How to Care for Wooden Garden Furniture

Wooden garden furniture brings warmth, texture and a natural rhythm to outdoor spaces, making it a popular and enduring choice for outdoor living in the UK. Whether placed on a terrace, beneath trees, or as part of a dining setting, well-chosen wood softens hard landscaping and helps a garden feel lived-in and welcoming. In this guide, we share how to care for wooden garden furniture, including cleaning techniques, protection from weather and algae, and best practice for long-term outdoor use so you can enjoy the wooden pieces in your garden for many seasons to come.

Understanding your wooden garden furniture

Different timbers behave differently outdoors, and understanding the wood used in your furniture is the first step to caring for it well.

Common woods used in garden furniture include:

• Teak – Naturally dense and rich in oils, teak is highly durable and weathers gracefully to a soft silver-grey.

• Acacia – Hard-wearing and visually refined, acacia has a distinctive grain and benefits from occasional sealing to maintain its colour.

• Eucalyptus – Lightweight yet strong, eucalyptus is naturally resistant to moisture and well suited to outdoor use, developing a gentle patina over time.

Knowing the characteristics of your furniture’s timber helps you choose the right cleaning methods and protective treatments — ensuring care supports the wood, rather than working against it.

Interested in how to choose the right wood for garden furniture? Read our blog on the benefits of acacia vs eucalyptus. Click here to read more. 

Essential cleaning techniques for wooden garden furniture

Regular, gentle cleaning prevents the build-up of dirt, algae and surface grime.

1. Begin by brushing away loose debris with a soft brush or cloth.

2. Clean using warm water and a mild, non-abrasive soap.

3. Wipe with a soft sponge or cloth, following the grain of the wood.

4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

5. Dry immediately with a towel to avoid water marks.

By mild soap, we mean a small amount of gentle washing-up liquid or pH-neutral soap diluted in warm water — avoid bleach, degreasers or abrasive cleaners.

Avoid pressure washers or harsh chemicals, which can damage wood fibres and shorten the life of your furniture.

For heavier soiling, use a specialist outdoor wood cleaner — always testing on an inconspicuous area first.

After rainfall, wipe excess water from flat surfaces such as table tops and armrests to prevent prolonged moisture sitting on the wood.

Removing algae and mildew

In shaded or damp areas, algae and mildew can develop on wooden furniture, particularly during autumn and winter.

A simple, effective solution:

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.

• Apply to affected areas and leave for 10–15 minutes.

• Gently scrub with a soft brush.

• Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry fully.

To prevent regrowth, ensure furniture is positioned where air can circulate freely and water does not pool beneath legs or frames.

How to Clean Mixed-Material Wooden Garden Furniture

Many wooden garden furniture collections also incorporate rope weave and outdoor cushions. Caring for these materials alongside the wood ensures the entire piece continues to perform well outdoors.

Cleaning rope weave details

Rope weave is typically made from synthetic, UV-resistant fibres, which makes it durable but still in need of gentle care.

How to clean:

1. Brush away loose debris using a soft brush.

2. Mix warm water with a small amount of mild soap.

3. Using a soft brush or cloth, gently work the solution into the rope, following the weave.

4. For light algae, a diluted white vinegar and water solution (1:1) can be used sparingly.

5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

6. Allow to air dry completely before use.

Avoid abrasive brushes or pressure washers, which can loosen fibres or damage the weave’s structure.

Cleaning all-weather wicker details

All-weather wicker is designed to withstand outdoor conditions, using synthetic fibres that resist moisture and UV exposure. It's a very hard-wearing material for outdoor furniture and requires minimal maintenance making it ideal for people with busy lives. Regular, gentle cleaning helps maintain its colour, texture and structure. 

How to clean:

• Brush away loose dirt and debris using a soft brush.

• Mix warm water with a small amount of mild, non-abrasive soap.

• Clean gently with a soft cloth or brush, working into the weave.

• Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue.

• Allow to air dry fully before use.

Avoid pressure washers and abrasive cleaning tools, which can weaken fibres and loosen the weave over time.

To reduce algae build-up, ensure wicker furniture is positioned where air can circulate freely and moisture is not trapped beneath frames.

Cleaning metal furniture details

Metal elements are commonly used alongside wood, rope and wicker — from frames and legs to fixings and table bases. With simple care, these components will remain clean and corrosion-free.

