How to Maintain Outdoor Timber Furniture All Year Round
Tips to Clean, Seal, Oil, and Protect from Weather in New Zealand
Outdoor wood furniture means more than just a place to sit—it's a way to enhance your home's lifestyle. Whether you own a custom-made macrocarpa dining table or a rustic bench built from flitches, you need to shield it from New Zealand's changeable weather.
This guide will show you how to look after outdoor wood furniture in every season. From routine cleaning to proper sealing, oiling, and weather protection—these tips will help your furniture stay beautiful and strong for a long time.
Why Wood Furniture Needs Extra Care in New Zealand
New Zealand's climate can be tough on wood. Coastal salt air, high UV exposure, heavy rains, and even snow in the south can damage it. Wood that isn't treated can crack, fade, grow mold, or warp if you don't take care of it.
At Plankville, we make furniture to last. We use strong NZ timbers like macrocarpa and recycled hardwoods. But even the best wood needs good care to survive outdoors. If you look after it the right way, your outdoor pieces will get older without falling apart.
Step 1: How to Clean Outdoor Wood Properly
Grime, moss, mildew, and bird waste can erode wooden surfaces and retain moisture. Regular cleaning of your furniture helps to prevent rot and allows the wood to breathe .
Use a soft brush or sponge with mild soapy water. Stay away from harsh chemical cleaners or high-pressure water jets—they can harm the wood fibers. After cleaning, wash with fresh water and allow it to dry before you apply any oils or sealants.
To deep clean or restore grey weathered wood, think about using a natural wood cleaner or oxalic acid solution. Always stick to product instructions and test on a small area first.
Step 2: Sealing Wood to Guard Against Moisture
Applying sealant to outdoor furniture helps keep water out and makes warping or cracking less likely. This proves helpful if your furniture sits out in the rain or gets covered in morning dew.
Clear sealers made for outdoor use soak into the wood grain and create a barrier against moisture without changing the wood's color too much. Sealers that are somewhat see-through also guard against UV rays, which helps stop the sun from fading the wood.
When should you seal it? The best plan is to seal your wood once a year—in early summer when the wood is dry. Always make sure to clean and dry the furniture well before you put on the sealant.
Tip: Don't go overboard with sealing. Wood needs to breathe. Too many layers can lead to peeling or a sticky surface as time goes by.
Step 3: Oiling to Nourish and Enhance
Natural oils such as linseed, tung, or special outdoor timber oils work great to highlight wood grain and deepen its color. Oil keeps wood healthy and stops it from getting brittle or cracking in the sun.
How often should you oil outdoor timber furniture in NZ? For furniture out in the open, oil every 6–12 months. If your pieces stay under cover or you use them some months of the year once a year does the job.
To apply oil, use a cloth or brush. Let it soak for 15–30 minutes then wipe off what's left. Do this 1–2 more times if the wood seems dry.
Step 4: Weather Protection Through the Seasons
Even timber that's well-sealed and oiled needs extra protection:
In summer: Covers or shade help cut down UV exposure and stop the timber from drying out too .
In winter: When you can, keep furniture under cover or use breathable furniture covers to prevent constant exposure to moisture and stop mold from growing.
In coastal areas: Give your furniture a rinse every few months to get rid of salt buildup, which can wear away timber and fastenings.
Don't use plastic covers that trap moisture—go for weatherproof but breathable options to lower the chance of rot or mold.
Long-Term Maintenance Tips
Look over joints, bolts, and screws once a year. Wood grows and shrinks, so connections can loosen as time passes.
Smooth out any rough spots or splinters to stop injuries and get the surface ready for new sealant.
Put on fresh oil or sealant when you see signs—if the wood looks dry, pale, or doesn't keep water off anymore, it's time to act.
If you got your furniture from Plankville, we can give you advice on how to take care of it long-term, based on your wood type and finish.
Related reading:
A Bit of TLC Makes a Big Difference
Having timber outdoor furniture in New Zealand doesn't mean you need to spend all your time looking after it—but regular care has a big impact on preserving its natural beauty for years to come. When you clean, seal, and oil it each season, you protect your investment and ensure it stays as beautiful as the day it arrived.
At Plankville, we do more than just build custom furniture from local NZ timber—we want to help you take care of it. If you're not sure about the right care products or schedule for your specific timber, reach out to our team or check out our other helpful guides.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Macrocarpa kwila, teak, and eucalyptus stand out for their ability to last and fight off decay . We at Plankville often suggest macrocarpa. It works well in local weather and doesn't harm the environment.
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You don't have to. Timber furniture can stay outside all year if you seal it well and cover it with breathable materials. But if you can, it's best to store it under a roof when it rains a lot for a long time.
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You can use many decking oils, but check if they're safe for outdoor furniture. Look for options that resist UV rays and stop mold growth.
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To keep the timber's original color, oil it often and use sealers that protect against UV. If it's already grey, try a timber restorer or sand the surface before you oil it again.
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Seal it once a year, and oil it maybe every 6 months. This depends on the weather where you live and how much sun your furniture gets.
