What Kind Of Oil Do You Use On Wooden Garden Furniture

Wooden garden furniture is a beautiful and durable addition to any outdoor space. However, to keep it looking its best and lasting for many years to come, it is important to protect the wood from the elements. One of the most effective ways to do this is to apply an oil finish. But what kind of oil should you use? There are many different types of oil finishes available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will discuss the different types of oil finishes and help you choose the best one for your wooden garden furniture.

Types of Oil Finishes

There are three main types of oil finishes: penetrating oils, drying oils, and film-forming oils.

Penetrating oils soak into the wood and provide protection from the inside out. They are typically made from natural oils, such as linseed oil or tung oil. Penetrating oils do not form a film on the surface of the wood, so they do not alter the appearance of the wood.

Drying oils also soak into the wood, but they eventually dry and form a hard film on the surface of the wood. Drying oils are typically made from vegetable oils, such as soybean oil or linseed oil. Drying oils can change the appearance of the wood, darkening it slightly.

Film-forming oils create a protective film on the surface of the wood. They are typically made from synthetic materials, such as polyurethane or varnish. Film-forming oils can provide excellent protection from the elements, but they can also alter the appearance of the wood, making it look more glossy.

Choosing the Right Oil Finish

When choosing an oil finish for your wooden garden furniture, there are several factors to consider:

The type of wood - Some types of wood are more absorbent than others, so they will require a different type of oil finish. For example, hardwoods like teak and mahogany are naturally resistant to rot and decay, so they can be finished with a penetrating oil. Softwoods like pine and cedar are more prone to rot and decay, so they will require a drying oil or film-forming oil.
The desired finish - Do you want a natural-looking finish or a more glossy finish? Penetrating oils will not alter the appearance of the wood, while drying oils and film-forming oils will darken the wood and make it more glossy.
The exposure to the elements - If your wooden garden furniture will be exposed to harsh weather conditions, you will need to choose an oil finish that can provide adequate protection. Film-forming oils offer the best protection from the elements, but they can also alter the appearance of the wood.
The maintenance requirements - Some oil finishes require more maintenance than others. Penetrating oils typically need to be reapplied every 1-2 years, while drying oils and film-forming oils can last for 3-5 years or more.

Conclusion

Choosing the right oil finish for your wooden garden furniture is important to protect the wood from the elements and keep it looking its best. By considering the type of wood, the desired finish, the exposure to the elements, and the maintenance requirements, you can choose an oil finish that will meet your needs.