Oiling wood garden furniture is an essential maintenance step that many of us put off or even skip altogether. However, it offers several benefits, helping to preserve and enhance the furniture's appearance, durability, and overall outdoor performance.
In this article, we want to focus on the why, what, and how to determine the benefits of applying, what types of oil are best for the different types of timber used in our industry, and how often you should oil your outdoor wood furniture.
1. Why?
Applying oil to outdoor wooden furniture will help protect the wood from the elements, preventing it from drying out, warping, cracking, and premature weathering.
When garden furniture oils are applied, they penetrate the woodgrain, creating a barrier to protect against moisture ingress, damage from the sun's UV rays, and other environmental factors.
Oils need to be applied on a fairly regular basis but they will significantly extend the life of your furniture to not only prevent damage but also enhance the natural grain and colour of the wood.
Here are our reasons why we think you should add oil to your wood garden furniture maintenance routine:
-
Water Resistance
Oiling builds a protective barrier on the wood’s surface to repel water and reduce the risk of warping, cracking, and rotting caused by moisture ingress. -
UV Protection
Many timber oils contain UV inhibitors that help shield the wood from sun exposure and prevent it from drying out, fading, and becoming brittle. -
Weather Resistance
The climate in the UK can see regular temperature fluctuations and oiled wood is better able to minimise the impact of the expansion and contraction that can cause wood to warp or split. -
Enhance Grain
Oiling brings out the natural colour and grain of the wood to give it a rich, lustrous appearance. -
Prevent Greying
In time untreated wood will develop a silver-grey patina when exposed to the elements. Many like the rustic look but if you prefer to keep it looking new then oil helps maintain a natural hue and prevents greying. -
Extend Lifespan
Wood will naturally expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. Oiling helps to keep the wood supple and flexible, reducing the likelihood of cracks and splits. -
Reduce Wear & Tear
Outdoor furniture should be used and enjoyed so applying oil will make it less prone to damage from everyday use. The protective layer helps prevent surface scratches and dents. -
Mould Resistance
Oiling helps to reduce the likelihood of mould and mildew growth by keeping moisture out of the wood and if it does form it prevents it from staining and makes it easier to clean off. -
Reduce Maintenance
Oiling wood furniture is a relatively simple task compared to wood stains, varnishes or paints. It can be reapplied directly onto the wood with less prep. -
Reduce Peeling
While it will require more regular reapplication, unlike stains, varnishes or paints, oil does not form a protective layer on the wood's surface that can peel or flake off over time. -
Eco-Friendly
Many wood oils are derived from natural sources like linseed, tung, or teak oil. They are an environmentally sound option that is safe to use and does not release harmful chemicals into the environment. -
Retain Breathability
While not as durable as other finishes, oil will allow the wood to breathe while still offering a degree of protection. -
Restore Finish
If your wood garden furniture has become weathered or dull over time, then oiling can help restore its original lustre and appearance.
Regularly oiling your wood garden furniture is a simple yet effective way to ensure it remains in excellent condition, retains a like-new appearance, and will last for many years.
2. What?
There are several different types of wood used in our industry and each has varying needs in terms of the type of oil and how often you need to apply it.
Hardwood garden furniture like teak garden furniture, for example, is high in natural oils, so it may not require as much treatment as a low-cost softwood like pine.
Some wood garden furniture may also already have a protective finish applied, so be sure to check the care instructions before you oil it.
It is important to choose an oil that is specifically designed for outdoor use too. Teak oil, for example, is a popular choice but it is not suitable for all types of timber.
Garden furniture oils can also darken or brighten the wood, alter the finish to be more glossy or matte, or even change the colour altogether.
If you prefer a more natural or weathered patina look, then you might want to apply a clear oil to provide some protection while keeping it looking the way you like it.
