Outdoor Plywood Care: Protecting Your Patio Furniture from the Elements

Backyards aren't outdoor rooms–they're part of our house. Sunday brunches through teatime, our patio furniture is the site of relaxation and entertaining. But it requires maintenance to ensure that an attractive setting is presentable, durable, and weather-tight, particularly when your furniture is plywood.

 

While water-resistant plywood is used extensively to make outdoor furniture, it must be serviced at intervals so that it does not get spoiled in sunlight, rain, wind, and wet weather. No matter how strong outdoor tables or chairs are, they warp, crack, or delaminate within a period of a couple of years unless they are covered.

 

Below is the complete guide on how to care for and keep your garden plywood furniture in prime condition and running smoothly over the next couple of years.

Why Should Plywood Be Used for Garden Furniture?

Plywood, especially weather-resistant or marine-grade plywood, is a perfect patio furniture as it's durable, inexpensive, and even textured. Good plywood consists of very thin pieces of wood pressed together using water-resistant glue at high pressure and thus will be more stable and durable than solid wood in fluctuating weather conditions.

 

No wood item, however, is completely resistant to the elements of standing outside for extended periods. That's why care must be taken to protect it.

1. Choose the Right Plywood Type

• Marine plywood: High resistance to moisture, ideal for wet climates.

• BWP (Boiling Water Proof) plywood: Great for areas prone to rain and humidity.

• Pressure-treated plywood: Chemical treatment to stop fungi, termites, and rot.

Waterproof plywood is also a good base, but it will have to be sealed and maintained often to weather satisfactorily.

2. Seal with a Protective Coating

The ultimate protection for plywood patio furniture, like tables or chairs, is to seal them with exterior-grade wood finishes:

• Spar Urethane or Varnish: They flex and contract with the wood and offer ultimate UV and moisture protection.

• Wood Oils (teak or linseed): Penetrating oils seep into the surface and stain wood tones darker. Nice, but has to be reapplied frequently.

Seal all edges, corners, and screw holes—these are water's points of weakness of entry.

3. Use Weather-Resistant Fasteners

The structural integrity of outdoor furniture depends not just on its materials but also on the quality of its fasteners. To ensure your pieces withstand the elements, always use rust-resistant hardware. Galvanized metal brackets provide strong, corrosion-resistant support for joints. 

Stainless steel screws and bolts are ideal for high-stress areas, offering durability without rusting over time. Brass hinges work well for folding or adjustable furniture due to their resistance to tarnishing and corrosion. 

Avoid using low-grade or rust-prone hardware, as these can corrode quickly, stretch or weaken joints, and stain or degrade surrounding wood, ultimately shortening the lifespan of your furniture.

4. Lift and Protect Furniture

Prevent moisture damage by keeping furniture off the ground, especially on damp patios or lawns. Use rubber or plastic floor pads to raise the legs of chairs and tables, reducing the risk of wood rot or rust from ground-level moisture. 

These pads also help prevent furniture legs from sinking into soft ground or scratching delicate surfaces. In wet weather or during off-seasons, always dry furniture thoroughly and cover it with water-repellent, breathable covers. 

These specialized covers allow air circulation to prevent condensation, mold, and mildew buildup. Avoid wrapping furniture in non-breathable plastic sheets, which can trap moisture and encourage fungal growth.

5. Keep It in Its Original Form

Maintenance will be a lifesaver:

• Wash furniture every few weeks with soap and water.

• Sand and waterproof every 12–18 months to keep it waterproof.

• Inspect for cracks, flaking, or mold following heavy rainfalls or heat waves in summer.

• Patch repair to chipped plywood or varnish exposure will prevent more issues in the future.

6. Install Cushions and Upholstery Carefully

Comfort and aesthetics go hand in hand when choosing cushions for outdoor furniture, but durability is just as important. Always opt for weather-resistant fabrics like olefin, acrylic, or solution-dyed polyester, which are specially treated to withstand sun exposure, moisture, and mildew. Pair these with quick-drying, open-cell foam that allows water to drain quickly and air to circulate, reducing the chances of mold buildup inside the cushion. Secure the cushions properly to prevent shifting or flying off in strong winds.

Tip: During extended periods of rain, storms, or when not in use, remove and store cushions indoors or in a dry, ventilated storage box. This simple habit not only protects the fabric and padding from moisture damage and fading but also extends the overall life of your outdoor seating.

7. Off-Season Storage Wisely

If your region experiences harsh winters, heavy monsoons, or long rainy seasons, it’s essential to store your outdoor furniture properly to prolong its life. Move furniture into a covered garage, shed, or storage unit where it’s safe from moisture, snow, and extreme temperatures. 

Foldable tables and stackable patio chairs are especially convenient as they save space and are easy to move. Before storage, ensure that all furniture is thoroughly cleaned and dry to prevent issues like wood swelling or mildew. Use furniture covers for added protection and to keep dust and pests away.

Conclusion

Patio furniture made of plywood does need some maintenance work, but it is definitely worth it in terms of durability and appearance. Frequent waterproof plywood sealing, optimal sealing frequency, and smart seasonal maintenance can make your patio furniture look stylish, functional, and weatherproof throughout the year.

 

Besides, your home away from home is just as important to cherish as the in-house spaces of your home. A little maintenance now is more than worth a lifetime of happy memories, comfort, and closeness in the good out-of-doors ahead.