The Best Finishes for Outdoor Wooden Furniture

 

The Best Finishes for Outdoor Wooden Furniture

Outdoor wooden furniture is a common trend for homeowners. Wood can be designed however you prefer because of its simplicity. However, wood can also become easily damaged without the proper finishing. Finishing is basically an extra layer of protection that adds extra style and that removes blemishes.

There are multiple ways to finish outdoor wooden furniture. Here are a few ways that you can address the overall look of your patio pieces.

Most Common Types of Wood

When it comes to wooden furniture, you want to pick a finish that has the most resilience to things such as wood rot, mold, and pest damage.

There are a few options that fit this description, including:

  • Spanish cedar wood
  • White oak wood
  • Cypress wood
  • Long leaf pine wood
  • Redwood
  • Red cedar wood

These types of wood are what people most commonly have. It doesn’t really matter what kind of wood you choose. You can apply any finish that you desire. However, if it's your first time finishing furniture, contacting a professional may be in your best interest. These knowledgeable individuals can provide you with advice so you don't accidentally make a mistake and ruin your furniture.

Types of Wood Finishing

Once you have your wooden outdoor furniture, you can decide about the type of finish that you would prefer. Finishing wooden furniture is essentially giving the pieces better protection for the outdoor elements.

To give you an example, let’s say your white oak furniture appears rusty. A common question people have is whether wood can rust. As a rule of thumb, the answer is no; it doesn’t rust like metal does.

What actually happens is that the wood becomes discolored overtime due to oxidation. That discoloration can appear “rusty.” A quick fix for this issue would be to use oxalic acid, which is a commonly used chemical for wood maintenance. It restores the coloring of the wood and protects it from the effects of oxidation.

Other types of wood finish that you can use include:

  • Varnish
  • Lacquer
  • Wood oil
  • Polyurethane
  • Shellac

In some cases, you don’t even have to apply a wood finish. Sanding your outdoor furniture is also a viable option, but it depends on your current climate and weather patterns.

Wooden furniture is stylish but does require maintenance to maintain its good condition. In addition to doing your own research, you can try these tips when the time comes to finish your outdoor wooden furniture.

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