How To Restore Outdoor Timber Furniture

Outdoor timber furniture takes a beating in Australia. Between harsh sun, sudden downpours, and daily wear, it doesn’t take long for timber to lose its colour and look dry and weathered. Even if your furniture sits undercover, it’s still exposed to changing temperatures, salty air, moisture, pets, and the occasional spill or scratch from family life. But with a bit of TLC and the right approach, you can turn it around and keep it looking great for years to come.

Restoring outdoor furniture isn’t just about making it look good it’s about protecting it from further damage so it lasts for many more seasons. Here’s our top tips for your outdoor and garden furniture.

Step 1: Give It a Good Clean

Before you even think about oiling, start by cleaning your outdoor furniture thoroughly. For heavy build up and cobwebs or bird droppings, give it a quick wash using a soft brush and mild detergent. This will remove loose grime and dust, making the next step more effective.

Once the surface is free from general build-up, we recommend using a timber cleaner, such as Deck Doc Timber Cleaner, to properly prepare the wood. A quality cleaner will remove sun-bleached discolouration, stains, grease, and dirt while also killing mildew and algae. It neutralises previous cleaners and waxes, helping the timber absorb oil evenly and giving you a cleaner, longer-lasting finish.

You can sand your furniture instead which can help smooth out rough areas but this is time consuming especially with small grooves and fiddly areas.

Tip: Always allow the timber to dry fully before oiling to make sure it can penetrate properly.

Step 2: Check for Damage

Outdoor timber often develops small cracks, loose joints, or surface splinters over time especially after a few wet and dry seasons.

Once clean, tighten any screws or bolts that have worked loose, and replace rusty or corroded fittings. For small cracks, use a suitable exterior timber filler and sand it smooth once it’s dry. If you spot larger structural damage, it’s best to repair or replace those sections before moving on.

Tip: Don’t skip this step. A quick repair now saves you time later.

Step 3: Choose the Right Oil

This is where the magic happens. A quality timber oil will not only revive the colour of your furniture but also protect it from Australia’s unpredictable weather.

Lanolin-based oils, like those used in Deck Doc’s furniture range, are especially good for outdoor settings. Lanolin is a natural wax derived from sheep’s wool, known for its water repellence and conditioning properties. When used on timber, it penetrates deeply to seal in natural oils and tannins, providing protection against moisture, UV rays, fungi, and mould - without creating a hard coating that can peel or crack.

It’s also non-toxic, solvent-free, and safe around pets, plants, and kids - perfect for backyard furniture.

There are plenty of products on the market, and it can feel a bit overwhelming. If you’re unsure where to start, your local hardware store or supplier can point you in the right direction.

Step 4: Apply the Oil

Once your furniture is clean, dry, and prepped, it’s time to oil.

Always stir the oil well before use (but make sure to follow manufacturer's instructions. Then using a brush, roller, or cloth, apply a light, even coat with and against the grain. Allow it to penetrate, then wipe off any excess with a clean cloth. If the timber is very dry or weathered, apply a second coat once the first has dried (usually within 24 hours). 1 litre of oil generally covers 10–15 square metres, depending on how thirsty the timber is and which oil you use.

The End Result

A little time and care goes a long way. Restoring your outdoor timber furniture not only brings back its natural warmth and beauty but also helps it withstand Australia’s tough outdoor conditions for years to come.

👉 Key Takeaway: With a proper clean and a natural lanolin-based oil, your outdoor furniture can look refreshed, nourished, and protected season after season - without the need for harsh chemicals or synthetic coatings.