Introduction
In this article, we will discuss the process of finishing outdoor cedar furniture using teak oil. If you’re a fan of DIY furniture projects, you may have seen Nathan Builds, a popular YouTube channel. Nathan has made various types of outdoor furniture using cedar two by fours and fence pickets. The use of different sizes of wood creates an appealing contrast, making it an ideal choice for his furniture projects. In this video, Nathan explains why he prefers to let the furniture sit for a while, allowing it to gray out and develop a beautiful patina before applying a finish. Now that some of his pieces have reached the desired aging effect, he’s excited to showcase the finishing process using teak oil.
The Importance of Letting the Furniture Gray Out
Before diving into the finishing process, Nathan explains the significance of letting the furniture sit and gray out. The aging process not only adds character and beauty to the pieces but also helps achieve the desired color palette. Cedar wood that hasn’t grayed out will have a much richer, brownish, reddish finish. However, Nathan prefers the grayed-out look, especially considering the color scheme in his backyard. Over time, the wood weathers naturally, creating a unique and appealing aesthetic.
Benefits of Using Teak Oil
Nathan chose teak oil as the finishing product for his outdoor cedar furniture for several reasons. Unlike polyurethane, teak oil allows for easy refinishing over time. With polyurethane, the old finish needs to be completely stripped off before applying a new one. However, teak oil can be reapplied without such extensive preparation. This convenience makes it a preferred choice for Nathan, as it saves time and effort when it comes to refinishing the furniture.
Additionally, teak oil provides a nice water repellent coating, preventing the wood from absorbing water after rain showers. This not only protects the furniture but also helps maintain its sturdiness over the years. Although cedar wood itself is relatively inexpensive, the right finishing can extend its lifespan and keep it looking good for a long time. Nathan believes his furniture could easily last 15 to 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
The Finishing Process
Now let’s dive into the step-by-step process of finishing outdoor cedar furniture with teak oil. Nathan walks us through each stage, highlighting the key points to ensure a successful finish.
Prepare the Surface: Begin by removing any excess dust and debris from the furniture. Use a broom or brush to sweep away loose particles. Lightly sand the surface to eliminate any burrs or rough spots that may catch on clothing.
Applying the First Coat: Teak oil is best applied in multiple coats. Start by applying a heavy first coat to ensure adequate saturation of the wood. If your furniture has crevices or is older and drier, it may require more oil to achieve thorough saturation. Allow the first coat to soak in for about 10 minutes.
Applying the Second Coat: After the first coat has had time to penetrate, apply a second coat to cover any dry spots and ensure complete saturation. This step helps create an even finish and enhances the durability and longevity of the wood.
Final Wipe Down: After allowing the second coat to sit for a short while, return and wipe down the furniture to remove any excess oil. This step helps achieve a smooth and polished look, while also removing any oil that hasn’t fully saturated the wood.
By following these steps, you can achieve a professional-looking finish on your outdoor cedar furniture, just like Nathan does in his projects.
The Results
Nathan showcases the finished furniture pieces in the video, highlighting the difference between the unfinished sofa and the three pieces he had previously applied the teak oil finish to. The transformation is remarkable, with the finished pieces boasting a beautiful patina and a rich, weathered appearance. Nathan expresses his satisfaction with the teak oil finish, noting that the chair he completed six months ago still looks brand new. One of the advantages of teak oil is the ability to add more oil later on to refresh and maintain the furniture’s appearance.
Conclusion
Finishing outdoor cedar furniture using teak oil is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance the appearance and longevity of the pieces. By allowing the wood to gray out naturally and applying teak oil, you can achieve a beautiful, weathered look that complements your outdoor space. Remember to follow the steps outlined in this article, including preparing the surface, applying multiple coats of teak oil, and wiping down the excess. With proper care and maintenance, your DIY outdoor cedar furniture can last for many years, providing both functionality and beauty to your outdoor living space.
