How to Protect Outdoor Wood Furniture

Your outdoor furniture and decorations transform your yard into a welcoming extension of your home. An outdoor living space lets you entertain and show off your personality to neighbors and guests alike. But after a few seasons, outdoor wood furniture can start to deteriorate.

If you’re wondering how to protect outdoor wood furniture from the elements, here are the steps you should take. With proper care, your wooden furniture can resist weathering and rotting. You’ll ensure that the wear and tear outdoors, like sun exposure and moisture, don’t shorten the lifespan or ruin the appearance of your beautiful outdoor wood furniture.

There are three options to protect most outdoor wood furniture and yard accessories. The method of wood protection depends on the type of furniture, the size of the item, usage, and personal preference. When it comes to protecting outdoor wooden furniture from the elements, your best methods are:

• Painting

• Sealing

• Varnishing

You can paint outdoor wooden furniture with a brush, roller, or spray, depending on the size of the item and your comfort level. You’ll need to recoat painted outdoor furniture every few years, but paint offers some of the best water and sun protection.

The drawback of painting outdoor furniture is, of course, that you don’t get to fully enjoy the natural beauty of wood. However, there are many colors and options when it comes to paint, so most people can find a look that suits their personal preference. Depending on your outdoor décor and style, you may want to choose an outdoor paint that’s formulated to protect the wood from the elements.

Sealing is another method of preserving outdoor wooden furniture. The benefit of sealing is that it’s a clear coating that allows the beauty of the wood to shine through. Sealing can even enhance the look of the wood grain. Sealing closes the “pores” of the wood, so moisture, dirt, and other elements can’t get through.

Sealant is quite durable and can last for several years, especially protecting wood against the hazards of water exposure. It’s important to note that some sealants aren't UV resistant, however, and certain types of sealants can turn yellow or degrade over time. It also takes time to apply sealant, as it needs time to cure.

Exterior varnish is another method for protecting outdoor wooden furniture. Varnish is a type of sealant that adds shine to the wooden surface and offers UV resistance. Varnish is often less durable than a polyurethane sealant, so it requires more frequent applications, but some people prefer it as it brings out the natural beauty in the wood.

Marine or spar varnish is an excellent choice for outdoor furniture because it's waterproof and specially formulated to last under damp outdoor conditions. Explore our exterior varnishes, stains, and finishes to find your preferred method of protecting your outdoor furniture.

We all know that the sun can cause fading over time. Those bright and beautiful rays bring us joy in the summer, but they can also cause outdoor wood furniture to look dull, especially if the furniture is painted. Even with sealant or varnish, you may need to touch up the wood every few years to keep it looking its best.

There are a few ways to protect wood furniture from the sun, but your best bet is avoidance. Cover your wooden furniture when it’s not in use or move it out of the direct sun. If you have a south-facing patio or another area that sees a lot of UV, you may want to keep your patio furniture under an awning or umbrella to help avoid fading.

During the off-season, you should store wooden furniture in a protected area like a shed or garage. Even if the weather isn't sunny, it's likely to be wet, which presents an even more significant hazard to your outdoor wood furniture. Outdoor furniture is an investment, and it requires special care to ensure it looks good for many years.

As mentioned above,spar varnish is an excellent choice for protecting outdoor furniture from fading. Spar varnish offers excellent UV protection by creating a shiny, flexible coating over the surface of your furniture. For a more natural look, penetrating oil works well too, but needs reapplication at least every year.

Regardless of the sealant or finish you choose for your outdoor furniture, try to keep the items out of direct sunlight and put them away in the winter. Taking these simple precautions to protect your outdoor furniture will help it last as long as possible.

Moisture is a natural enemy of wood. It can lead to mildew, rot, and degradation over time. Not only that, but wood furniture can warp from moisture and eventually crack. That said, outdoor wooden furniture is made specifically for the outdoors. Many manufacturers have selected the best type of wood for outdoor furniture and have taken precautions to treat items to help them last.

Some ways to protect your outdoor wood furniture from rain and moisture (an inevitable part of being outdoors) is to take the steps outlined above of painting, sealing, or varnishing your outdoor wooden furniture to help it stay preserved and beautiful.

As with protecting outdoor furniture from the sun, keeping it covered when not in use will also help protect it from rain and moisture. Even moving your wooden furniture to a covered porch or a gazebo in the yard will help protect it from the elements.

Another important way to protect your furniture from the effects of water—mildew and rot—is to keep the furniture clean. When dirt and grime build up on the furniture, it can trap moisture under the surface, holding it close to the wood. Over time, these tiny pockets of moisture degrade the wood and eventually cause permanent damage. Be sure to regularly wipe down your outdoor wooden furniture and dust it, just as you would with indoor furniture pieces.

Large outdoor structures like gazebos, pergolas, and arbors are challenging to move and protect. These outdoor wood furniture items are often built with wood to give them a natural look while also keeping them affordable backyard additions.

So how can you protect large outdoor wooden furniture? Even well-built designs can only last a few years if the wood is exposed to harsh elements. Much like other outdoor furniture pieces, the options for protection are paint, penetrating oil, or spar varnish.

Varnish and paint are the two most practical options since they are easily applied with a sprayer or paint roller that can reach the top of these often-tall structures. It’s best to apply penetrating oil to the wood before it’s assembled into the finished piece since you must apply the oil with a brush.

If you’re concerned about protecting your outdoor furniture investment, don’t worry—protecting your outdoor wooden furniture is easy. Don’t let the elements shorten the lifespan of your favorite furniture and features. You can protect every item, from a big gazebo to a small wooden table, with the right sealant product.

While do-it-yourself projects are fun and fulfilling, always take extra precautions for safety so as not to risk personal injury or property damage. Test products first to ensure they are suitable for your particular item, and leave any projects that seem too challenging to the professionals!

At Do it Best, we’re here to help you protect and beautify your home indoors and out!