How to treat outdoor timber furniture in preparation for winter?

mark_cycling00

Hi,

I have a large outdoor garden table and chairs. It looks like it's Pine and "pressure treated" for outside use. 

I don't have enough room in garage to store it all. Is there a treatment I can apply to stop it deteriorating over the winter period? Seems to be a lot of options and I can't work out which is suitable

Many thanks

shiraz99

Is this the first winter you've owned it? Have you got a cover?

Are you sure it's pine?

mark_cycling00

thanks for replying

Done a little more research.
Similar products from supplier are stated as Scandinavian redwood. (I used to buy this in preference to Pine as it had fewer knots but believe it is quite similar) and an oil-based preservative

The furniture was outside last year over winter. don't have a cover

Eldi_Dos

I have found Screwfix's no nonsense Danish Oil alright for this.

lisyloo

I’ve had problems with large covers.
they make a sail in the wind unless the area is sheltered.
in snow/rain, puddles form in dips or flat areas and then the wind rips them.

if it’s pressure treated then won’t it survive ok?

Apodemus

I'd second the suggestion of Danish oil.  Most of the DIY places will have it at varying price-points, so scan the shelves to find the best deal and don't be swayed by fancy names. 

Personally, though, I tend to brush everything in Linsed oil before winter, then cover it if possible.  Danish oil dries quicker than linseed oil (but both are slower at low temperatures), so if you need to keep on using the table after treatment, then either go Danish, or dilute the linseed oil with turps substitute or a spirit.  Either way, it will need a day or two before use.

shiraz99

lisyloo said:

I’ve had problems with large covers.
they make a sail in the wind unless the area is sheltered.
in snow/rain, puddles form in dips or flat areas and then the wind rips them.

if it’s pressure treated then won’t it survive ok?

That's what bungee cords are good for.

mark_cycling00

Many thanks. Sounds like I should treat with Danish oil or Linseed oil (boiled or raw??)

I could buy or make a cover too, would need to be fairly attractive and not too dark as we will have to look out on it all over winter from two rooms. Area is reasonably sheltered

EssexExile

Covers flap about in the wind no matter how many bungee cords or bricks you employ to hold them down. Our furniture lasts well in the open with an oiling every few years, but I suppose it depends on the quality of the furniture.

Eldi_Dos

If you are going to be looking out on table make a feature of it, a bouquet of holly and conifer cuttings with some acorns, that type of thing ,make it kind of seasonal.

Lorian

Make sure you oil the bottom of the legs to stop water supping up into the wood. Also good to put two of the legs on blocks during winter so top of table drains more easily