Know Your Wood
Wood has two classifications: softwood and hardwood. Not surprisingly, softwood is softer and much less expensive than hardwood. It is often painted or treated, and maintenance usually involves keeping it clean and applying a fresh coat of paint or finish each season. Because it has the potential to last long, withstand the elements and resist insects and decay, hardwood can be a smart investment. Left alone, the natural color of hardwood garden furniture—like pieces made from shorea, teak, or ipe—will weather to a soft, silver grey. This process will take 6 to 12 months, depending on the climate in which you live and the amount of exposure to the elements. Those imperfections that are inherent features of the wood will become more pronounced over time, giving the garden furniture a rich, natural beauty. In humid, wet or subtropical climates that experience frequent rain, hardwood furniture may expand and contract—causing the grain to rise. This is a normal part of the weathering process for outdoor wood furniture. When you set up a new piece of shorea outdoor furniture, lightly spray it with water to remove any dust. Sometimes, all that is needed is a light seasonal cleaning. To do so, rinse the shorea furniture with a light spray from the hose. Dip a sponge or soft-bristle brush into a mixture of mild detergent and water. Scrub lightly and evenly. Rinse again, with clean water. Allow to dry completely. If you want to return your shorea to its original warm brown color, use a high-quality hardwood or teak oil each season to maintain and preserve its color. Before applying, test the oil on a small, inconspicuous area, rub it in with a soft cloth or paintbrush, allow to dry and see if you like the color and finish. If so, continue to apply oil, distributing it evenly with a cloth or soft-bristle brush. It may need some light sanding to get rid of stains before applying oil. If you have a power washer, use it on “light” to knock off the embedded dirt and oil residue. Or, use a hose nozzle with a strong spray to test this technique on a part of the furniture that doesn’t show. If this method blasts off the embedded dirt, apply a liquid dish soap and water mixture beforehand to loosen the dirt. After more hose blasting, the dining set should look better. Allow the wet furniture to dry overnight. When it’s no longer damp, take an ergonomic light-grade sandpaper tool to it, one section at a time. Follow this step with another quick spray with the hose to remove any sanding dust, and allow to dry overnight. The next day, apply teak oil with a soft cloth, rubbing in the direction of the wood grain. It will work into the wood, getting rid of that weathered look. Regular applications of hardwood oil help maintain its health and beauty.
