Nothing makes the outside cozier and more inviting quite like wood furniture. That said, Mother Nature’s heavier involvement in this setting often requires us to go to greater lengths to keep such furniture pieces in good condition. Aside from the occasional rainstorms, there’s the daily pounding of the sun’s heat, which contributes to premature rotting and unsightly discoloration over time.
Covers for outdoor furniture are the godsends your wooden coffee tables, benches, and chaise lounges need to maintain their picture-perfect state. Then again, they are really more of the final touch to these protective measures. What truly plays a major part in preserving outdoor wood furniture are the methods we’ll discuss today.
How To Protect Wood Furniture in Four Steps
Before setting up furniture pieces outdoors, you may need to do the following to reinforce protection:
Step 1: Apply a Coat of Paint
A coat of paint is the initial layer of protection wood furniture needs to survive the outdoors. You want to pick latex paint over oil-based, as it adheres longer and offers stronger protection. Despite the necessity of painting over furniture meant for outdoor use, many hesitate to do it because of how it may transform the look of the item.
Step 2: Use Water Seal
Whether it’s a light drizzle or a rainstorm, you can be certain that it won’t be kind to your furniture’s wooden material. Moisture and water stains can cause wood to rot and eventually break apart.
To combat this, you need water sealers. When applied to wooden furniture, these products can prevent deterioration brought on by inclement weather. They can also decrease the risk of discoloration, splitting, and swelling, which tend to happen from frequent exposure to damp conditions.
Consider these wood waterproofing products:
- Wood stains and sealants
- Lacquer, varnish, or polyurethane
- Tung or linseed oil for buffing
Step 3: Apply a Layer of Varnish
You may apply varnish over paint and water seal or apply it independently. If you use other methods to compensate for the lack of paint and water seal protection, you should be able to apply varnish solely. We recommend this for those who want their pieces to maintain their original look, as varnish does nothing except enhance the natural wooden finish.
Either way, varnish delivers a look and function that is outdoor-appropriate. That said, make sure to apply it every now and then to maximize its protective effects.
Step 4: Choose the Correct Location
The correct location for wooden furniture is an area with little to no exposure to damaging elements. Where these spots are may depend on the region, the season, and the time of day. In particular, you can address the latter by using furniture covers and outdoor umbrellas. After all, it wouldn’t be practical to move pieces of furniture throughout the day.
In periods when there’s no escaping harsh weather, like during winter or the peak of summer, you may want to store your furniture indoors. Keep them in a clean storage shed or store them in the garage where moisture and heat won’t get to them.
Tips for Keeping Outdoor Wood Furniture in Good Condition
Aside from protecting wooden furniture using the steps above, regular maintenance is also essential. Here’s how to keep outdoor wooden fixtures in tip-top shape:
1. Clean Wood Furniture Regularly
While this should go without saying, a lot of people tend to forget to clean things outside of their homes. And even when they don’t, they usually don’t clean them frequently enough.
Make it a point to wipe off dirt and dust from your outdoor furniture pieces on a daily basis. Then, once a month or bi-monthly, clean these items using wood soap to preserve both their function and appearance.
2. Apply Lemon Oil Once a Month
Lemon oil is known as the perfect wood moisturizer. It can help prevent dryness that leads to eventual cracks and splinters in the wood. Use a clean piece of cloth to apply lemon oil on your wooden pieces. Do it thoroughly and under the shade to get the most out of the product’s benefits.
3. Keep Furniture Away From Harsh Elements After Cleaning
Cleaning products deliver some of their most crucial work after the actual cleaning process. Letting them do these finishing touches in the shade and away from harsh elements contributes heavily towards a successful outcome.
The effects of wood disinfectants and moisturizing solutions are maximized in cool environments. Hence, you’ll want to let your pieces sit in these areas for a couple of hours before taking them back out.
Keep Your Outdoor Furniture Pieces Glowing!
Your outdoor living space is still a part of your home, so maintaining it as well as you do the inside is imperative. In other words, you’ll want to protect those gorgeous wooden coffee tables, cushioned stools, and chaise lounges that enhance your outdoor area’s look.
Keep wooden fixtures glowing by applying initial layers of protection in the form of paint, water sealants, and varnish and reapplying when necessary. Do this in tandem with the ideal maintenance schedule and the perfect combination of products, and you should have no problem preserving the form and function of your outdoor wooden pieces.
