Not a fan of white plastic outdoor furniture or simply looking to bring your metal table outside to enjoy fresh air in summer? Besides buying a brand new item, we still have a lot of ways to own an awesome outdoor set. However, convert indoor dining table to outdoor may be a big challenge if we don’t equip ourselves with enough knowledge and useful tips. In this blog, we will give a full instruction on how to seal wooden outdoor furniture, and help you to set up a stylish patio even on rainy days.

Can I Use My Indoor Table Outside?

Outdoor furniture is especially built for both in and out of a home. In contrast, indoor furniture can fade, discolor, or fall apart if it stays in the sun too long. However, you can safely use most indoor dining tables outside on a temporary basis. You’ll have the best results if they are covered with a proper finish coat. With some basic materials, you can create an outdoor setting with all the comfort of the indoors.

What You Will Need?

1. Dish soap, warm water, and a microfiber cloth
2. Wood putty and glue (if needed)
3. Sanding machine or sandpaper
4. Wood oil (teak oil, danish oil, or latex paint)

Materials needed to weatherproof your indoor furniture
Credit: ©Saklakova on Canva.com

How Can I Convert Indoor Table for Outdoor Use?

PART 1: PREPARING YOUR WOOD SURFACE

Clean the wood surface before applying sealant
Credit: ©Анатолий Тушенцов on Canva.com

Once you’ve found a piece, simply follow these simple steps to prep and paint it.

Step 1: Clean the Wooden Furniture

We need to keep the wood surface as clean as possible before moving on to the next steps to repurpose dining table for outdoor use. With the right techniques, you can remove dust while not damaging furniture surfaces. Simply use a few drops of dish soap, warm water and microfiber cloth. Then dry the wood with a soft cloth or paper towel.

Note: The microfiber cloth needs to be wrong carefully before wiping the wood surface.

Step 2: Fix the Minor Damages (If Needed)

You can skip this step if the wood surface isn’t seriously damaged. In many cases, minor wear and damage can add character to an older piece, so it’s not always necessary to remove. You can glue down corners where the board is coming loose and patch holes with wood putty.

Step 3: Smooth the Furniture

After you have a clean surface to work with, you can sand the wood to achieve a smooth finish. This technique will also enhance the bond between your wood and the final coat for long term durability. Don’t forget to clean off residual sawdust before applying the top coat.

PART 2: HOW TO SEAL OUTDOOR WOODEN FURNITURE?

Apply wood oil to protect your outdoor furniture
Credit: ©house on Canva.com

Step 4: Select the Right Sealant for Outdoor Use

Choose a sealant that’s made for exterior use and suitable for wooden furniture, like teak oil, danish oil, or exterior latex paint.

Step 5: Apply Top Coat

Your goal here is to thoroughly coat every detail of the wooden furniture to protect it from elements. Carefully apply the wood oil to seal all surfaces. You can also apply 2 to 3 coats for optimal protection.

Step 6: Let Them Cure

The drying time for wood oil can range from a few hours to several days, depending on the type of wood oil used and the humidity levels in your workshop. So while it may feel dry to the touch after a short period, you’ll need to give it the time it needs to completely settle onto your furniture. If at all possible, store your drying piece in the garage or shed for a few days to a few weeks for the best results.

PART 3: MAINTAINING OUTDOOR FURNITURE

 

How to maintain your outdoor dining table
Credit: Flowyline Design
Shop now: 421 Xeni Dining Table Legs; 401 Wishbone Dining Table Legs

As noted above, an indoor table is not as durable as an outdoor dining table when used outside for extended periods, even with protective treatments and careful maintenance. Sunlight, moisture, and changes in temperature will all contribute to damaging over time. Therefore, it's best to place them under covered porches or patios. Don’t forget to recoat every few years or as soon as any damage appears. In either case, you can always give your old furniture new life while adding character to your outdoor space.

Setting Up Outdoor Furniture Easier with Powder Coated Table Legs

Metal outdoor table legs and bases from Flowyline Design are handmade by skilled technicians, offering modern look, affordable prices, and great protection against outside elements. With the signature powder coated finish, you can set up and enjoy an outdoor setting for years. Below are some feedback photos from our customers which may give you some inspiration for a stylish patio.

Modern stainless steel furniture legs for minimalist home
Credit: Flowyline Design
Shop now: 442 Cleo Gold Table Legs

Powder coated steel table legs for stylish outdoor settings
Credit: Flowyline Design
Shop now: 311S Lithe Table Base; 506 Faras Dining Furniture Legs

Learning how to convert indoor dining table to outdoor is an easy and rewarding process. With this easy guide, you can enhance any outdoor setting with ease at your own home. For those who love unique outdoor table legs, don’t forget to check out our website. You’ll find hundreds of powder coated items, from sleek to modern, that could take your centerpiece to the next level.