The frequency of oiling wooden garden furniture also depends on the climate and how you store your furniture in bad weather but these are the types of oil we would recommend you use and how often you need to apply them for the popular types of wooden garden furniture on sale in the UK:
1. Teak
-
Type
Of course, for teak wood, teak oil is specifically formulated to maintain the appearance and protect it. It penetrates deeply and shields the wood from moisture ingress and UV damage. -
Frequency
Teak has a high natural oil content and is probably the most resistant to weathering. That said, to maintain its deep golden hue we would still advise you to oil it 1 to 2 times a year.
2. Acacia
-
Type
For acacia furniture, we would recommend you use linseed oil or tung Oil. Both will penetrate well to protect it from the elements and preserve the natural colour but linseed usually needs a little longer to dry -
Frequency
Acacia is best oiled 1 or 2 times a year, depending on exposure to sun and rain. If you live at the coast for example, then we would recommend you oil it twice a year.
3. Eucalyptus
-
Type
For eucalyptus outdoor furniture, the best options are good quality Danish oils or tung oil to enhance and protect against moisture and UV rays. Danish oil is a blend of varnish, linseed oil, and mineral spirits, and you must choose one suitable for outdoor use. -
Frequency
Eucalyptus is fairly prone to weathering so it benefits from oiling every 2 to 3 times a year. It can also dry out quite quickly in warmer weather, so more frequent oiling ( up to 3-4 times a year) might be necessary if we have a good summer or you live in a warmer climate.
4. Cedar
-
Type
Cedar has a high natural resistance to decay, and while cedar oil would be our preference, boiled linseed oil will also help to nourish it and prevent it from drying out and cracking. -
Frequency
Whilst cedar is naturally weather-resistant, to maintain its colour and prevent cracking, we would advise you to oil it at least 2 times a year.
5. Pine
-
Type
Pine is the most affordable option so for that reason it requires the most protection. That said, a regular application of tung oil is a great way to protect it from moisture ingress and reduce the risk of rot. -
Frequency
Pine is softer and more prone to damage from the elements than the other timbers on this list though, so it needs to be oiled at least 4 times a year. If that feels too much, then you might want to consider a more durable outdoor-specific stain or varnish.
6. Ipe
-
Type
If you can get it, then use ipe oil. If not then you want a specialised hardwood oil designed for dense woods like a teak that will penetrate deeply and protect the ipe from UV and moisture. -
Frequency
Like teak, ipe is extremely dense and durable, so it should only need oiling once a year to maintain it. If left exposed to the elements, it will naturally develop a silver patina over time.
7. Oak
-
Type
Teak oil is also a great choice for oak as it penetrates deeply into the wood. We also like danish oil but it gives it a slightly glossier finish but a better level of protection. -
Frequency
Oak can dry out quite quickly but generally, you will need to reapply oil 1 or 2 times a year. If your furniture is exposed to direct sunlight, wind, or rain, then it may require oiling up to 4 times a year.
3. How?
The method of application, whilst a little messy and time-consuming with larger pieces of furniture/sets, is a relatively simple one.
Always use recommended cleaning and protection solutions and follow the care instructions supplied with the furniture first and foremost.
If nothing is supplied, then always test any oil on an inconspicuous area before you apply to test that the colour and finish are to your liking.
If the furniture has any other materials, make sure the oil is safe to use on them, and make sure any fabrics are removed or use caution to avoid contact.
The basic oiling process we like to use is as follows:
-
Preparation
Before applying and oil make sure you clean the furniture thoroughly and allow it to dry completely. If the surface is a little rough, then you should give it a light sand first. -
Application
For ease of application and the best finish, we always apply the oil with a clean cloth or sponge. Follow the direction of the wood grain and allow the oil to soak in before wiping off any excess and buffing to a nice (non-sticky) finish. -
Drying Time
Before you use the furniture, leave it to dry completely before using it. Ideally 48 hours, depending on the oil type and weather conditions. -
Storage
If possible, store your oiled wooden furniture under a cover or in a sheltered area to prolong its life and reduce the frequency of application.
By following these simple guidelines, you can keep your wood outdoor furniture looking beautiful and well-protected all year round.
If you have photos of our outdoor furniture, we would love to see some for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.