How to make indoor chairs suitable for outdoor use?

poppyc

I have two of these wooden chairs that I brought second hand from an ex home-styler. Based on the cushions I am assuming they are designed for indoor use. I'd like to use them outside on my deck which is has a full roof. With the cushions, I know I can replace at least the coves with outdoor suitable ones but I'm unusre what I should do about the chairs themselves. What can I do to make them outdoor suitable so the wood and what appears to be leather or potentially faux leather is protected enough for use on the deck? Any suggestions are much appreciated as I am a beginner to this sort of thing! Thank you in advance!

JacobZ

Hi @poppyc,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

As the chairs were originally intended for indoor use, I think the cushions are probably the first thing I'd look at. Outdoor cushions generally use foam and fabrics that are better able to cope with moisture and dry out more readily, so simply replacing the covers may not be enough if the existing foam is an indoor grade. Depending on their construction, replacing the complete cushions with outdoor-suitable ones may be the better option. Have a look at our range of https://www.bunnings.com.au/products/outdoor-living/outdoor-furniture/outdoor-accessories/outdoor-cushions to see some options.

For the timber frame, I'd start by sanding it back to remove the existing coating. Start with 80 grit, then 120, then 180 or 240 to finish. As the timber is contoured hand sanding is likely the best way to go, however any of the flatter areas can be sped up by using a random orbital sander or a detail sander.

Once sanded, brush away all dust before applying an exterior-grade timber coating such as https://www.bunnings.com.au/feast-watson-1l-clear-outdoor-furniture-oil_p1570638 or https://www.bunnings.com.au/bondall-1l-satin-monocel-gold-marine-clear-timber-varnish_p1521655 . You can also use stains or paints if you'd like to, just make sure they are explicitly stated as being suitable for outdoor use.

For application, follow the instructions of your particular product closely and make sure you coat all accessible timber surfaces, including underneath and around joints, rather than just the visible faces. If there is any raised grain between coats, give it a light sand with 240 grit, clear away any sawdust, then apply your second coat.

Your covered deck certainly gives the chairs a better chance than if they were fully exposed, but I'd still try to keep them protected from direct rain and prolonged moisture regardless of changing the cushions and coating.

Hopefully this helps, but if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob