Garden sets make the outdoors look cozy and inviting. But with rainstorms pounding every now and then, wooden benches and coffee tables outside the home become picture-perfect only for so long. Learn how to protect outdoor wood furniture so it can withstand inclement weather.
Tips on How to Protect Outdoor Wood Furniture
A prerequisite is to know your outdoor furniture better in terms of the kind of wood it is made of, its finish, and its construction and design.
- What is it made of? Wood is prone to wear and tear because of its natural properties. Thus, it is important to choose wooden furniture built out of treated lumber. There are also wood types that are sturdier. These are teak, redwood, and cedar.
- How is your furniture held together? Typically, wooden furniture is held together with glues that weaken when exposed to heat or moisture. Go for outdoor furniture that uses waterproof glue.
- How is your furniture built? Wooden furniture built for the outdoors is more durable compared to indoor furniture. To check if your fixtures are made for the outdoors in the first place.
Steps on How to Protect Outdoor Wood Furniture
- Protect your furniture with paint. A coat of paint on your wooden furniture helps the wood get better protection. Choose latex paint because it stays longer compared to oil-based paint. The downside of painting over your wooden furniture is that your pieces may look different than when you first bought them.
- Waterproof wood through sealing. Water sealers are your best bet to keep your wooden furniture from rotting caused by moisture and water stains. Sealing protects your furniture from the deterioration brought by rain and damp weather. Splitting, swelling, and discoloration are also lessened by sealing.
Products that waterproof wood include certain oils and finishes:- Wood stain and sealant can be combined with waterproof wood.
- Linseed oil or Tung oil on wooden furniture may also be used. These oils also lend the furniture a newly-buffed look.
- Varnish, lacquer, or polyurethane may be applied to seal the wood as well.
- Apply a coat of varnish. Varnish is a good option other than painting or sealing the wood. While paint changes the original look of your wooden, varnish maintains its natural wooden finish. Look for varnish that is appropriate for the outdoors. However, varnish needs to be reapplied frequently to make the most of its protective features.
- Choose the right location for your wooden furniture, depending on the weather. If it is not in use, especially during wintertime, keep your wooden furniture away from the harsh elements. The garage is a safe place to store your furniture. It may also be a good idea to cover your furniture with a protective mantle when not in use. When it’s the season to enjoy the outdoors, choose a location where your pieces can still be under the shade, away from too much sun and rain. A roof over your outdoor benches is also very helpful.
Reminders on How To Protect Outdoor Wood Furniture
Apart from these ways on how to protect outdoor wooden furniture, regular maintenance is also imperative. Here are some reminders:
- Clean your wooden furniture on a regular basis. Dirt and mold also contribute to your wooden furniture’s deterioration, so frequent cleaning is a must. Use a wood soap from your local hardware store.
- Slather lemon oil on your wood furniture once a month. Lemon oil is known to moisturize wood. Wood that’s dry for long is prone to splinters and cracks. Soak a piece of cloth in lemon oil and thoroughly rub and wipe this along with your wooden pieces. Be sure to remove cushions and pillows before doing this; otherwise, the lemon oil might leave stains on them. It is best to be in the shade when applying the oil to achieve a long-lasting sheen.
- Place furniture in the shade after cleaning. Increase the efficacy of your cleaning products and moisturizing solutions by keeping your wooden furniture away from harsh elements. Let your furniture pieces sit in a cool spot for a few hours before bringing them out again.
Products You Can Use For Your Wooden Furniture
Protecting your wooden furniture also entails choosing the appropriate product for your desired finish and effects. Let these pointers guide you:
- Paint is best for sun protection and blocking UV rays. If you are located in an area where the sun is harsh, the paint may work better for you than a clear varnish. However, with paint, you might lose that natural wooden charm.
When you go for repainting, consider sanding down the surface of your furniture to strip the wood. There are chemical wood strippers available that you can use. Doing this step helps your primer to stick to the surface of the wood.
- If the sun is not your wooden furniture’s worst enemy, go for the original wooden sheen of varnish. Look for varnish varieties that block UV rays.
Conclusion
Having a great and well-maintained outdoor is a satisfying feeling. Those benches and coffee tables are the perfect addition to your outdoor furniture. Over time, these pieces of furniture may lose their charm and glow. How to protect outdoor wood furniture always relies on the right mix of products, maintenance schedule, and skill. It’s never too late to save those pieces of furniture and bring back their glow. Here’s how to learn more about wood furniture.