Caring for Your Garden Bench

Important tips

Refinishing

Refinishing a wooden garden bench is not as simple as you may think. There are many factors to think about.  Consider the weather where you live. If it's sunny all year, you'll be looking at a different plan from someone who has to store their bench somewhere in the cold winter.

Choose your look. Many people prefer the unfinished look, where wood ages to a silver or gray color. Others prefer to keep the 'like-new' look that finishing can bring. Exposure to the elements may change the surface color of unprotected woods but generally it does not affect the structural integrity of the wood. It's all a matter of preference.

Whatever you decide to do, whether refinishing or not, it is important to clean the bench at least once a year. Some new technologically advanced woods require no waterproofing, staining or other maintenance.

How to clean your garden bench

Pressure washers make cleaning wooden garden benches super easy. You can also choose to clean your bench with a soft brush and a good wood cleaner available at most hardware stores if you want to take care of everything by hand. Always rinse well and make sure the wood is dry before applying paint or finish to your wooden bench.

Bathing your bench in soap and water once a week is a good way to start your outdoor bench care program.  With a cloth and a pan of warm soapy water, you have everything you need. Follow with a rinse of clean, clear water so you don't have and film from the soap on your wooden garden bench and you'll have a great seat for years to come.

Spills should be wiped up as soon as possible so wood doesn't take any damage.  This is particularly important with carbonated liquids or anything else that may agitate paint or finish.  Applying soap and water and then rinsing will take care of almost anything you need to remove.

More information on garden benches