How Do You Prepare Wood for Outdoor Furniture?

In order to make outdoor furniture that will last for a long time, you need to properly prepare the wood. This involves sanding and staining the wood, as well as taking other precautions such as using a waterproof sealant to protect it from the elements. By properly preparing the wood for outdoor furniture, you can ensure that your piece will hold up for years to come.

Sanding

The first step in preparing wood for outdoor furniture is sanding. Sanding helps to remove any rough patches and give the wood a smooth finish. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper and work your way up to a finer grit paper until you have a smooth surface that is free from any splinters or other imperfections.

You may also want to use an orbital sander for larger pieces or for more intricate details.

Staining

Once you have finished sanding, you can begin staining the wood. Staining helps protect the wood from moisture and also adds color and texture if desired. When choosing a stain, make sure it is suitable for outdoor use. Applying the stain is relatively simple – just apply it in thin layers with a brush or cloth and let it dry completely before applying another layer.

Sealant

The final step in prepping your wood for outdoor furniture is applying a sealant. Sealants come in both water-based and oil-based varieties, and can help protect your furniture from moisture, mold, mildew, and UV rays from the sun. Be sure to read all instructions carefully before applying sealants as some may require multiple coats or additional drying time.

Conclusion

Preparing wood for outdoor furniture requires sanding, staining, and sealant application in order to ensure that your piece holds up over time. Taking these steps will help keep your piece looking great and protect it from the elements so that it lasts longer than untreated wood would.

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Samantha Mckinney