Maintenance and conservation of an outdoor bench

Continuous use, as well as rain, sun and other climatic phenomena have their impact on outdoor furniture , slowly eroding its strength and structure. However, there are ways to slow down the passage of time and the effects of the weather.

In some benches , it is the slats that form the seat and backrest area that can be weakened or damaged. If you have to replace a broken strip, you must measure the length that will be needed and replace it with another of the same size. Once the old slat has been carefully removed, the new one must be put in place and securely fixed in position.

But, as avoiding damage is always better than repairing, at Bryconsejos we show you how to protect a garden bench by making sure it is clean, varnished and treated regularly, as well as protected from the worst weather conditions.

A treated wood bench for outdoor use is ideal for any garden . The cleaner it is kept, the less likely it is to be damaged and eroded. But if it is to be varnished or treated, the dirt should be cleaned from the surface with a brush and hot water with diluted soap. Then it should be rinsed with clean water and allowed to dry in the sun for a few hours.

Although some people paint garden benches, they usually want to enjoy the look and feel of wood. Varnishing allows the unique characteristics of the grain to be highlighted .

Step 1 - Remove the old varnish

- Remove old varnish or paint with a stripper or a heat gun

- Leave the product for 20 minutes and then remove with a scraper or spatula

- Let it dry naturally for several days

Step 2 - Sand

- Once the bench is completely dry, sand it lightly with medium or fine grit sandpaper.

Discover our sandpaper here.

- Clean the dust from the bench just sanded with a damp cloth and let it dry again

Step 3 - Varnish

- Apply a high quality outdoor varnish with a natural bristle brush. The new varnish will create a flexible protective layer that will contribute to the durability and beauty of the bench.

Discover our wood protection products here.

Another way to give the bank a better chance of surviving year after year is by investing in a waterproof protective cover . Easy to use, they are put on at the beginning of autumn and removed in good weather. It can also be placed if there is an inclement weather forecast, such as a summer storm.