Caring For Outdoor Wood Furniture So It Lasts

28 January 2021
 Categories: Home & Garden, Blog


If you are about to invest in wooden furnishings that are intended for outdoor use, you are likely to enjoy their aesthetics as wood provides a comforting feel to any yard setting. To keep your wooden furniture looking its best, try the following tips.

Make Sure To Clean Pieces Regularly

Like any piece of furniture, dust and dirt accumulate upon it with routine use. It is important to take the time to remove debris as soon as possible so it does not harden or cause the discoloration or fading of the wood. Use a damp piece of cloth and wipe it over all the wood surfaces of your furniture pieces each week to remove debris. If debris remains, use a mixture of dish detergent and water as a cleaning agent. Apply to the furniture using a soft-bristled brush and rinse with a garden hose.

Protect Pieces When Inclement Conditions Are Expected

If you know that a storm is about to start, cover your wooden furniture with tarps to help protect them from over-saturation caused by moisture. A tarp also protects pieces from projectiles should the weather become excessively windy. Tarps can be removed when the inclement weather passes. Alternatively, bring wood furnishings to an area with a bit more protection than just being outdoors, such as a porch, shed, or garage.

Avoid Drying With Oil Or Stain Application

To keep your wood furniture looking new, it is important that pieces avoid weathering. This is achieved by using wood oil, which is especially useful for protective reasons to keep pieces from drying out. Add a bit of wood oil to a piece of cloth and apply it in the same manner as you would with wood stain. Remove any excess using another piece of cloth. Do this a few times each year for the best results. The addition of a layer of stain also works well at keeping weatherization at bay. This, however, alters the coloring of the wood of the furnishings, so be sure to test the wood in an inconspicuous area before using it on an entire piece.

Revitalize Weathered Wood On Your Own

If your outdoor furniture becomes weathered, it will appear gray and have cracks and crevices visible in the wood portions. While some people like this appearance since it gives a distinguished and antique aura, others would rather wood remains brown and smooth. Revamp pieces with excessive weathering by sanding wood parts down to remove discoloration and flaws. Afterward, use stain to recolor pieces as you desire.

To learn more, contact a furniture store.


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