Wood needs close attention once or twice a year. With regular maintenance, your furniture will age beautifully.
- Wipe your furniture down with a damp cloth on a regular basis. Apply a thin, even layer of good-quality wax polish every 6-12 months.
- Avoid using sprays and polishes, especially if they contain silicone as this can cause a sticky layer to form on top of the surface.
- Wood can be damaged by liquid so spillages should be cleared immediately. Never scrub at your furniture to remove stains.
- If you wish to preserve the patina of your wooden outdoor furniture, apply two coats of an appropriate oil.
Acacia
Acacia is a beautiful, cost-saving alternative for outdoor furniture. Light in colour, with a comparable look to its more expensive cousin, teak, it takes paint well or can be stained and left natural. Acacia outdoor furniture requires annual care as it lacks protective oils.
Timber furniture will naturally turn a silvery grey colour as it ages. Some people desire this look; alternatively, oil your timber regularly to keep the tones alive and vibrant.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus Timber is a sustainable and durable option for outdoor furniture. With a natural high oil content, Eucalyptus is resistant to rot and decay from excess moisture. This means that your furniture can withstand the elements over many years when treated with care.
Unlike Acacia which will turn a silvery grey overtime, the reddish-brown colour of Eucalyptus furniture darkens with age. Oiling your timber regularly will help to maintain this look.
Restoring Timber Furniture
For timber outdoor furniture that has gone silvery grey, gently sand until the original colour is revealed, then coat with a furniture oil with water, fungi, and mould-resistant properties.