How to Maintain and Protect Your Outdoor Wooden Furniture

Outdoor wooden furniture adds character and coziness to any room, regardless

of size – from a small balcony to a large garden, even a rooftop patio. Though

sun, rain, and humidity can ruin wood furniture by causing cracks, discolouration,

and mold formation, in order to maintain your furniture in a fantastic, enduring

state for the long term, it needs to be maintained.

The following is the step-by-step process on how to store and maintain your outdoor wood furniture.

1. Choose the Right Wood Type

Not all woods are created equal outdoors. Some woods are naturally more

resistant to water, bugs, and the weather.

Optimal Patio Furniture Woods:

Teak: Very water- and pest-resistant. One of the best patio furniture woods, teak

resists damage from naturally occurring oils.

Cedar: Naturally bug- and rot-resistant, cedar is lightweight but very long-lasting.

Eucalyptus: A cheap alternative to teak, eucalyptus is weather-proof and

long-lasting when sealed.

Acacia: Acacia has hardwood and hardwood that is usable outdoors after being

treated with wood.

2. Regular Cleaning Routine

Dirt dust and water will encourage mold and mildew and reduce the life of your furniture. It

should be cleaned often.

Cleaning Wooden Furniture:

Dust is generally cleaned with a soft-bristled brush or a cloth which is a little wet.

Hot water soaks in mild soap and washes lightly on the surface.

Dry cold water and dry before use.

Never power wash or chemically treat because they remove the wood's natural oils and make

the wood rot.

3. Apply Protective Sealants and Finishes

Wood furniture needs water-sealing and UV-sealing to preserve it. Sealing is what holds its

natural shade and will never allow any sort of decay.

Protective Finish Types:

Oil-Based Sealants (Teak Oil, Linseed Oil, Tung Oil): Hydrates wood and tans natural wood

grain.

Outdoor Wood Sealers: Waterproof and UV-resistant protective barrier seal.

Polyurethane or Varnish: Gloss protective coating on the majority of exposed surfaces.

Application:

Even it out by giving it a soft landing.

Apply a thin, even layer with a soft brush or cloth.

Do not get in contact until dry if a second coat is applied.

Replace 6–12 monthly for optimum effect.

4. Protect from Sun and Rain

Sunlight over a long time can make it fade, while rain can destroy it and cause it to have mold.

Keeping it away from all this will keep your furniture in top condition for years to come.

Methods of Protecting Wooden Furniture:

Furniture Covers: Water covers keep your furniture away from rain and sunlight while in storage.

Sit Strategically: Place furniture in the shade or under the patio umbrella shade to prevent direct

sunlight exposure.

Store Under Bad Weather: Under bad weather, take the furniture inside or in a shelter.

5. Prevent Mold, Mildew, and Insects

Heavy humidity provides the optimum conditions to thrive for mild mold growth, and raw

untreated wood can take in a better termiticide infestation.

Precautions:

Aerate Properly: Never leave your furniture on damp surfaces; place some rubber feet or an

under-throat platform.

Use Natural Treatment: A 1:1 solution vinegar-water ratio may peel off the mild and mold

growth.

Timber Resists Termitide along with Insect Invasion: Spraying using borates or treatment with

Cedar oil provides protection to other termites and insect repellency.

6. Seasonal Maintenance and Storage

Outdoor furniture encounters varying seasonal challenges. Keeping ahead ensures that your

wooden furniture is always at its best regardless of the time of year.

Spring & Summer:

Check for loose joints and cracks, then repair.

Reseal protection one last time before the outdoor season is at its peak.

Regular cleanings to clear dust and pollen residue.

Fall & Winter:

Store in an open, dry space if practical.

Apply water-repellent, yet still-breathing covers to prevent excessive moisture buildup.

Do not stack heavy items over stored furniture to prevent warping.

7. Restoring Weathered Wooden Furniture

If your patio wood pieces are already faded or cracked, forget it—beauty can still be restored.

Restoration Steps:

Sand surface: to remove rough spots and old finishes sand with fine-grit sandpaper is used

Clean thoroughly: dry thoroughly after washing with mild soap and water.

Apply Wood Stain or Oil: Apply a stain to enhance the natural wood color, or teak oil to condition

deeply.

Seal for Protection: Seal with a protective sealer to avoid loss of moisture and additional

damage.