Ugh, My Poor Outdoor Furniture
You know, I just tackled the big project of staining our deck for the first time last summer, and while I had all the furniture moved off, I decided to give our poor outdoor wood furniture some much-needed love and attention. I have this beautiful outdoor dining table we bought a couple years ago, and the wood was starting to show its age. Honestly, I wish I had done this last year after it sat through its first winter, but I’m hoping that by taking care of it now, we can get quite a few more years of use out of this table.
So today, I’m going to walk you through how to restore your old outdoor wood furniture and protect it from those pesky UV rays and moisture damage. Because let’s be real, our backyard lounging sessions are so much better when we have beautiful, well-maintained furniture to sprawl out on, am I right?
Cleaning the Weathered Wood
First things first, let’s take a look at that poor dining table. You can see in the close-up that the wood has really weathered and grayed over time, and the finish has started chipping away in some spots. When I was staining the deck, I used a wood cleaner and brightener to prep the surface before applying the stain, and I really wish I had done that with the table as well. It would have helped bring that wood back to its natural color.
But since I was all out of the deck products, I simply gave the table a good scrubbing with the garden hose and let it dry completely. If you have a wood cleaner and brightener on hand, though, I’d definitely recommend using that first. It’ll really help revive that dull, weathered look.
Just be sure to lay down a plastic drop cloth or some cardboard underneath to catch any drips. And make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated area when the temps are between 55-90 degrees. We don’t want any accidents, you know?
Restoring the Wood with Teak Oil
Alright, now that the table is all cleaned up, it’s time to get that wood looking brand new again. I decided to use teak oil on mine, which is actually suitable for all kinds of outdoor wood, not just teak. It’s a super easy and effective way to nourish the wood and protect it from UV damage and moisture.
First, I gave the teak oil a good shake and stir to make sure it was well-mixed. Then I poured some into a handy little paint pail and started brushing it onto the wood with an oil-based paintbrush. I did two coats, letting it soak in for about 30 minutes in between.
Now, here’s an important tip I learned the hard way – as soon as you’re done wiping up any excess oil with a clean rag, make sure to soak that rag in water. Apparently, the fumes from the oil can actually cause rags to spontaneously combust if they’re just left crumpled up. So don’t take any chances – give them a good soak before tossing them.
After that, I let the table dry for 8-10 hours before we started using it again. And let me tell you, the difference is amazing! That teak oil really brought the wood back to life, restoring all that warm, rich color. I’m so happy with how it turned out.
Protecting the Investment
Of course, we can’t just stop there. In order to keep our outdoor furniture looking its best for years to come, we need to make protecting it a regular part of our routine. That’s why I plan to reapply the teak oil annually, just before the start of patio season.
Next time, I might even try using a wood cleaner first to see if I can remove even more of that gray weathering. But the teak oil alone made such a huge difference, I know it’s going to be a game-changer for the longevity of our table.
And you know what? I had a little bit of the teak oil left over, so I went ahead and applied it to a couple of our outdoor wood benches too. It’s amazing how just a little bit of nourishing oil can revive furniture that’s been sitting out in the elements all year long.
Backyard Bliss
We enjoy our outdoor living space more and more each year, and the boys can’t wait to have our first summer meal out here. Usually, it’s a pretty casual affair, but I figured this would be a good opportunity to dress the table up a bit and show off its fresh new look.
Just look at that view – I still can’t believe this is part of our little home in Aberdeen. Those blooming peonies are the perfect touch of charm, don’t you think? And with the lights we added to the gazebo last year, this backyard just keeps getting better and better.
Honestly, this is my favorite spot in the whole house. There’s just something so peaceful and rejuvenating about sinking into one of those comfy chairs, listening to the birds chirp, and taking in all that natural beauty. It’s the perfect setting for backyard lounging, don’t you agree?
Protecting Outdoor Furniture is a Must
So if your outdoor wood furniture is starting to show its age, don’t just resign yourself to replacing it. With a little TLC, you can breathe new life into those pieces and enjoy them for years to come. Trust me, it’s so worth the effort.
Just remember to clean the wood thoroughly, apply a quality wood oil or sealer, and make protecting it an annual ritual. That way, you can spend more time relaxing in comfort and less time worrying about your backyard investments.
After all, isn’t that what summer is all about? Kicking back, soaking up the sun, and making memories with the people you love. And with a beautifully restored deck and furniture, your backyard will be the perfect oasis for doing just that.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start restoring your outdoor wood furnishings today. Your future self (and your guests) will thank you.
