Wooden garden furniture is a beautiful addition to any garden, but to keep it looking good, proper care is essential. By applying the right treatment, you not only extend the lifespan of your furniture, but they will also continue to look radiant. But what is the best choice: staining, oiling or varnishing? In this blog we explain the differences and help you make the best choice for your garden set!
Staining: Protection with character
Advantages
- Penetrates deeply into the wood.
- Protects against moisture, UV radiation and mould.
- Available in transparent and opaque variants.
Disadvantages
- Must be reapplied every few years.
When to choose stain?
Stain is ideal if you want to retain the natural wood grain, but are looking for good protection. It is especially suitable for softwoods such as pine and spruce.
Oiling: Maintaining a natural appearance
Advantages
- Nourishes the wood from within.
- Preserves the natural colour and grain.
- Easy to touch up without sanding.
Disadvantages
- Less protective against UV radiation.
- More frequent maintenance required (1 to 2 times per year).
When to choose oil?
If you love a natural, matt finish and a softer texture, oil is a perfect choice. It is especially popular for hardwoods such as teak and oak.
Varnishing: Shine and strong protection
Advantages
- Forms a hard protective layer against moisture and dirt.
- Available in matt, satin and high gloss.
- Long-lasting protection (usually 3-5 years).
Disadvantages
- More difficult to touch up; often sanding is required.
- Can start to peel due to weather conditions.
When to choose varnish?
Varnishing is ideal if you want a sleek, glossy finish and want to protect your garden furniture well against harsh weather conditions.
Which wood types do you use stain, oil or varnish for?
The choice between staining, oiling or varnishing depends not only on how you want your garden furniture to look, but also on the type of wood it is made from. Different wood types have specific properties and require a different approach for optimal protection and appearance. In this blog we discuss the best treatment for each wood type!
Curious which wood is best for a garden table? Then read this article!
Hardwood (e.g. teak, oak, bankirai, iroko)
Hardwood is durable and naturally contains oils that protect it against moisture. However, hardwood also requires maintenance to keep it looking good.
Recommended treatment: Oil
- Why? Oil nourishes the wood from within and preserves the natural colour and grain. For example, teak oil is perfect for teak wood and prevents greying.
- How often? Apply 1 to 2 times per year for best results.
Can also: Staining
- Why? For hardwood, a transparent stain can help counteract UV radiation and retain the colour longer.
- Note: Use a stain specifically designed for hardwood, as ordinary stain often does not adhere well.
Varnishing? Better not!
- Hardwood works strongly under the influence of moisture and temperature. Varnish can therefore quickly crack or peel.
Softwood (e.g. pine, spruce, larch)
Softwood is affordable and popular for garden furniture, but it is more susceptible to moisture and mould.
Recommended treatment: Staining
- Why? Stain penetrates deeply into the wood and provides good protection against moisture and UV radiation. Transparent stain shows the grain, whilst opaque stain gives the wood a fresh colour.
- How often? Touch up every 2 to 3 years.
Can also: Varnishing
- Why? Varnish forms a hard protective layer and is a good choice if you want a smooth and glossy finish.
- Note: Sanding and applying multiple coats is necessary.
Oil? Not ideal.
- Softwood has an open structure and absorbs oil too quickly, meaning it remains protected for less time.
Bamboo and acacia wood
These wood types are naturally resistant to moisture and have a beautiful, warm appearance.
Recommended treatment: Oil
- Why? Oil prevents the wood from drying out and preserves the natural colour. Especially with bamboo, oil prevents splitting.
- How often? At least 1 time per year.
Staining or varnishing?
- Staining: Possible, but then choose a thin, transparent stain.
- Varnishing: Better not, because this can peel due to the dense structure of these wood types.
Impregnated wood
Often used for fencing and affordable garden furniture. Due to the impregnation layer, it is more resistant to moisture and mould.
Recommended treatment: Staining
- Why? Over time, the impregnation layer loses its effectiveness. Stain provides protection and can disguise the green tint of impregnated wood.
- How often? Every 2 to 3 years.
Oil or varnish?
- Oil: Not necessary, it penetrates poorly through the impregnation layer.
- Varnish: Possible, but does not always adhere well to impregnated wood.
Summary: Which treatment for which wood
- Hardwood: Oil > Stain > Varnish.
- Softwood: Stain > Varnish > Oil.
- Bamboo & Acacia: Oil > Stain > Varnish.
- Impregnated wood: Stain > Varnish > Oil.
Hopefully this helps you make the right choice for your garden furniture! Do you have any questions or need advice? Feel free to visit Boender Outdoor Garden Furniture or check out our range online.
Conclusion: Which treatment do you choose?
The choice between stain, oil or varnish mainly depends on your preference for appearance and ease of maintenance. Do you want a natural look with regular care? Then choose oil. Prefer a protective layer that keeps the wood grain visible? Go for stain. For smooth, long-lasting protection, varnish is the best option.
Whatever you choose, with the right care you can enjoy your wooden garden furniture for years to come!
Also read: Popular wood types for garden furniture and Cleaning a wooden garden table: Here's how
