How to Finish Wood Furniture for Use Outdoors I have a lovely wooden bench on the porch that I got for free last spring, and it soon became my favorite coffee-sipping seat. It’s sturdy and comfy, and right beside the bird feeders – even the cat loves it. However, after weathering this summer’s rainstorms, the finish started to peel and the wood started to warp, and it soon became evident that my bench wasn’t built for the outdoors. It’s tempting to pick up old chairs and tables at yard sales for use in the garden, but we’ve all seen what happens to them after a few seasons if they aren’t properly treated to withstand the elements. Based on how quickly my bench was deteriorating, it soon became evident that unless I wanted a pile of rotten splinters on my porch, I needed to seal and refinish the bench and fast! Furniture intended for the indoors is never going to have as long an outdoor life as its pressure-treated or rot resistant wood counterparts, but a little protection from the elements goes a long way.

Whether you’re turning a ladder-back chair into a flower planter or want to put your favorite wooden rocker on the porch, here are some tips on how to get the most life out of wood furniture in the garden. Outdoor Wood Furniture Challenges Wooden furniture has to overcome some pretty big obstacles to survive outdoors, including: Materials: Most wood is by nature biodegradable, so anything not built of treated lumber (or rot resistant species such as teak, redwood, or cedar) will rot and break down with surprising speed. Even treated or rot resistant wood won’t last forever. Glue and Finish: Most standard furniture is made with interior glues and finishes that are meant for climate-controlled buildings. When placed outdoors and exposed to fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels, the glue in joints can come loose and the finish degrade. To stand up to the elements outdoors, furniture needs to be made using waterproof glue and exterior finishes. Construction: Outdoor furniture is usually built using sturdy construction, with thick pieces and joints that decrease the amount of wood that’s exposed to the elements.

Indoor furniture is often delicate, with fine joints and thin pieces, along with veneers. This is an open invitation for moisture, warping, and disintegration when left outdoors. How to Treat and Seal Outdoor Wood Furniture So, can you use interior wood furniture outside? Well, technically you can, but don’t expect it to last a lifetime! Follow these tips to help your piece survive longer in the great outdoors: Choose the Right Finish: Just as a long-sleeved shirt provides protection from sunburn, multiple coats of an exterior finish help protect furniture from UV rays as well as moisture. Since paint blocks UV rays better than a clear finish, your best bet is to apply a quality exterior primer, topped by a exterior latex or oil-based paint. For a natural-wood look, apply multiple coats of exterior spar varnish that contains added UV blockers. Spar varnish produces a built-up finish that provides more protection than oil. Avoid deck stains or penetrating finishes that don’t offer enough protection for untreated wood outdoors.

Sand First: Before painting, sand the surface down to bare wood (or use a chemical wood stripper), so your primer will adhere well to the wood. Seal Completely: Don’t leave any of the wood unfinished – seal every nook and cranny and fill all cracks. where to buy plastic chairs in kenyaThat goes for the joints, underneath, even the bottoms of the legs. dining chair covers torontoDon’t think cover, think encapsulate.rent tables and chairs union nj Recoat Regularly: Even the best finishes wear and break down over time when exposed to the elements, so plan on recoating your furniture every year or two.eames chair to buy

Protect from the Elements: If possible, protect your furniture from sun and rain. It’ll last much longer on your porch than out in the yard. Use furniture glides to raise the piece slightly off the ground so it doesn’t sit in puddles of rainwater.glider chairs for sale Choosing Durable Wood for Outdoor Furniture (article)ladder back chair seat cushions Tips for Cleaning and Refinishing Outdoor Wood Furniture (video) How to Clean and Stain Outdoor Wood Furniture (video) How to Refinish Furniture (video) You May Also Like: DIY Outdoor Wood Furniture Mayo Removes Water Stains How to Finish Wood Furniture for Use Outdoors Front Porch Rocking Chair Double Porch Rocker - Beautiful Cedar Wood Construction Traditional Porch Rocker - Solid Wood Log Seating Set with Table by Rustic Natural Ceder

Traditional Wooden Double Porch Rocker Lowback Rockers by Rustic Natural Ceder Wrought Iron Bench Rocker - Lattice Mandalay Wrought Iron Rocking Chair Santa Fe Iron Rocker by International Caravan Valencia Resin Wicker / Steel Rocker by International Caravan Royal Tahiti Large Rocking Chair by International Caravan OUTDOOR ROCKERS Welcome to the Stacks and Stacks Outdoor Rockers category, where you'll find stylish and affordable outdoor rocking chairs, wicker rocking chairs, weather proof outdoor rocking chairs, rocking club chairs, Adirondack rocking chairs, cedar rocking chairs, cherry wood outdoor rocking chairs, and rocking loveseats. Whether you're in need of a cozy two-person rocking bench, or a stylish Adirondack rocker just for you, we've put together a vast assortment to suit your needs and your budget! Our outdoor rockers range in materials including wicker, cedar and cherry wood, and all are robustly designed for outdoor use!Didn't find what you were looking for?