Outdoor wood furniture warms up a space, but it takes a beating… from the sun beating down on it to getting wet and drying out continually or maybe even snow where you live.

So much lighter and more gray than when they were new.

In this post, I am going to walk you through how I maintain my outdoor wood furniture.

This post IS sponsored by Cabot. All opinions are my own. This post DOES contain affiliate links. See DISCLOSURES page for more information on affiliate programs.

If you have been following me for a while you might have seen these chairs before… they are my one-board campfire chairs. I made them over three years ago and they have since sat out in the AZ sun, rain and everything in between.

And even though they are in good shape, they could use some sprucing up so that they can last for many more years to come. So, let’s get started.

Get build plans to make yourself some One-Board Campfire Chairs!

Step 1

First step in any outdoor refinishing project is to thoroughly clean each piece. I am cleaning mine with Cabot Wood Cleaner. This is going to help remove dirt, mold and mildew stains and prep the surface for new finish.

You simply brush or spray it on, let it sit and then hose it off.

This is concentrate so you simply mix with water and spray or brush on.

Application was easy… and I mixed way too much of the cleaning solution. A little goes a long way!

You can already tell they are looking better!

Step 2

When I originally built and finished these chairs, I burnt them or shou-sugi-banned them and then applied a penetrating oil finish on them.

I really like shou-sugi-banning wood that will be outside because it naturally helps preserve the wood. It also makes it fire retardant and resists insects, rot and decay.

So, after these chairs were cleaned I went ahead and touched them up with a torch to give them a darker charred color and added protection.

Fire!!! Extra protection and to darker them back up.

Step 3

The the last step in maintaining your outdoor wood furniture is to apply a penetrating oil. I am using Cabot’s Timber Oil in the color natural.

I love oil for outdoor furniture because it goes on easily with one coat and with its super fine pigments it will never peel and will resist brush marks.

It also offers UV protection and creates a mold and mildew resistant finish.

Plus, it locks in the char from the shop-sugi-ban so that you don’t get black char all over your clothes.