Most people enjoy spending time outdoors when the sun is out and the weather is warm. As the temperatures rise, outdoor wood furniture becomes more common because it stays cooler and more comfortable than some other options. However, it requires a little more maintenance. With a few simple steps, you can learn how to protect outdoor wood furniture and enjoy it for years to come.
This guide on protecting outdoor wood furniture will be your go-to for keeping your wood furniture looking its best and allowing you to make many great backyard memories with family and friends.
Some Prerequisites When Buying Outdoor Wood Furniture
If you are buying wood furniture for outdoor use, keep these tips in mind. These tips will be helpful in protecting outdoor wood furniture.
Type of Wood: Check what type of wood the furniture consists of. The best wood for outdoor furniture is teak. Teak furniture is ideal because it is durable and water, pest, and rot-resistant.
Type of Glue: Check the type of glue that will hold the furniture together. Most of the time, wood furniture is held together with glue. So when looking for outdoor furniture that consists of wood materials, the glue must be waterproof. If not, your wood furniture will tend to fall if it is constantly rained on.
Type of Fixtures: Check the fixtures on your outdoor wood furniture. You want fixtures that look great but that can also stand up to the elements.
With these three prerequisites, you can shop like a pro for outdoor wood furniture. And, of course, the better quality your patio set is to start with, the easier it will be for you to protect your wood furniture over the years of use.
How to Protect Outdoor Wood Furniture
Precaution is the name of the game when looking to protect outdoor wood furniture. It is important to maintain your outdoor wood furniture regularly so that you do not have to deal with bigger issues down the road. Here are some great ways that you can do this.
Protect from Mold: Dirt and dust can encourage mold. Keep your wood furniture clean to prevent outdoor damage. Avoid using regular detergents to clean your wood furniture. Instead, use a wood soap. This will keep your outdoor wood furniture clean without potentially damaging it.
Protect its Sheen: The beautiful luster of wood furniture isn't only for appearance. It is there because the wood is supposed to stay moist. If the wood furniture remains dry for too long, it will begin to crack.
You can prevent your wood furniture from drying by greasing it with lemon oil. Lemon oil is widely used as a wood moisturizer. For the best effects, you should clean and moisturize your wood furniture at least once a month.
This doesn't have to be a huge time investment, but a quick clean and oil on a regular basis will have a long-lasting impact on your wood furniture.
Protect from Weather: And, of course, you want to protect your wood furniture from harsh weather. Your primary concern is water damage. It would be best to waterproof your outdoor furniture regularly to prevent water damage.
If you need help with waterproofing your furniture, make sure to use our guide on How to Waterproof Wood Furniture for Outdoors. This guide will answer all of your questions on how to best waterproof your outdoor wood furniture.
Protect from the Sun: If your outdoor wood furniture is directly under the sun day after day, it can potentially damage it. Consider covering your wood furniture or moving it under the shade for additional protection. Keeping it under a roof or a gazebo will protect it from direct sunlight and rain.
What Do You Need to Protect Outdoor Wood Furniture?
The right products will make a huge difference in protecting your outdoor wood furniture. You always want to check the product you are using and ensure that it goes with the type of wood your furniture is made of. Different products will go better with different types of wood.
Applying a small amount of cleaner to an inconspicuous part of the furniture is also a good idea. This will help to ensure that it works well without starting to spread it all over.
Here are two great options for protecting your outdoor wood furniture.
A good quality wood paint. Oil-based or latex-based. Latex-based paint is a better option as it is longer lasting. However, painting may change the appearance of your wood furniture.
Sealant. Varnish or mineral oils can be used as sealants. The purpose of this is to protect from moisture and UV damage. They do not change the way your furniture looks.
How often do you need to use these products?
You should weatherproof your furniture at least once a year, if not twice. Apply varnish to your furniture before you start to see signs of damage. Choose a varnish that not only protects from water damage but also blocks UV rays.
If there are already signs of damage to your furniture, there is still hope. You can help eliminate some damage by sanding the furniture before applying latex-based paint. There are also chemical strippers available for stripping the wood that might help as well.
When selecting a varnish, it may change the initial shade of the furniture depending on what type you select. But don't worry; some finishes are clear, so if that is what you are looking for, make sure to select a clear varnish. They do not contain any tint or color pigments.
With the right varnish, you can attain a rich, warm, and enhanced tone. This will not only keep your furniture looking its best, but it will also help you protect your outdoor wood furniture moving forward.
What to Look for in the Available Solutions?
When selecting a solution to help protect your outdoor wood furniture, a few considerations come into play. So, to help select the right solution, here are some factors to look for in a wood preservative.
Oil-based: Water-based wood preservatives are not a great choice for outdoors. Oil-based ones do a much better of protecting wood furniture from dirt, water, and UV rays. An oil-based solution will preserve the integrity of outdoor wood furniture and allow it to continue to look its best.
Tinted vs. Transparent: This depends completely on your preference. If you want your furniture to maintain its original shade, teak oil or other clear solutions are a great option. However, you can also go for a tinted/opaque solution that may give a bolder shade to your furniture along with the protection.
How to Protect Your Outdoor Wood Furniture Conclusion
When it comes to spending time outside of your home and enjoying the weather, you want a patio set that looks great and is inviting. A wood patio set can offer that for your home. It is important, though, that you keep your outdoor wood furniture protected so that this space stays looking great and inviting over the years.
It starts by choosing high-quality furniture but then also taking the time to protect it regularly. With this guide on how to protect your outdoor wood furniture, you should now have all the needed know-how to do this. So find the right patio set for you, keep it protected, and get ready to enjoy years of happy outdoor memories with family and friends right in your own backyard.
The HC Luxury Outdoor Difference
Need affordable options? HC Luxury Outdoor is your answer. We provide our customers with modern furniture that can last a lifetime. And the best part is that every piece of furniture from HC Luxury Outdoor is handmade; nothing is mass-produced.
When purchasing our artisan outdoor furniture, you'll receive a handwritten note from your craftsperson thanking you for your purchase and support of their community in Jepara, Indonesia. Outdoor-ready? Set, Go!
