As the weather starts to deteriorate, we begin to worry about how to best care for the furniture we have enjoyed using throughout the summer but which, for the most part will stand idle all winter. If possible, you can store your wooden garden furniture indoors during the winter. Many garden furniture sets come flat-packed and so can be stored in the attic or garage – or even under the bed! If it is not possible to store it indoors, you are best to use a good quality breathable weather cover to cover the set.
If hardwood garden furniture is stored outside during spells of hot weather, small cracks may appear in the wood, especially on the end grain. Such cracks are a completely common characteristic and will not affect the durability or strength of the furniture. The cracks will close again once the conditions become damper.
Another common problem which can spoil the look of your garden furniture is when small amounts of sap resin will appear on the surface of the wood. Dark spots may occur if the furniture is placed in the shady spot under a tree due to falling sap and excretions from aphids. Crystallised resin can be removed using a stiff brush. While the resin is still sticky, a sharp knife can be utilized to remove most of the resin and white spirit can clean the affected surface.
Re-applying teak oil can only be done when the dirt which has built up over the season is completely removed by with warm soapy water and a good brush. Once the furniture has dried, you could lightly sand any rough areas. Black areas may appear where the oil and dirt have mixed if the dirt has not been removed prior to application.
As has already been stated, this patina effect cannot be avoided. However, you can take some action which will help to slow the process. If you would like to maintain the original colour of your furniture for longer, teak oil could be applied once or at most twice a season. This should be applied sparingly with a lint free cloth. This form of treatment will slow the weathering process and could also minimise surface cracks.
Here is the process:
In the sun, you might find that sap will appear on the surface and the sun might cause it to harden. Dousing it in soapy water and then scrubbing it with a hard brush will bring your furniture back to its former glory. Sticky sap can be scraped off and then an application of white spirit can remove any residue. This will help your garden furniture stay looking better for longer.
* Any sap on the table can be scraped off using a small knife
* White spirit can also remove sap residue
* Brush with warm soapy water to remove any dirt
* Dry the furniture completely
* Apply teak oil sparingly using a lint free cloth
* Pay close attention to the end of the grain and to the joints
* Wipe of excess oil
* Allow to dry thoroughly before use
* Dry thoroughly before use
NOTE: If the dirt is not removed before treatment, black areas will appear on the surface where the oil and dirt have mixed.
Following these handy tips that John of Garden Furniture Scotland has outlined, will help you to keep your garden furniture looking super for longer and ensure that you make the very most of your garden.
