Protecting timber outdoor furniture during the Winter

With chilly, wet weather on the way, it is time to think about your outdoor timber. The autumn and winter months can be particularly hard on wood, with even the toughest species seeing some wear and tear from the fluctuating temperatures and humid air. If you want to keep your decking, tables and outdoor chairs looking good as new when Spring rolls around next year, we have tips to help.

Learn in this guide how to protect exterior timber furniture over autumn and winter.

Keep Your Timber Clean

Mulching leaves is not a great look for your outdoor furniture. As debris begins to decay, it can also damage your timber, potentially leading to rotten wood once winter is over. We highly recommend braving the bad weather every now and then to head out and clean your timber furniture. This does not have to be heavy-duty work; all it needs is a quick brush to remove leaves, dirt and other build-up.

Check for Cracks and Loose Fittings

With changes in temperature and humidity, you can notice cracks or loose fittings in your timber furniture and decking. While not unusual (especially in older timber), it is a good idea to get these sorted as soon as you notice them. Seal any gaps with a timber-suitable sealant and tighten fittings to prevent water from seeping into the wood, helping protect your furniture from the elements.

Protect Your Timber

For added longevity and to keep your timber looking its best, autumn is a great time to plan a treatment. We recommend either:

• Stains: These add rich, natural colour to your timber, counteracting any UV fading to bring your furniture back to life. They also provide protection against moisture, preventing rot.
• Oils: It is normal for timber to lose some of its natural oils over time. Replenish this loss with a timber oil, which brings enhanced colour and shine along with plenty of protection against moisture, rot and pests.

Add Furniture Covers

Most durable timbers will be fine without furniture covers. Opepe, Cumaru, and Iroko, for instance, will withstand the autumn/winter weather without a hitch thanks to their class 1 durability. But if you are worried your timber is not quite as tough, or you simply want to keep it looking its best without any maintenance, furniture covers are a great idea. These are placed over your timber, providing a waterproof layer which keeps rain, ice and debris away from your furniture. When spring rolls around, simply remove them, and your timber should look as good as when you covered it!

Keep Using Your Furniture

If you have picked the right timber species, your outdoor furniture will not be fragile. While the tips we have mentioned here are good practice for boosting longevity, they are not always essential. With a durable, tough timber species, you can continue using your exterior timber furniture as normal when the weather changes, making the most of your outdoor space all year round.

Find the Right Timber Species

Think your outdoor furniture could use an upgrade? For a low-maintenance option which does not need quite so much TLC, work with our team to find a timber species which is right for your project. All our timber is high-quality and sustainably sourced, ensuring you get the very best for your outdoor space.

Get in touch with us to learn more.