Natural wood is a
perfect material for creating outdoor furniture. It creates a
relaxed and welcoming atmosphere . However, caring for this type of material isn't easy, given its exposure to temperature, weather, and humidity changes. At Deco and Lemon, we'll give you some tips to help you
extend the life of your garden, patio, or terrace furniture .
How to care for natural wood outdoor furniture
Some woods, like teak or wenge, which come from tropical climates, withstand humidity better than others, such as birch, which is very susceptible to damage caused by time and weather. First, you need to
clean the surfaces before applying any product to remove any traces of rust, saltpeter, mold, dust, or moisture that may have accumulated on your furniture. Simply use a
regular cloth or a lint-free scouring pad dampened with water and mild soap. It's also important
to sand the wood afterward. This will allow the product you apply to be absorbed more effectively. Once the wood is clean, let it dry for a full day. Do not expose it to direct sunlight, especially in summer when the sun is shining intensely on the wood. Sudden temperature changes
could cause the furniture to crack .
Before sanding, research the material you'll be working with to choose the appropriate sandpaper, depending on whether the wood is soft, hardwood, or a surface that needs repainting. Remember
to always sand with the grain and remove the dust afterward. When choosing a product, keep in mind that it should be specifically designed to protect your furniture from sun and moisture. Make sure the product you select will keep the wood in optimal condition for at least
one or two years . We often think that the first step in caring for wood is varnishing it, but many people don't know that varnish outdoors can be very problematic.
Varnish with UV protection is a good option if applied as a top coat. It will prevent cracking to some extent, although this is almost inevitable if only varnish is used. Beforehand, consider applying
oils and stains liberally and evenly with a cloth over the entire wooden surface. These products will be absorbed and penetrate the interior, protecting the furniture from
water, mold, and insects . There are multiple application methods (rollers, sprays, cloths, etc.). To avoid mistakes, we advise you to follow
the manufacturer's instructions for each specific product, as there isn't just one way to apply the treatments correctly. You now know what to do. Now you just have to put these tips into practice. Let's get started!
Learn how to treat wood outdoors
How to care for natural wood outdoor furniture
Some woods, like teak or wenge, which come from tropical climates, withstand humidity better than others, such as birch, which is very susceptible to damage caused by time and weather. First, you need to clean the surfaces before applying any product to remove any traces of rust, saltpeter, mold, dust, or moisture that may have accumulated on your furniture. Simply use a regular cloth or a lint-free scouring pad dampened with water and mild soap. It's also important to sand the wood afterward. This will allow the product you apply to be absorbed more effectively. Once the wood is clean, let it dry for a full day. Do not expose it to direct sunlight, especially in summer when the sun is shining intensely on the wood. Sudden temperature changes could cause the furniture to crack .