the roofs of you gazebos and arbours made form?
Unless otherwise specified the roof of a gazebo will be made from Western Red Cedar shingles. The roofs of our seating arbours are slate.
Do you charge a design fee?
Yes we do please follow link to the design process.
What else does Lloyd Christie make?
Although we tend specialize garden joinery and conservatories, we are essentially a joinery company. In addition to the items featured here, we have also made staircases, kitchens, bookcases, paneling, furniture and the odd bridges - not the big ones.