How To Waterproof Wood Furniture For Outdoors

How To Waterproof Wood Furniture For Outdoors
  • Author: Amanda Arnold
  • Posted On: February 14, 2022
  • Updated On: August 21, 2023

Throughout the year, outdoor wood furniture is exposed to temperature changes and other external elements. As a result, outdoor furniture is more prone to cracking, scratching, discoloration, and deterioration than inside wood furniture.

Painting and sealing are the main considerations to limit exposure to the elements; waterproofing, covering, and many other methods can protect outdoor wood furniture from the elements.

So, what’s the best way to protect your outdoor wood furniture from the elements? While it may appear to be difficult, it does not have to be. This article will cover all you need to know about waterproofing your outdoor hardwood table.

Why Do You Need To Waterproof The Outdoor Furniture?

Waterproof The Outdoor Furniture

Water is a solvent that can be used in a variety of situations. Assume your furniture is drenched on a rainy day. If they are not properly cared for, they will be wasted what’s more, if your furniture is constructed of wood! If you have this type of furniture, rot is the worst thing that can happen if you don’t waterproof it.

You can preserve your outdoor wooden furniture from dampness and ice by sealing it. Your furniture will need to be replaced in a few years if it is not sealed, but if it is properly maintained, it can last longer than usual.

It’s critical to understand how to waterproof wood furniture for use outside if you want to save your gorgeous furniture! So, if you wish to save them, follow the instructions below.

Things To Consider Before Choosing Wood Sealant For Furniture

You can choose the ideal one for your project depending on what you want in a sealer. Wood will always change color when exposed to the environment. Wood won’t stay looking bright and new with a sealer that doesn’t provide UV protection. The lignin and cellulose structure of wood is destroyed by the sun’s UV radiation, which is how it turns grey.

A marketing phrase called penetrating differs greatly between brands. First, it normally only penetrates a few cells deep, and the depth at which it varies greatly. Additionally, abrasion resistance may or may not be offered by penetrating products.

As a result, the top layer soon wears off on a surface like a deck. Most sealers that contain oil or have altered their composition over time will become yellow. You may or may not want this. This discoloration won’t be apparent and can make the wood appear slightly brighter if you choose a darker natural wood stain.

However, finding something that won’t amber with time may be important if the stain is grey.

Steps To Waterproof Outdoor Furniture

If you buy outdoor furniture, be sure it’s high-quality wood. This will take the pressure off figuring out how to weatherproof wood furniture.

Use Outdoor Furniture Paint

Use Outdoor Furniture Paint

Paint is a terrific way to give your beloved wood furniture a solid layer of protection from the weather. Paint can prevent sunlight from penetrating the wood’s surface. Paint can also block the Sun’s damaging rays, protecting the wood beneath it from deterioration and other issues.

Regular oil-based paints may not provide long-lasting protection for outdoor furniture as latex paint does. Latex paints are easy to apply. Latex paints contain huge variations of colors and cover scratches. A good coat of paint will provide better protection from the elements, such as water and UV radiation, when used outside.

Fill The Wood With Wood Fillers

Fill The Wood With Wood Fillers

We wouldn’t want to replace wood furniture yearly because we didn’t waterproof it. Fortunately, putting wood filler in our furniture can help us fight back. Using wood fillers on slightly damaged furniture can help it look brand new. Your furniture can be restored if it has minor to medium-level damage.

This can also fill, seal, and coat your wood furniture to prevent water from getting inside the holes and cracks. Wood filler can improve the appearance of your furniture if it has discoloration.

Sand The Holes And Cracks

 Sand The Holes And Cracks.

After repairing the cracks and holes, you must sand the outdoor wood furniture to smooth out the lumps. By rubbing off the excess sealant, sanding will aid in achieving a beautiful surface on your furniture. It will also aid in the coat’s adhesion to the substrate. To achieve a smoother surface, make sure you’re using high-quality sandpaper.

Use Natural Oils

 Use Natural Oils.

Place a small amount of oil on a dry cloth if you’re using it. Pouring oil directly on a wooden table is one of the most common errors. This generates an uneven oil distribution and discoloration if oil puddles form on the table. Add extra oil and repeat the process when the cloth is dry.

On the other hand, natural oils provide minimal weather protection, so you should only use this choice on well-sheltered furniture.

Seal Outdoor Wood Furniture

 Seal Outdoor Wood Furniture.

Sealing is a good idea if you live in a region with much rain. Your outdoor wood furniture will be protected from water if you use a sealant—most of the time, moisture and rain cause outdoor furniture to deteriorate.

Water molecules easily permeate the wood and inflict a great deal of damage. The natural beauty of the wood will never be lost by using water sealant instead of paint.

Wood sealants are a good option if you want a sealant that does the job but doesn’t want to give up the natural beauty of grains. Wood sealants and water repellents are examples of these products. They are not, however, as long-lasting as latex paint. Waterproofing can, however, be done every year.

Put The Furniture Under A Roof

Put The Furniture Under A Roof

It doesn’t matter how nice the wood is or how strong the sealant is on your outdoor furniture; if you don’t protect it from the elements, all of your efforts will be for naught.

Use furniture glides to lift the furniture off the ground as well. During a severe downpour, this prevents the furniture from lying in puddles. In this manner, you’ll be able to protect your outdoor furniture from rapid wear and tear.

Use Stain Sealants

Choose a high-quality stain-sealant combination when time is of the essence, or you need to safeguard a significant project, like a wood deck. These cosmetics perform two tasks simultaneously adding color and delivering water resistance.

 Use Stain Sealants

Color pigments and binders, which may be oil-, water-, or alkyd-based, are included in stain-sealant formulations. The finished result might be opaque or translucent, depending on the amount of pigment used in the formulation. To protect the wood, you should reapply the stain-sealer to outdoor wood every year.

Conclusion

You must be patient and take pleasure in the process. Working with wood can be much fun, especially if you’re making something that will become a permanent part of your home.

Wood is a beautiful material for outdoor projects, and with the proper time, care, and attention, it may last for decades. Remember that you’ll need to reapply your sealer or stain every few years. Rain or shine, your time and work will protect your timber from the elements.

Apply one of the clear coat sealers to preserve the wood’s color and grain while providing maximum protection from the weather.

Avatar photo
Author: Amanda Arnold

Amanda has been working with ConstructionHow since 2021. Her experience spans over 5 years in the creative niche such as home decor and trends, landscaping, renovations, and custom architectural values. As a home designer expert, she has a keen eye for the latest home improvement trends with accurate facts that readers find impossible to ignore. Being invested in home-building trends is how she has gained her lucrative expertise exploring more to bring a positive ambiance for all homeowners (and even tenants!). Currently, she lives in a beautiful beach home, a source of fascination for her.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE