Wooden Garden Furniture

[bradleyy]

I am thinking about spending �1000 pounds on a lovely wooden garden furniture set. Is it worth it or will it be ruined by the end of the season? Will it help if I put teak on it? Does anyone have any experience with this and how to keep it looking nice?

[Clanad]

It really depends on the type of wood.  Cedar or redwood will weather the best.  That is, it will retain it's natural reddish color longer than others, including teak.  Regardless, they will all eventually weather to various shades of gray if left unattended.  I've had a cedar garden bench that is over 15 years old and still looks good with the original color still prevalent.  I sand it lightly in the winter months and then brush on spar varnish.  There are other products that will probably do as well.  Keep in mind the most damaging thing outside is ultra-violet sun rays, rather than rain.  BTW, if you do go with cedar or redwood, be sure to let it age for a few months before finishing.  The natural oils that protect the wood leach out somewhat and it will retain the finish better.  I'd say steer clear of teak, unless your up to constant stripping and refinishing... At any rate, best of luck!

[smudge]

We use Linseed Oil on some of our wooden furniture.

[Octavius]

Can't say whether it's worth it or not without seeing the set, but I spent about �90 on a set from Homebase which does me nicely!

[oxeyedaisy]

we have just bought one and mr daisy put some clear varnish on it..we intend to fetch ours indoors for the winter months..the worst thing about ours is every morning its covered in bird muck..they never used to go on my plastic ones but seem to have made a bee line for our nice new bench seats and table..we thought of buying a cover but then that would have bird muck all over it also ..so now i have an extra chore washing the bird muck off every morning how nice that is yuk.