Treating Redwood Outdoor Furniture

Most standard furniture is made with interior glues and finishes that are meant for climate controlled buildings.

Treating redwood outdoor furniture.

Even treated or rot resistant wood won t last forever. When you set up a new piece of shorea outdoor furniture lightly spray it with water to remove any dust. Exterior finishes not recommended. Not all redwood is water resistant.

Finishing options choosing the right finish can help keep your redwood looking exactly how you want it. Care and finish your forever redwood furniture will last for decades in year round weather with minimal maintenance. Some options to treat untreated wood are wood oils top coatings sealers and stain sealant combo products. Redwood furniture care tips tricks.

Redwood discoloration has several causes and you may need more than one corrective treatment. Sometimes all that is needed is a light seasonal cleaning. The easiest way how to treat untreated wood for outdoor use is to apply a wood sealer. Choose the best treatment redwood tends to crack and peel when treated with exterior finishes such as varnishes and polyurethanes.

You can use a solution of 1 cup trisodium phosphate and 1 cup of household bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water. Deep red timber is the highest grade and the most water resistant. Depending on the wood grade you choose under harsh year round outdoor conditions you can expect your furniture to last from ten to thirty years being outside year round is rough on any wood s finish. For interior or exterior finishes whether you want a clear or tinted finish our finish guides can help you choose apply and enjoy a finish that help protect your redwood for years.

Dip a sponge or soft bristle brush into a mixture of mild detergent and water. Lighter colored wood from younger trees is less water resistant and will need to be treated to prevent water damage. Washing the wood with water and a strong detergent such as trisodium phosphate followed by treatment. When choosing redwood timber for your outdoor project assess the wood s color and grade.

There are different wood sealing options for outdoor use but the best choice is often related to the specific project. There are products made specifically for cleaning outdoor wood furniture. To restore your redwood s color use a bristle brush to scrub the wood s surface. Then use the furniture cleaner as directed on the packaging.

Step 3 treat the wood. Whether your redwood furniture is an antique that s been in the family for years or a brand new purchase it s likely to remain a cherished heirloom for generations to come. Most wood is by nature biodegradable so anything not built of treated lumber or rot resistant species such as teak redwood or cedar will rot and break down with surprising speed.