oiling outdoor furniture

Oiling outdoor furniture is basically sunscreen for timber—skip it and your chairs will age like a lobster at Bondi.

Give everything a wash, let it dry, then a light sand with 180–240 grit to knock back the fuzz and old finish.

Use a quality exterior oil (teak, decking, or a UV‑stabilised linseed blend), and wipe/brush on thin coats with the grain; wait 15–30 minutes and wipe off any excess.

Two coats is usually plenty; let each cure per the tin (often 12–24 hours) and avoid slapping it on under blazing midday sun unless you like sticky patchwork.

Plan on a refresh every 6–12 months in Aussie conditions—more often for full-sun spots, less for covered patios.

Pro tip: test on a hidden area first, mind the slip factor on seats and armrests, and keep oil-soaked rags in water or a sealed tin to prevent spontaneous combustion—yes, really.