How to Get Your Outdoor Furniture Ready For Summer

As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, it’s finally time to brush the cobwebs from your outdoor furniture to enjoy some well-deserved al-fresco living and dining. You’ve waited all winter long!

If you're fortunate enough to have a collection of wooden furniture on your patio or in your garden, preparing it for the summer season is essential to ensure it looks good and lasts for many seasons to come. From cleaning to maintenance, here's a comprehensive guide on how to get your outdoor wooden furniture ready for summer.

Assessing the Condition of Your Reclaimed Wood Outdoor Furniture

Great British winters do a number on all of us, from the bitter cold to weeks upon weeks of clouds and rain. By the time spring finally rolls around, anything you’ve left outside will be crying out for a good clean - some more than others. If you have a shed or covered space for your outdoor furniture to hide out in, they’ll probably just need some routine cleaning and maintenance to refresh them for the season, especially if they’ve been tucked in with furniture covers. 

However, if your furniture has been left to the elements, you might need to carry out some more intensive maintenance or repairs. Before you get started, take a good look at your wooden furniture. Check for any signs of damage such as cracks, splinters, or loose joints. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further deterioration and extend the lifespan of your furniture - we’ll explain how to carry out various repairs later in the guide.

Cleaning Your Reclaimed Wood Outdoor Furniture 

Start by gently brushing off any leaves, cobwebs or easily-removable dirt - we recommend using a soft dustpan brush. 

Once you’ve done this, you can clean your wooden outdoor furniture using soapy water to remove the dirt, grime, and mildew that may have accumulated over the winter months. Avoid using anything abrasive or containing strong chemicals (such as a wire brush or bleach), as this can strip the wood of its finish. We recommend using a specially formulated wood cleaner along with a soft cloth or sponge to clean the surface gently.

Rinse thoroughly with water and allow the furniture to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Restoring Your Reclaimed Wood Outdoor Furniture After Winter

If your outdoor wooden furniture has sustained damage in the form of rough spots, stains, or uneven surfaces, sanding can help to restore it. Use fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand away imperfections, working in the direction of the wood grain to avoid causing damage. Once you're satisfied with the results, wipe down the furniture with a clean, damp cloth to remove any dust residue.

Once your furniture has fully dried, the next step is to apply a protective finish - this will both protect your wooden furniture from summer storms and improve the aesthetics of the wood. We recommend starting with a tinted hard wax oil in one of the stains from the guide below.

Apply a layer of the tinted hard wax oil using a soft cloth and let it dry for 24 hours. It’s made of a blend of natural oils and waxes which provide a high level of durability for your outdoor furniture. The finish is water repellent and does not peel or flake, ensuring your furniture stays looking good for the entire season. We recommend you apply this every 6 months. 

Once the tinted hard wax oil layer has had enough time to fully dry, you can apply a polishing wax. Our polishing wax has been formulated to offer a white shade to the wood, providing a traditional ‘limed’ finish. It fills the open wood pores, offering a contrasting white tone and emphasising the grain across the surface. Apply with a soft cloth and allow to dry for 24 hours.

Regular Maintenance of Your Reclaimed Wood Outdoor Furniture

You’ve done all the hard work to get your outdoor wooden furniture ready for summer, so make sure you keep up with regular maintenance to keep it looking great. Here are some tips for ongoing care:

Keep it covered

When not in use, cover your wooden furniture with a waterproof tarp or furniture cover to protect it from rain, sun, and other environmental factors.

Clean regularly

Periodically clean your wooden furniture with a mild detergent and water to remove dirt and debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the wood.

Inspect for damage

Routinely inspect your wooden furniture for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Address any issues promptly to prevent further deterioration.

Reapply finish as needed

Over time, the protective finish on your wooden furniture may wear away. Keep an eye on the condition of the finish and reapply as needed to maintain optimal protection.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your outdoor wooden furniture remains in top condition throughout the summer season and beyond. With proper care and maintenance, your furniture will continue to provide comfort and enjoyment for years to come, allowing you to make the most of your outdoor living space.

Reclaimed Wood Cleaning & Maintenance Kits

Here at The Bespoke Carpentry Co., we want to make the upkeep of your outdoor garden furniture as easy and fuss-free as possible, which is why we’ve created a range of cleaning and maintenance kits for your reclaimed wood outdoor furniture.

• Polishing Kit – includes a tin of Fiddes Liming Wax, perfect for providing the perfect final touch to your bespoke outdoor furniture.
• Cleaning Kit – includes a bottle of Fiddes Wood Surface Cleaner, great for daily cleaning or maintenance of your outdoor wooden furniture.
• Polish & Clean Kit – includes a cleaning spray and polishing wax, so you can keep your outdoor furniture clean and looking fresh.
• Premium Care Kit – includes a cleaning spray, tinted hard wax oil and polishing wax – everything you’d need to keep your handmade wooden garden furniture looking brand new.
• Full Maintenance Kit – includes a tinted hard wax oil and polishing wax, providing you with everything you need to maintain your outdoor wooden furniture.
• Maintenance & Cleaning Kit – includes a cleaning spray and tinted hard wax oil, allowing you to clean and maintain your wooden garden furniture.

Outdoor Wooden Furniture at The Bespoke Carpentry Co.

If you’re yet to adorn your garden with bespoke handmade outdoor wooden furniture, then check out our range at The Bespoke Carpentry Co. today. Every piece of furniture from The Bespoke Carpentry Co. is handmade bespoke to your requirements.

Simply browse our selection of pre-designed garden furniture and customise your favourite piece to your requirements. Or alternatively, get in touch with our friendly and helpful team if you’re looking for a completely bespoke piece of outdoor wooden furniture.