How to restore weathered wood furniture

In the world of luxury outdoor living, few things rival the timeless elegance of luxury patio furniture. Whether it's the warm glow of teak, the rich hues of mahogany, or the intricate weave of rattan sofa sets, these pieces are more than just functional items – they're investments in your lifestyle and home's aesthetic. 

But even the finest hardwoods aren't immune to time and weather. This guide will walk you through how to restore weathered wood furniture, to keep your outdoor living space looking like the haven it should be. 

Common outdoor wooden furniture materials

Before we delve into restoration techniques, let's look into the different materials that make luxury outdoor furniture so special:

1. Teak: Known for its high oil content, teak is naturally resistant to rot, insects, and weather. It develops a beautiful silver-grey patina over time.
2. Mahogany: Prized for its rich, reddish-brown colour and excellent weather resistance, mahogany exudes luxury and warmth.
3. Ipe: Also known as Brazilian Walnut, Ipe is incredibly dense and durable, perfect for withstanding harsh outdoor conditions.
4. Eucalyptus: A sustainable hardwood with natural oils that make it resistant to decay and insects.
5. Rattan: Though not a hardwood, rattan deserves mention for its popularity in luxury outdoor furniture. It's lightweight, durable, and offers a distinct tropical aesthetic. PE rattan - what we supply - is also known as synthetic resin, resin wicker, or polyrattan, and is often chosen due to its durability and finish compared to natural rattan.

Signs your outdoor wooden furniture needs restoring

How do you know when it’s time to give your outdoor wooden pieces some TLC? Look out for these signs:

• Colour fading: Has your rich mahogany table turned a lacklustre grey?
• Rough texture: Does the once-smooth surface feel grainy or splintery?
• Cracks or splits: Are there visible fissures in the wood?
• Loose joints: Do chair legs wobble when they shouldn't?
• Mould or mildew: Can you spot any fuzzy patches, especially in crevices?
• Stains: Are your wooden outdoor pieces looking a little dirty?
• Rot: Are damp areas causing parts (or all) of your furniture to rot away?
• Creaks and squeaks: Does the slightest weight applied cause significant creaks?
• Weathered upholstery: Does the cushioning look and feel pretty awful?
• Outdated style: Is it just all looking a bit drab?

If you've noticed any of these signs, it's time to roll up your sleeves (or call in the professionals) for some restoration work!

6 tips for restoring weathered wood furniture

1. Sand your wood before refinishing

Sanding is often the first step in breathing new life into weathered wood. It removes the damaged outer layer, smooths out imperfections, and prepares the surface for treatment such as adding polish, lacquer, primer and paint.

Pro Tip: Always sand in the direction of the wood grain. Start with a coarser grit (around 80) and progressively move to finer grits (up to 220) for a smooth finish. If you’re able to, hire a professional or an orbit sander to make quick work of this!

2. Stain your wood

Staining can restore colour to faded wood or change its appearance entirely. For luxury outdoor furniture, consider using high-quality, weather-resistant stains that enhance the wood's natural grain - and opt for a staining colour that goes with your existing decor.

3. Seal your wood

Wood sealant comes in various shades and brands - but its main purpose is to provide extra protection against the elements (such as UV protection) - which is certainly needed in unpredictable British weather! We highly recommend an oil-based polyurethane sealer as they’re favoured for their durability, making them ideal for high-traffic surfaces that frequently encounter moisture and wear.

4. Try oiling your wooden furniture

Using wood oils helps make wooden furniture look clean and fresh. These oils are great at getting rid of tough build-ups of wax, dirt, or silicone, which matters when you use polishing products. This process doesn't just clean off all the gunk, it also keeps wood furniture looking fresh. 

Besides cleaning, they protect the wood and create a layer that repels water, which helps prevent damage. They also bring out the wood's natural grain giving it a nice look that's more satin or shiny than glossy. This whole approach doesn't just clean the wood - it makes it healthier and better-looking overall.

Pro tip: Apply oil with a soft cloth, working it into the grain. Wipe off excess after 15 minutes to prevent a sticky surface.

5. Dry brush the furniture

While outdoor furniture can handle all kinds of weather year-round, it can be particularly tough if conditions are always wet, damp, or hot. Mould and mildew might start growing on the wood, which isn’t ideal.

To keep your outdoor furniture in good shape and stop these problems, you need to use a dry brush often (we recommend this as part of your routine garden maintenance). Dry brushing might not clean off everything, but it does a good job of removing these growths and other bits of dirt. It also smooths out the wood and gets it ready for more cleaning. Plus, dry brushing helps highlight the wood’s natural grain!

6. Change out your soft furnishing

Whilst this doesn’t fix the wooden furniture itself, it can marginally improve the overall appearance of your outdoor wooden furniture set-up.

Choosing Sunbrella® fabric for your garden furniture is an excellent way to blend the comfort and style of your indoor living spaces with the outdoors. Crafted from 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabric, it’s known for its durability and resistance to water, fading, mildew, and stains. This makes it ideal for withstanding adverse weather conditions while maintaining its appearance and functionality. Plus, it includes quick-dry foam inserts that allow your furniture to be ready for use just one hour after rain, ensuring minimal downtime.

How do you make old weathered wood look new again?

Start by cleaning the wood thoroughly to get rid of dirt, grime, and old stains. You can use a wood cleaner or a mix of warm water and mild soap. Apply it with a brush or sponge to reach the wood's grooves and textures. After cleaning, let the wood dry completely. Then, use a wood reviver according to the instructions on the label. This helps restore the wood's natural colour and prepares it for finishing. Once the wood is dry from the brightening, choose a finishing product. 

For outdoor wood, a semi-transparent stain or a water-repellent finish is ideal for protection and enhancing its look. Apply it evenly for the best outcome. With some time and care, weathered wood can look like new again.

Can you bring weathered wood back to life?

Absolutely. The process usually includes cleaning, brightening, and sealing or staining the wood to protect it from the elements. Cleaning removes the grey, old layer on top, showing the healthier wood underneath. After cleaning, a wood brightener is used to balance the pH and bring back the wood's natural colour, getting it ready for a protective finish. 

In order to keep your outdoor wooden furniture’s newly restored look, we’d recommend using winter covers to protect your garden furniture when it’s not in use during the colder months. This ensures they’re as protected from the elements as can be, so when you get back around to summertime, your furniture still looks pristine!

How do you restore weathered wood furniture without sanding?

To restore weathered wood furniture without sanding, use a gentle approach that revives the existing finish of the wood instead of removing its layers. 

Start by dry brushing the wood and then cleaning the furniture with a wood-safe cleaner to eliminate dirt and any flaking finishes. After it’s clean and dry, you can apply a wood restorer or reviver, which helps fill in minor scratches and enhances the wood's natural colour. These products are easy to use; just apply them with a cloth with the grain of the wood.