Garden Furniture Oil

Garden Furniture Oil for Outdoor Wood

Garden furniture oil is used to maintain and enhance suitable outdoor wooden furniture while helping to protect the timber from the effects of weather and everyday use. Regular maintenance can help keep garden tables, chairs, benches and other wooden furniture looking their best.

Different exterior wood oils provide different types of finish and protection. Some are designed specifically for garden furniture, while others are suitable for a wider range of exterior timber. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before applying an oil to your particular type of wood.

Oil for Teak and Hardwood Garden Furniture

Teak oil and hardwood furniture oils are commonly used on suitable outdoor furniture made from teak and other hardwoods. Products such as Liberon Teak Oil are formulated for suitable oily hardwoods and can help enhance the natural colour and grain of the timber.

Some hardwoods contain natural oils and extractives that can affect the absorption of an exterior wood oil. Depending on the product and timber, new or freshly prepared hardwood may need to weather before it is treated. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the particular wood.

Oil for Softwood Garden Furniture

Garden furniture oil can also be used on suitable softwoods such as pine, spruce and other exterior timber. The most suitable product will depend on the type of wood, its previous treatment and the level of exposure to the weather.

Some exterior wood oils are available in clear finishes, while others provide colour and additional protection. Always test the chosen finish on a small or inconspicuous area before treating the complete piece of furniture.

Clear Garden Furniture Oil

Clear garden furniture oil can be used when you want to retain the natural appearance of the timber while enhancing its colour and grain. Osmo Garden Furniture Oil and Liberon Garden Furniture Oil are examples of specialist products available in clear finishes.

Clear oils do not necessarily prevent outdoor timber from gradually changing colour. Some clear exterior oils provide UV protection, while others are designed primarily to maintain the appearance of the timber. Check the individual product information for the level of UV protection provided.

Coloured Garden Furniture Oil

If you want to change or enhance the colour of outdoor furniture, tinted and coloured wood oils provide an alternative to clear finishes. Products such as Osmo Natural Oil Wood Stain and Osmo UV Protection Oil Tints are available in a range of colours while allowing the character of the timber to remain visible.

The final colour will depend on the type and existing colour of the wood as well as the product and number of coats applied. Testing a colour on an offcut or inconspicuous area is recommended before treating the whole piece.

Preparing Garden Furniture Before Oiling

Before applying garden furniture oil, the timber should normally be clean, dry and free from unsuitable previous coatings. Dirt, old finishes and weathered or grey timber may need to be removed or treated before applying a new oil.

For weathered outdoor furniture, a suitable exterior wood cleaner or wood reviver can help prepare the surface. If the timber has previously been painted, varnished or otherwise coated, check the oil manufacturer’s instructions because additional preparation or complete removal of the existing finish may be required.

Maintaining Oiled Garden Furniture

Outdoor wooden furniture is exposed to rain, sunlight and changes in temperature throughout the year, so regular inspection and maintenance are important. When the existing finish begins to weather or deteriorate, the furniture may need cleaning and further treatment.

The frequency of maintenance depends on the product used, the type of timber and how exposed the furniture is to the weather. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning, re-oiling and ongoing maintenance.

Choosing the Right Garden Furniture Oil

The best garden furniture oil depends on the type of timber, the existing finish and the appearance you want to achieve. For teak and other oily hardwoods, choose a product specifically recommended for those timbers. For softwoods, look for an exterior oil suitable for the particular timber and level of exposure.

Choose a clear oil if you want to retain the natural appearance of the wood, or a tinted or coloured finish if you want to enhance or change its colour. Always read the product instructions and test the finish before applying it to the complete piece of furniture.