How to treat hardwood garden furniture

To protect your wooden garden table effectively and maintain its condition, there are several solutions available. HG offers products such as the HG weathered wood restorer, which provides protection against sunlight, moisture and other weather influences. You may also see household methods mentioned, such as treating wood with a mixture of linseed oil and turpentine or using cold‑pressed linseed oil. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and re‑treating, is essential to prevent damage from extreme weather, insects and physical wear.

HG solutions for treating hardwood garden furniture

To protect your wooden garden table effectively, HG offers the following solutions:

• HG weathered wood restorer: If the table has become greyed or dull, this product restores the original finish in a single treatment. This saves you considerable time and effort compared to prolonged sanding.

For further advice, you can also consult the guide to cleaning wooden garden furniture on the HG website.

Solutions for treating and cleaning hardwood garden furniture

Household methods are often suggested for treating and cleaning your hardwood garden furniture, although they do not always deliver reliable results and may carry certain risks:

• Treat with a 50/50 mixture of linseed oil and turpentine to nourish the wood and provide temporary protection. Apply with a cloth and allow to dry for approximately 24 hours.
• Clean using equal parts white vinegar and water to remove surface mould, then rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely.
• Apply cold‑pressed linseed oil to nourish the wood and improve water resistance. Repeat every 3–4 months if required.
• Clean the wood with a solution of water and lemon juice. This can help remove stains and refresh the wood.

Whilst these methods may help, they are not always suitable for all wood types and may not provide long-term protection. It is always advisable to test your chosen method on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire piece of furniture.

Causes of neglected hardwood garden furniture

A wooden garden table can be affected by several damaging factors if it is not properly maintained:

• Weather exposure: Rain, frost and sunlight can cause warping, cracking and discolouration
• Moisture penetration: Leads to swelling, mould and rot
• Insect activity: Wood‑boring insects can weaken the structure
• Physical damage: Heavy objects or impacts can cause scratches and dents

To prevent damage, clean, dry and treat the wood regularly, and protect it from harsh conditions where possible. It is important to clean it regularly with a mild cleaning product, protect it against extreme weather conditions and treat it with a suitable oil or stain at least once a year. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy beautiful and well-maintained hardwood garden furniture for years to come.