Preserve Your Outdoor Wood Furniture with the Best Protection

Spending time outdoors surrounded by beautiful wood furniture is one of life's simple pleasures. But without proper protection, your treasured patio set or handsome deck chairs are vulnerable to damage from rain, sun, snow, and wind. Taking steps to shield your outdoor wood from the elements is essential for longevity.

Proper maintenance and protective finishes can keep your pieces looking pristine for seasons to come.

Why Outdoor Wood Needs Protection

Left unprotected, outdoor wood is susceptible to a variety of problems including:

• Cracking, splintering, and warping from moisture
• UV damage, fading, and graying from sunlight
• Mold, mildew, and rotting of wet wood
• Temperature fluctuations causing wood to expand and contract
• Dirt, pollen, and pollution accumulating on the surface

Wood is porous and absorbs water easily. When water seeps into the fibers, it can cause the wood to swell, twist, crack, and split. Sunlight bleaches color and accelerates aging. Dampness breeds mold spores that discolor and deteriorate the wood. And dramatic swings between wet and dry make wood warp and crack.

Without protection from the elements, your beautiful teak dining set or comfy adirondack chairs will quickly weather, warp, mold, and rot. But properly sealing and maintaining your furniture can dramatically extend its lifespan and preserve its beauty.

Choosing the Right Outdoor Wood Finish

An outdoor wood finish creates a protective barrier between the wood and the environment. Options include oils, paints, stains, varnishes, and waxes. Consider factors like the specific wood type, weather conditions, desired look, and maintenance level when selecting a finish.

Oils

Penetrating oils like tung, linseed, and teak oil soak into the wood pores without forming a surface film. They accentuate the natural wood grain while providing water repellency. Reapplication is needed every year or so.

• Tung oil - Derived from the nuts of the tung tree, offers the best moisture protection.
• Linseed oil - Made from flaxseed oil, provides good protection at a lower cost.
• Teak oil - Formulated for teak wood, contains UV blockers.

Paints and Solid Stains

Paints and solid stains completely coat the wood's surface, providing a vibrant opaque color. They protect against moisture, UV rays, and mildew. Acrylic latex paints offer durability and color options. Oil-based paints and solid stains penetrate deeper for extra protection.

Varnishes

Varnishes like polyurethane, marine varnish, and spar varnish form a hard, protective film that repels water. They provide excellent protection but require more frequent maintenance. Marine and spar varnish resist damage from sun and moisture.

Waxes

Wax finishes provide light water resistance. Paste wax is buffed onto the surface. Liquid wax is wiped on. Both provide minimal protection but refresh easily. Best for sheltered, low-use pieces.

Prepping Wood for a Protective Finish

Proper prep ensures finishes adhere well and provide maximum protection:

• Clean - Remove dirt, dust, mold, and existing flaking finish with mild soap and water.
• Sand - Smoothen the surface with 120-180 grit sandpaper.
• Fill cracks - Use wood filler to patch imperfections.
• Dry - Allow wood to fully dry before finishing.

Prep removes contaminants that can prevent finishes from properly bonding. Sanding exposes fresh wood cells for better adhesion. Filling cracks and holes creates an even finish surface. And applying any coating to damp wood can cause failures as moisture escapes through the finish.

Applying Wood Protective Finishes

Careful application ensures even coverage and optimal protection:

• Brush - Use a high-quality natural bristle brush to apply oils and paints.
• Wipe - Fold a cloth to lightly apply stains.
• Spray - Hold the can 6-8 inches from the surface when spraying polyurethane or varnish.
• Buff - Use cheesecloth to rub wax thoroughly into the wood.

Always apply finishes in the shade on a dry day. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dry times between coats. Two to three thin coats provide better protection than one thick coat. Sand lightly between coats for maximum smoothness.

Maintaining Outdoor Wood Furniture

Keep your outdoor wood looking its best by:

• Reapplying protective finish annually or as needed
• Gently washing with mild soap and water to remove dirt
• Sanding and spot refinishing any damaged areas

The frequency of reapplication depends on the specific finish and exposure levels. Signs that it's time to reapply include fading color, rough surface texture, or darkened, worn areas. Stay on top of maintenance to avoid moisture damage.

DIY or Professional Finishing?

Is it best to refinish your outdoor furniture yourself or hire a professional? Consider:

• DIY pros - Lower cost, customized results, opportunity to maintain more frequently
• Professional pros - Expert skills and equipment, ability to completely strip and refinish

For simple reapplication of the same finish, DIY is often the better option. But for more complex refinishing jobs, pros have the skills to do it right. Evaluate your abilities and time constraints when deciding.

Maximizing Outdoor Wood Lifespan

In addition to protective finishes, you can extend the life of outdoor wood pieces by:

• Selecting weather-resistant wood species like teak, cedar, or redwood
• Choosing furniture with proper joinery and construction
• Following manufacturer instructions for use and care
• Storing furniture indoors or covered during harsh weather months

Proper selection, construction, use, and storage combined with the right protective finish can help your outdoor wood furniture last for decades instead of just a few seasons.

Based on the information provided, here are some top-rated sealants to protect outdoor wood furniture:

• Defy Extreme Wood Stain - Provides excellent UV and water protection.
• Thompsons WaterSeal - Repels water while allowing wood to breathe.
• Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane - Durable marine-grade varnish.
• Penofin Blue Label Penetrating Oil - Deep protection for hardwoods like teak.
• Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer - Enriches color while sealing.

Be sure to consider the specific wood type, weather exposure, and your desired finish look when selecting the ideal sealant for your outdoor furniture.