Caring For Your Outdoor Wood Table
Thursday, October 6th, 2011When you have invested in an outdoor wood table, you need to know how to look after it. It is a good idea to get into the habit of cleaning it on a regular basis. A simple vacuum and a wipe with a damp cloth will work wonders.
Wooden outdoor furniture needs to be refinished on an annual or bi-annual basis in order to retain its beauty. This is a relatively simple job and certainly not something you should be afraid of. You can ask your local craftsman for a quotation or you can follow these tips and do it yourself.
The first step is to sand down your outdoor wood table. The surface needs to be smooth before you apply either the oil, water or gel based stain. Once you have sanded the entire piece go over it with the vacuum to get rid of any dust as it will only destroy the finish. Once that is done you will need to decide what type of stain you want to go with.
Oil based stains look great and can be used to turn the wood a darker color if you want a change. Water based stains are safer for the environment but can be a pain to use. They can cause the grain of the wood to rise which is best avoided. If you have never done any DIY work before you may prefer to use a gel based stain. These are more expensive but people find them easier to use and they give a great finish.
Regardless of which stain you use, always read the instructions and prepare properly in advance. Clean up any spills or excess drips before they dry. Use a cloth to apply the stains and take it easy letting each application dry thoroughly before you apply the next one to your outdoor wood table.
Need help finding the right outdoor dining furniture? Join us on the web at: http://www.outdoorfurnituretables.com/outdoor-picnic-tables-11/
