How to Maintain Custom-Made Wooden Outdoor Furniture
Without a doubt, one of the best ways to spruce up any outdoor space is by adding some custom-made wooden outdoor furniture.
Not only does it add a warm, natural aesthetic to any area, but it also creates a cozier and more inviting atmosphere that’s great for entertaining, or just curling up outside with a good book.
At the same time, wooden outdoor furniture offers much greater durability and longevity than other options, and it’s actually pretty low maintenance.
However, as with any material, if you want your wooden outdoor furniture to last a long time, then you’ve got to put in some effort to maintain it.
Like it or not, even wood, which is considerably more resistant to the elements than many other materials, and can be left outside year-round, if need be, has to be maintained if you want it to stay in good shape for years to come.
And with winter just around the corner, now is the time to ensure that it’s been properly prepared and maintained for what could be a particularly harsh winter ahead of us.
So, if you’ve got custom-made outdoor furniture that’s made of wood, and you’re wondering how to maintain outdoor furniture, then you should definitely keep reading.
Because in this article, we’re going to walk you through how to maintain outdoor furniture that’s made of wood, so you can protect your investment and keep it looking like new for as long as possible.
Our Top Tips for Wooden Outdoor Furniture Maintenance
Maintaining wooden outdoor furniture is essential to ensure its longevity and keep it looking beautiful, allowing it to continue to enhance your outdoor space for many years.
With that in mind, here are our top five tips for maintaining wooden outdoor furniture:
1) Regular Cleaning
Cleaning your wooden outdoor furniture is the first and most crucial step in its maintenance routine.
Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on the surface and in crevices, potentially leading to discolouration and deterioration. Here’s how to clean your wooden outdoor furniture:
Materials Needed:
- Mild soap or dishwashing detergent
- Warm water
- Soft-bristle brush or sponge
- Garden hose or bucket
- Clean, lint-free cloth or towel
Steps:
- Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of mild soap or dishwashing detergent.
- Dip a soft-bristle brush or sponge into the soapy water and gently scrub the furniture’s surfaces to remove dirt and grime. Be sure to get into crevices and corners.
- Rinse the furniture thoroughly with a garden hose or clean water to remove soap residue.
- Use a clean, lint-free cloth or towel to pat the furniture dry. Make sure it’s completely dry before proceeding with any other maintenance tasks.
2) Sanding and Refinishing
Over time, wooden outdoor furniture may develop rough surfaces, splinters, or faded spots, but sanding and refinishing can help restore your furniture’s smoothness and appearance.
Here’s how to sand and refinish your wooden outdoor furniture:
Materials Needed:
- Sandpaper (medium-grit and fine-grit)
- Paint or wood stain (outdoor grade)
- Paintbrush or foam applicator
- Mineral spirits (for paint removal, if necessary)
- Protective equipment (gloves, mask, goggles)
Steps:
- Inspect the furniture for any rough spots or areas with peeling paint or stain.
- Sand the affected areas with medium-grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth. Follow up with fine-grit sandpaper for a smoother finish.
- If necessary, use mineral spirits to remove old paint or stain from the wood’s surface.
- Apply a new coat of outdoor-grade paint or wood stain using a paintbrush or foam applicator. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying and curing times.
- Make sure to allow the finish to dry completely before using the furniture.
3) Seal and Protect
Applying a protective sealant to your wooden outdoor furniture is crucial for preventing moisture penetration, UV damage, and other environmental factors that can degrade the wood over time.
The type of sealant you choose depends on the type of wood and your aesthetic preferences. Common options include:
- Wood Sealers: These penetrate the wood to provide water repellency and UV protection while preserving the wood’s natural look.
- Wood Stains: Stains add colour to the wood while offering protection. They come in various opacity levels, from clear to solid colour.
- Varnish or Polyurethane: These provide a clear, glossy finish and excellent protection but may require more maintenance over time.
Materials Needed:
- Wood sealer, stain, or varnish (outdoor grade)
- Paintbrush or foam applicator
- Protective equipment (gloves, mask, goggles)
Steps:
- Choose the appropriate sealant based on your wood type and desired finish.
- Apply a thin, even coat of the sealant using a paintbrush or foam applicator, following the manufacturer’s instructions for drying and recoating times.
- Allow the furniture to dry completely between coats, typically for at least 24 hours.
- Apply multiple coats for optimal protection and longevity.
4) Cover and Store Properly
Protecting your wooden outdoor furniture from extreme weather conditions and prolonged exposure to the elements is essential for its maintenance.
While many outdoor woods are naturally weather-resistant, it’s still a good idea to cover or store your furniture when it’s not in use, especially during the winter months or heavy rains.
One good option is to use furniture covers, which will shield your furniture from rain, snow, and UV rays, but make sure to invest in high-quality, waterproof furniture covers that fit snugly over the furniture.
However, your best option is to store your wooden furniture indoors or in a dry, well-ventilated area during harsh weather. This provides the absolute best protection against moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations.
5) Regular Inspection and Maintenance
To keep your wooden outdoor furniture in excellent condition, it’s essential to conduct regular inspections and address any issues promptly. Here are some things you’re going to want to look for:
- Loose Hardware: Check for loose screws, bolts, or fasteners and tighten them as needed to maintain structural integrity.
- Cracks or Splits: Inspect the wood for any cracks or splits that may have developed over time. Fill these with wood filler and sand until it’s smooth, if necessary.
- Insect Damage: Keep an eye out for any signs of insect infestations, such as tiny holes or sawdust. If detected, make sure to treat the affected areas promptly to prevent further damage.
- Mould and Mildew: In damp or humid climates, mould and mildew can be an issue. That being said, you can clean and treat any affected areas with a mixture of water and white vinegar or a specialized mould and mildew cleaner.
Are you searching for the best custom woodworking Kelowna has to offer? Our master woodworker, Andy Ingram, has over 30 years of experience, and he can bring practically any idea into reality. If you want to learn more, contact us.