Best practice:

• Wipe down metal surfaces regularly using warm water and mild soap.

• Use a soft cloth or sponge to remove dirt and surface marks.

• Rinse thoroughly and dry with a towel to prevent water spots.

For powder-coated aluminium or steel, avoid abrasive pads or chemical cleaners, which can damage the protective finish.

Extra care tip:
After heavy rain, check joins between metal and other materials. Drying these areas helps prevent trapped moisture and keeps fixings in good condition.

Removing algae from outdoor cushions

Most outdoor cushions are made from water-resistant, quick-dry fabrics, but algae can still develop if cushions are left damp or stored incorrectly.

Best practice:

• Remove cushion covers if they are designed to be taken off.

• Brush off surface debris before cleaning.

• Clean using warm water and mild soap, gently sponging the affected areas.

• For mildew spots, a diluted vinegar solution can be applied lightly, then rinsed thoroughly.

• Allow cushions to dry fully in a well-ventilated area, ideally in natural light.

Always check care labels before cleaning and avoid harsh chemicals or bleach unless explicitly recommended.

Interested in our tips on how to care for other garden pieces, from garden pots and water features, to metal garden furniture, visit our gardenware care guides by clicking here. 

Restoring and repairing wooden garden furniture

Over time, exposure to the elements may cause the surface of wood to appear dry or weathered. Restoration is often straightforward.

• Lightly sand using fine-grit sandpaper, following the grain.

• Check joints, fixings and slats for movement.

• Repair small cracks or imperfections with exterior-grade wood filler or glue.

Regular maintenance prevents the need for extensive restoration and keeps furniture structurally sound as well as visually appealing.

Minor repairs using exterior-grade wood filler or glue do not compromise the recyclability of wooden furniture in any meaningful way. In fact, repairing and maintaining pieces for longer use is one of the most sustainable choices you can make.

Protecting outdoor wood: Oils, sealants & best practice

Protective finishes help wooden garden furniture cope with changing weather, sun exposure and everyday outdoor use.

• Wood oils nourish the timber, enhance grain and help repel moisture. These are ideal if you prefer a natural, evolving finish.

• Sealants create a stronger barrier against water and UV exposure, helping to protect wood in more exposed garden settings. On acacia furniture, a sealant can be particularly beneficial if pieces are positioned in open, sunny areas, extending their lifespan while supporting long-term outdoor use.

As a general guide:

• Apply oils a few times a year, ideally in spring, summer and before any extreme weather spell.

• Adjust frequency depending on exposure, climate and wood type.

Whichever finish you choose, consistency is more important than product strength.

Seasonal care & storage

Adapting care throughout the year helps furniture age gracefully.

• Spring & summer: Clean regularly and apply protective oils in dry weather.

• Autumn: Remove fallen leaves and debris to prevent staining.

• Winter: Store furniture indoors where possible, or use breathable covers that allow air circulation.

Avoid tightly sealed plastic covers, which can trap moisture and encourage mould.

Sustainable care for long-lasting furniture

Caring for wooden furniture responsibly goes hand in hand with sustainability.

• Use biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning products.

• Choose oils and sealants with low environmental impact.

• Support furniture made from responsibly sourced or FSC-certified timber.

Well-maintained furniture lasts longer, reducing waste and the need for replacement — a more considered approach to outdoor living.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should wooden garden furniture be cleaned?
Every few weeks during the outdoor season, or more often if exposed to trees or damp conditions.

Should I oil my furniture every year?
Most woods benefit from annual oiling, though frequency depends on exposure and personal preference for ageing. Best practice is to always do a small test spot on a discreet part of the furniture first and to be sure to always follow the instructions on the product user manual.

What if the wood starts to crack?
Light sanding, followed by exterior wood filler and resealing, will prevent further damage.

When should the furniture be covered? 
Wood ages beautiful over time when left outside. However, if you want to maintain it's condition and slow down the wood aging, we recommend covering your wooden garden furniture whenever it is not in use — even during the summer months. It will help protect against strong sunlight, bird droppings, tree sap and sudden showers.

Caring for wood, season after season

Wooden garden furniture is designed to be lived with — to weather gently and grow more character over time. With regular care, thoughtful protection and seasonal attention, it remains both practical and beautiful.

A considered approach to maintenance ensures your furniture continues to support outdoor living — from everyday meals to long summer evenings — for years to come.