Take care before trying out this weird viral gardening hack – an expert warns that it could leave your shed covered in a mould and suggests a non-damaging alternative
UK gardeners have been warned against trying this viral hack that could leave your shed covered in mould.
The internet has become a great resource for gardeners to discover handy new tips and tricks to save money and transform their outdoor spaces. And some are a lot more unusual than others. One increasingly popular trend involves hanging patterned shower curtains to decorate gardens, allowing homeowners and renters to transform their home with any design they choose.
They are attaching the curtains to fences, walls, and garden buildings to create eye-catching illusions. There are even Facebook groups dedicated to this hack, with over 180,000 members regularly sharing how they’re using shower curtains in their gardens.
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But while the hack may look creative, experts are warning that it could have costly consequences when used on timber structures.
To help homeowners avoid long-term damage, garden shed and log cabin expert Sam Jenkinson from garden building retailer Tiger explains the risks of the shower curtain trend.
Sam explains: “Shower curtains may seem like a fun and affordable way to brighten up your garden, but attaching them directly to timber structures such as fences or garden sheds can trap moisture and restrict airflow.
“When rainwater runs down the curtain, it has nowhere to escape and can sit against the wood for long periods. This creates the perfect environment for mould, damp, and eventually rot. Over time, this weakens the structure and can result in costly repairs, or even the need to replace your entire shed or fence panel.”
However, this doesn’t mean you have to abandon the hack completely. According to Sam, there are ways to go about it safely and avoid damage.
Firstly, he suggests using a waterproof barrier. He says: “Anyone using a decorative shower curtain in their garden should treat their shed, log cabin, or fence panels annually with a high-quality wood preservative or weatherproofing sealant. This creates a protective layer that stops rainwater from soaking in and reduces the risk of rot.”
Equally, make sure to allow airflow behind the curtain. Sam says: “When hanging curtains on a garden building or fence, it’s important to create space for air to circulate.”
He explains: “Leave a gap at the bottom of the curtain above the ground or shed base, and use tension rods, eyelets, or hooks to hold the fabric slightly away from the timber. Even a small gap of a few centimetres helps prevent moisture from being trapped, reducing the risk of mould and damp forming on the wood.”