Timber care & maintenance

Timber Furniture Care & Maintenance

Practical advice to help you care for your picnic table, outdoor dining table or custom timber furniture.

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Quick Maintenance Guide

Oiled timber Approx. every 3 months
Painted or stained Approx. every 6 months
Bolt check During the first 12 months

Maintenance frequency varies depending on exposure to sun, rain and daily use.

Built From Natural Timber

Simple care helps your furniture last

We have put together these practical care and maintenance tips to help you look after your timber furniture, whether you have one of our picnic tables, outdoor dining tables or a custom-built piece.

Timber is a natural material, so minor movement, colour change and weathering can occur over time. Regular maintenance will help preserve both the appearance and protection of your furniture.

A picnic table with attached benches made of reddish-brown wooden slats and a black wooden frame, set on a green grass lawn. Handmade by JJ Timber Design

General Care & Maintenance

Choose the guide for your finish

Premium hardwood picnic table overlooking a scenic outdoor landscape.

Natural Finish

Oiled Timber Tables

  • Reapply oil approximately every 3 months, or whenever the finish appears dull or patchy.
  • If the surface feels rough, lightly sand with 120-grit sandpaper before reapplying oil.
  • Tables placed in full sun or exposed weather may require more frequent maintenance.
Helpful tip: Do not wait until the timber looks dry or faded. Re-oiling early provides better ongoing protection.

Surface Coating

Stained or Painted Tables

  • Water-based finishes sit on the timber surface rather than penetrating deeply.
  • Lightly sand using 120-grit sandpaper before repainting or re-staining.
  • Refresh the finish approximately every 6 months, or as required.
  • Maintenance frequency depends on placement, exposure and use.
Helpful tip: Check high-wear areas, edges and end grain regularly, as these may show wear first.

Uncoated Timber

Raw Timber Tables

  • Without UV protection, raw timber will naturally grey over time.
  • Minor weathering, colour variation and surface changes are expected.
  • This ageing process is natural and does not necessarily indicate a structural issue.
Helpful tip: Apply a suitable exterior coating if you wish to slow greying and make routine cleaning easier.

Natural Timber Behaviour

What to expect as your table settles

01

Timber Movement & Settling

Timber naturally shrinks and swells with changes in temperature and humidity. You may notice small surface cracks, commonly called checking. This is normal and usually stabilises as the timber adjusts to its new environment.

During the first 12 months, your table may also require a bolt retighten. Use a 17mm socket and ratchet as needed.

02

Tannin & Oil Leeching

Some hardwoods may release natural tannins and oils, especially during the first few weeks or after heavy rain. This may stain nearby tiles, concrete or pavers.

  • Oxalic Acid may help remove tannin staining.
  • Follow the product manufacturer's instructions carefully.
  • Always consult your tile, concrete or paving supplier before using any cleaning product.

Cleaning Guide

Clean gently and protect the finish

Oiled Timber

Do

  • Use a soft cloth lightly dampened with clean water.
  • Wipe the timber dry immediately.
  • For stubborn marks, lightly sand with 120–180 grit sandpaper and reapply oil.

Avoid

  • Wet wipes or household sprays.
  • Windex, bleach and multi-surface cleaners.
  • Harsh or chemical-based cleaning products.

Stained or Painted Timber

Do

  • Use a mild soap and water solution.
  • Clean with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge.
  • Dry the surface after cleaning.

Avoid

  • Abrasive scourers and stiff brushes.
  • Harsh chemicals that may soften or discolour the coating.
  • Allowing water to pool on the surface.

Raw Timber

Do

  • Wipe spills away as soon as possible.
  • Use a lightly damp cloth for food, drink or oil marks.
  • Dry thoroughly after wiping.

Avoid

  • Leaving wet items or spills on the timber.
  • Heavy soaking or pressure washing.
  • Strong cleaning products that may cause uneven colouring.

Planning to Paint?

Prepare the timber properly

Correct preparation helps improve adhesion, reduce staining and create a longer-lasting finish.

01

Let the timber breathe

Allow the timber to weather for approximately 12 weeks so it can settle and lose excess moisture. Painting earlier is possible, but may increase the chance of staining or finish issues.

02

Sand before coating

Lightly sand all areas using 120-grit sandpaper. Remove all dust before applying primer, stain or paint.

03

Prime and finish

Use products suitable for exterior timber and follow the coating manufacturer's preparation and application instructions.

At-a-Glance Schedule

Recommended maintenance timing

Finish or task Recommended timing What to check
Oiled timber Approximately every 3 months Dullness, patchiness, dryness or rough areas
Painted or stained timber Approximately every 6 months Peeling, fading, exposed timber and worn edges
Raw timber Inspect regularly Staining, moisture retention and surface weathering
Bolts and fixings During the first 12 months, then periodically Movement, looseness and general stability

Common Questions

Timber care FAQs

Why is my timber developing small cracks?
Small cracks, known as checking, can occur as natural timber expands and contracts. This is common and usually settles as the timber adjusts to its environment.
Why is my raw timber turning grey?
Timber exposed to UV and weather naturally develops a silver-grey appearance. This is a normal ageing process. Applying a suitable exterior coating may help slow the change.
How often should I tighten the bolts?
Check the bolts during the first 12 months and tighten them if required using a 17mm socket and ratchet. Continue to inspect fixings periodically after that.
Can I pressure wash my timber table?
We do not recommend pressure washing. High-pressure water can damage the surface fibres, force moisture into the timber and reduce the life of the finish.
Can I paint treated pine?
Yes. For the best result, allow it to weather for approximately 12 weeks, then sand, clean and use suitable exterior primer and paint products.

Need help?

Need advice about caring for your timber furniture?

Our Jimboomba team is happy to help you identify your finish and choose the right maintenance approach.

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