URBAN OUTDOOR FURNITURE

I’d treat wooden urban outdoor furniture in a simple routine: clean, dry, sand, seal, and maintain. First, wash the wood with mild soap and water and a soft brush—city grime and pollen can hold moisture against the surface—then rinse and let it dry for at least 48 hours in dry weather. Don’t seal damp wood. Next, lightly sand rough spots and any small surface checks with 120–150 grit sandpaper, and wipe away dust. If the wood is bare or oiled, apply a penetrating outdoor wood oil or sealer in thin coats, working it into end grain, joints, and the feet especially well; end grain drinks water fastest. If it’s painted or stained, use a compatible exterior finish instead. Wipe off excess oil so it doesn’t stay tacky, and let each coat dry fully before adding another. After that, keep water from sitting on the furniture: slightly tilt tables or use covers that breathe rather than plastic, put plastic glides or small feet under legs so they’re not sitting in damp concrete, and avoid pressure washing. Reapply the finish every 6–12 months, or sooner when water stops beading on the surface. In winter or long rainy spells, store the furniture if you can, or cover it loosely with a breathable cover. If a crack is deep or structural, don’t just fill it—repair or replace that piece. Small surface checks are normal, but good sealing and moisture control keep them from getting worse.