Like any wooden furniture that is exposed to the elements, maintaining your garden furniture will extend it's lifespan. For normal use of garden furniture, that is not left outside during the winter, we recommend oiling 1-2 times a year to make sure the wood retains it's color. You can check if it's time to oil your garden furniture by pouring a little water on it. If the water beads up, the wood is saturated, but if the water soaks into the wood, it's time to start oiling.
We recommend using Guardian products, which we sell in our shops. If you are in doubt, you are always welcome to ask in your nearest FDB Møbler store. We have created a handy step-by-step guide to help you get your garden furniture ready for the outdoor season.
It's important that you handle any maintenance in dry weather and that you do not apply oil in direct sunlight.
1. Wash down thoroughly with the hard side of a sponge scouring pad
Mix water and cleaner for precious wood in a bucket as instructed on the product. Following the grains in the wood, thoroughly wash down the furniture with the hard side of a sponge scouring pad. The more thoroughly you clean the furniture, the easier the next step will be. Remember to wear gloves during this process.
Let the furniture dry for about 24 hours.
2. Sand down with sandpaper, following the grain
Once the furniture is completely dry, sand it down with fine-grained sandpaper (180-220), following the grains in the wood. Use coarser sandpaper if there are large scratches or nicks. To get the best results, sand both sides of the seat and backrest as between the slats.
3. Remove any sanding residue with a cloth, hard wrung in clean water
The furniture should now be wiped clean for any sanding residue. Use a cloth, hard wrung in clean water.
- If you do not wish to oil your garden furniture, your furniture is now ready for summer use.
4. Apply an even layer of oil, following the grains in the wood
Once the furniture is completely dry, use a brush or a piece of an old cotton t-shirt to apply the oil, following the grains in the wood. Make sure all the exposed ends are properly saturated with oil. If the wood does not appear saturated after the first round, the treatment can be repeated.
5. Tighten bolts and screws if necessary
Remember to tighten all bolts and screws so your furniture doesn't become wobbly.
6. Wipe away excess oil after about two hours
Allow the oil to dry for about two hours, then wipe off any excess oil with a soft lint-free cloth.
Allow the furniture to dry for a minimum of 24 hours after completion of the treatment before using them. It takes a few days for the oil to harden, but after that, your garden furniture is fit to be left outside, come rain, or come shine.