How to Clean and Oil Your Solid Wood Garden Furniture

How to Clean and Oil Your Solid Wood Garden Furniture

Why Oiling Your Garden Furniture Matters

Solid wood garden furniture is one of the most durable and beautiful choices you can make for your outdoor space — but like any natural material, it benefits from a little regular care. Left untreated, even high-quality hardwood can dry out, crack, or weather unevenly over time. The good news? Keeping it in great shape is straightforward and doesn't need to happen very often.

How Often Should You Oil?

For most solid wood garden furniture, oiling once or twice a year is plenty. The best times are:

  • Early spring — before the furniture goes back into regular use after winter.
  • Early autumn — to protect it before the colder, wetter months ahead.

If the wood starts to look pale, dry, or feels rough to the touch, that's a sign it's ready for another coat.

What You'll Need

  • A stiff brush or cloth for cleaning
  • Warm soapy water (washing-up liquid is fine)
  • A clean lint-free cloth or brush for applying oil
  • Good quality teak oil, Danish oil, or a hardwood-specific outdoor furniture oil
  • Fine sandpaper (120–180 grit) for any rough patches

Step-by-Step: Cleaning Your Furniture

  1. Brush away loose dirt and debris — use a stiff brush to remove leaves, dust, and any surface grime.
  2. Wash with warm soapy water — scrub the surface gently with a cloth or soft brush, then rinse with clean water. Avoid using a pressure washer as it can raise the grain and damage the wood fibres.
  3. Allow to dry fully — leave the furniture in a dry spot for at least 24–48 hours before oiling. Applying oil to damp wood seals in moisture and can cause issues later.
  4. Sand if needed — if there are any rough or splintered areas, give them a light sand with fine-grit sandpaper, then wipe away dust with a clean cloth.

Step-by-Step: Applying the Oil

  1. Apply oil generously — using a lint-free cloth or brush, work the oil into the wood in the direction of the grain. Don't rush — let it soak in properly.
  2. Leave to absorb — allow 20–30 minutes for the first coat to absorb, then wipe away any excess with a clean cloth. Pooled oil that isn't absorbed can become sticky.
  3. Apply a second coat — for the best result, especially on new or very dry furniture, apply a second coat after the first has dried (usually 2–4 hours).
  4. Leave to cure — avoid heavy use of the furniture for 24 hours while the oil cures fully.

A Few Things to Avoid

  • Don't use varnish or decking oil on furniture — these aren't designed for pieces that get handled regularly.
  • Avoid leaving oily cloths bunched up — spread them out flat to dry, as they can be a fire risk if scrunched together.
  • Don't oil in direct sunlight or on a very hot day — the oil dries too quickly before it can penetrate properly.

Shop Our Solid Wood Garden Furniture

All of our furniture is handcrafted from solid wood built to last. Browse our range below:

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