Wood is usually considered as the number one material for outdoor furniture because it’s asethetics, eco-friendliness, locality and durability. But even we choose the best types of wood for our furniture, they are still affected much by the weather, so how to protect and make the furniture durable.
Finishing
Regardless of how well you put together your outdoor furniture, if you don’t finish it well, it’s not going to last. My first step in completing my patio benches was to sand it all smooth.
I wouldn’t want to my finish to flake off on account of unevenness. You want to be extra diligent with sanding. Otherwise, any imperfections on the wood will get exacerbated after you apply a finish. Consider these best sanders for furniture refinishing if you need to sand large surface areas. A good random orbital sander is probably the best tool for the job.
Then, it’s time to apply the finish. I like my wood natural, so I use exterior spar varnish. Primer and paint are also options if you want to turn your project a distinct color. The bottom line is, the project needs protection, including UV blockers, or it will fade by the end of the summer. Staining the wood can help you restore the former beauty of an old piece of furniture.
Seal Everything
Now, many folks think if they do a beautiful furniture paint job, it will be all right. That’s simply not the case. Whether using spar varnish or paint, it’s vital we cover every single speck of the furniture. If we don’t, moisture leaks in and our chances of rot increase.
Reapplication
The wind, rain, and snow take a toll on our outdoor furniture and its seal. After a year, the chances the seal becomes compromised are high. After two years, it’s almost certain even with the best sealers money can buy. Therefore, when we build outdoor furniture, we’re committing to doing some routine maintenance to sand and reseal each year.
Storage
We’ve talked about storing furniture over winter, but the late summer showers bring moisture too. I see it as having two choices, either accept the wear or shelter the furniture. Sheltering the furniture can be as simple as pulling it under your porch. It can also mean creating covers for the furniture when it’s not in use, particularly in wet climates.
Bottom line, the better protected your furniture is from the elements, the longer it will last, and the more you can enjoy your outdoor space.