A common query about our BBQ Cabins is how to maintain them after installation. Or “How can we keep the Barbecue Cabin looking as pristine as the day it was fit?” We’ll explain everything you need to know on the care and keeping of cabins below.
How Often Should I Stain My BBQ Cabin?
Upon installation, the BBQ Cabin is treated with a clear (trade-only) wood treatment. But we recommend treating the cabin on an ongoing year by year basis for best results. After the initial stain by our fitters, we recommend staining again the same year because the redwood is thirsty at the start! Keep note of the last treatment and continue treating around that date year by year.
Our BBQ Huts are built with tanalised timber, meaning it's been pressure-treated with a special solution to protect against moisture and rot. For ongoing protection, remember to treat your cabin annually.
What Should I Use To Stain My Cabin?
Faced with so many wood treatment choices? Many of our cabin owners consistently opt for No Nonsense Wood Treatment from Screwfix. It's not only very popular but also super easy to get your hands on! You can find it in clear, light brown, or dark brown. We generally suggest going with the clear or light brown. Before you commit, it's always a good idea to test a small, hidden patch of your cabin to make sure you love the finish. And don't forget to cover every bit of exterior wood, including those eaves!
If you're thinking beyond a natural wood look, some owners enjoy adding a pop of color to their cabins. Cuprinol Garden Shades are a fantastic and popular option for this, you may need more than one coat for full coverage. And be aware with expansion, you may have to go over some missed spots.
Caring For The Inside Of Your Cabin
Many BBQ Cabin owners opt to protect their floor and tray tables with clear yacht varnish. This not only preserves the wood but also makes cleaning significantly easier.
We advise against treating the interior walls or roof of your cabin. The timber needs to remain breathable, allowing moisture to escape and preventing condensation and mold buildup. Regular use of your cabin grill, especially during colder months, will generate enough heat to keep the wood mold-free. We recommend using your cabin at least weekly in damp conditions!
Also, be mindful of leaving windows open for extended periods. As the timber naturally shifts, prolonged open windows could cause them to change shape and become difficult to close.
Barbecue Unit Maintenance
Always close the ashtray of your barbecue before use. Failure to do so will allow ash to fall onto your cabin floor, which could cause burns.
It's crucial to care for the BBQ unit after each use. We recommend removing ashes and embers from the grate. If you've used marinades, fats, or oils, clean the unit with a mild detergent to dissolve any residue. You can also use food-approved sprays on the grate for corrosion protection. Remember to remove any charcoal or wood debris after each use to prevent dampness and rust.
While some prefer to cook directly on the cast iron grill arm, we suggest using the stainless steel rack as it's much easier to remove and clean, simplifying post-cooking care for your cabin.
Fire Safety and Monitoring
For the safety of your cabin, do not leave it unattended until your fire has completely gone out. For your safety, each cabin is equipped as standard with a CO monitor. Please check its battery regularly to ensure it's functional.
BBQ Cabin Timber Care
Our cabins are crafted from Scandinavian Redwood, a slow-growing, dense timber. Because of this, you might notice some natural occurrences that aren't faults. For instance, your door might temporarily stick or swell as the building settles and the wood naturally adjusts. While this can be frustrating, it will correct itself with time.
As a natural product, timber is affected by its environment. This can lead to natural characteristics like 'shakes,' which are often mistaken for cracks or defects in the wood. In timber, a "shake" is a natural lengthwise separation of the wood fibers, typically occurring along or between the growth rings. It appears as a crack or split in the wood. It's important to understand that shakes are not necessarily a defect caused by poor handling or drying, but rather a natural characteristic of the wood.
Cleaning The Roof Of Your BBQ Cabin
As much as it may warm your hobbit heart, if you notice moss accumulating on your cabin roof, it's important to remove it. Moss and other debris can trap water, potentially leading to dampness and damage over time. You can easily remove it with a 50/50 solution of bleach and water. The moss will turn brown and detach naturally.
Preventing Dampness and Mould
To prevent dampness and mould, light your BBQ at least once a month or expose your cabin to a heat source. For optimal cabin health, especially during colder, damper months, consistent heating is key.
About Your Cabin Lock
You might wonder why the latches on our cabin locks come disabled. This is a deliberate safety feature designed to protect you and your family while you're enjoying your barbecue building. By disabling the latch, we prevent the dangerous situation of being locked out with a fire still going inside. You received two sets of keys when your cabin was installed; please keep one set inside your home. Should you ever find yourself locked out, don't hesitate to contact our team—they'll be happy to help.
Window Care
Avoid leaving your windows open all the time or for extended periods. The timber in your cabin is a natural material that will move and adjust with environmental changes, and prolonged open windows could cause them to change shape and become difficult to close. Grease hinges on windows and doors as necessary to keep them smooth and squeak free!
Conclusion
As you can see, our barbecue buildings are really easy to continually maintain. As long as these steps are followed, you’ll be cooking and enjoying your BBQ Cabin for years to come. If you haven’t purchased one yet and are looking to, find us at Notcutt’s Garden Centre. If you have any questions contact or call us!
