We’ve all been there — life gets hectic, and some of the smaller tasks around the house get put off, sometimes for months or even years. When you finally get around to preparing your backyard for the summer, you may notice your once-beautiful wooden outdoor furniture looking weathered and worn out. Now you’re wondering: Is it worth trying to restore it, or should you just buy a new set?
The first step is to inspect your furniture closely. Are there any loose panels or cracks that make it feel unstable? If the damage is extensive, you might want to consult a professional restorer. But if it’s just a few loose screws, don’t worry—tightening or replacing screws is an easy fix. If the structure is still solid, restoring your outdoor furniture could be a DIY job that just takes a bit of time and effort.
Start by giving the furniture a good wash. Use a specially formulated teak cleaner and a plastic scrub brush to clean the wood, making sure to rinse it thoroughly with water so the cleaner doesn’t dry on the surface. Let the wood dry in the sun for a day or two. Once it’s completely dry, sand the surface smooth with sandpaper. Finally, apply a generous coat of wood sealer with a rag and let it dry.
If your furniture has cushions, you’ll need to decide whether to keep or replace them. Check the fabric—if it’s faded or stained beyond repair, you might need to remove the fabric to see if the inner cushion material is still in good condition. If there’s mold, it’s best to toss the cushion and buy a new one. But if the cushion looks salvageable, you can recover it with new, weather-resistant fabric for a quick and affordable refresh. Even if you need to replace the cushion entirely, it’ll still be cheaper than buying all new furniture and will extend the life of your original pieces.
Quality wood outdoor furniture is a great investment, and with regular care, it will stay functional and attractive for years. If you’ve neglected it for a while, don’t worry—good-quality wood is durable and easy to restore. With a little effort, you can bring your furniture back to life and keep enjoying it for many more seasons.
