A great wooden patio furniture set can look nice in any backyard or garden.  However, unlike plastic furniture, wood outdoor furniture requires some added care and maintenance in order to get years of enjoyment from it.  Don’t fear though, because the work is not difficult and only requires some of your time.

Perhaps the most critical item that you need to know is that in order for wood patio furniture to last a long time, it needs to be sealed to protect it from rain, snow and the sun.  By sealing the wood you allow water to bead off of the furniture such that water can’t penetrate and damage it.  Sealing the wood will also help to preserve it over the long summer months when the sun is beating down on it.  You can find a good wood sealant at your local hardware store.  Be specific and tell them the type of wood that you’re treating as there are different types of treatments based on wood types.

Once you’ve sealed your wood patio furniture, the only work left for you is maintenance.  With each new patio season you’ll want to inspect every furniture piece and look for any damage or corrosion to the wood.   Any damaged piece should be treated immediately.  To fix, simply use a piece of sand paper and smooth the damaged area down.  Next, apply your sealant to cover up the damaged area so that its sealed again.  In the off-season, it’s also a good idea to store your wood patio furniture in a cool dry place and away from the elements.  When you bring out your furniture again in the Spring, inspect it for any damaged areas and repair as required.

I’m sure you’ll agree that with a little work and the right maintenance, a properly cared for wood  furniture set will provide you with years of enjoyment.