Wooden garden furniture offers the perfect blend of beauty and durability but maintaining low moisture levels is essential for a long lifespan.
Excess moisture can cause warping, cracking and rotting, while timber’s porous nature makes it vulnerable to the humidity of the great outdoors.
At MG Timber, we take pride in crafting garden furniture from high-quality Swedish Redwood, a timber that naturally resists water absorption and ensures long-lasting performance.
In this article we’ll explore the effects of excess moisture on wooden garden furniture; the steps MG Timber takes to keep moisture levels low and essential timber preparation and maintenance tips to help protect your investment.
How does high moisture levels impact wooden garden furniture?
Wood naturally absorbs water from the surface, which overtime moves deeper into the wood’s cells.
This leads to several issues including:
1. Swelling and shrinking
- Timber expands when it absorbs moisture and shrinks as it dries.
- This can cause warping, twisting or splitting.
- Joints loosen, reducing the structural integrity of your garden chairs, tables and benches.
2. Rotting and decay
- Moist timber promotes fungal growth which overtimes rots the wood.
- Rot weakens the wood fibres, reducing the load bearing capacity.
- Furniture becomes unsafe for regular use.
3. Mould and mildew
- Damp conditions on the surface and inside the wood create an ideal environment for fungi.
- Mould discolours wood, accelerates finish degradation, and produces unpleasant odours.
4. Corrosion of metal fittings
- Moisture which gets trapped around the joints of outdoor furniture can corrode screws, bolts and brackets.
- Rust weakens the connections of the furniture, compromising safety along with staining the timber and shortening the hardware’s lifespan.
5. Finish degradation
- Varnish, paint or oils break down faster in high-moisture conditions.
- Exposed timber is vulnerable to water and UV damage.
- Without maintenance, finishes peel or crack, leaving your outdoor dining sets and furniture vulnerable to weathering.
How MG Timber keeps its garden furniture low moisture and long-lasting
At MG Timber we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality weather resistant garden furniture, here’s why our products combat moisture:
Made from high-quality seasoned wood
All our garden furniture is made from premium Swedish Redwood, which is naturally durable and less prone to excess water absorption.
Our timber is properly seasoned, air or kiln dried to reduce its moisture content to an optimal level.
This lower level of initial moisture means the wood is less likely to expand, warp or crack when exposed to outdoor humidity.
Controlled kiln drying
Under monitored conditions the timber is dried carefully to remove excess water from the wood while maintaining the wood’s structural integrity.
A uniformed level of moisture throughout the wood makes it more resistant to seasonal swelling and shrinking.
Protective finishes
Weather resistant oils and finishes repel water while still allowing the wood to breathe.
They create a protective barrier on the surface, reducing the absorption of rain and humidity without trapping moisture inside, which helps prevent rot, decay and other moisture related damage.
Precise construction
All our garden furniture is produced in house by our skilled woodworkers.
Each product is built with tight joints and is carefully assembled to minimise possible gaps where water could accumulate.
Essential maintenance tips to protect your wooden garden furniture from water damage
Proper care of your timber garden furniture, particularly in the winter months, is essential for preserving both its appearance and structural integrity, you should:
1. Keep furniture dry when possible
- Avoid standing water or areas prone to dampness.
- You should use breathable furniture covers for extra protection.
2. Store or elevate during wet season
- Move furniture indoors or to a sheltered location during rainy season.
- Elevate furniture to allow the water to drain and avoid pooling underneath.
3. Apply protective oils or finishes
- Annually treat your wooden furniture with water-repellent garden furniture oil.
- This maintains the moisture balance in the wood and prevents warping, cracking or discoloration.
4. Dry thoroughly after rain:
- After heavy downpours wipe down surfaces with a dry cloth.
5. Inspect for early signs:
- Regularly check for swelling, warping or minor splits and act quickly to restore these.
Why MG Timber Garden furniture is a long-term investment
At MG Timber we combine premium materials, expert craftsmanship and thoughtful design to ensure durability, longevity and low maintenance.
From picnic tables and benches to garden coffee tables and wooden outdoor dining sets, all our products are crafted with low moisture levels to ensure maximum durability and resistance to all the elements.
Our trusted, professional and friendly delivery drivers will transport your low moisture garden furniture straight to your door.
Contact us today with your pre-purchase questions and reconnect with the outdoors!