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Australian hardwood outdoor table in a garden setting
Owner’s Guide

Timber Care & Maintenance Guide

A practical, technical guide for owners of TK Garden Heritage outdoor furniture. Recommended oils, the water bead test and answers to common care questions.

Ongoing care

Keeping it looking its best.

This guide covers the coatings we recommend and how to keep your garden furniture looking its best. Tannin bleed, silvering and seasoning checks now live in our Understanding Natural Timber & Wood guide, along with knots, live edges and a technical glossary.

Care index
General Care & Maintenance

Reviving your furniture’s full character.

As your outdoor timber furniture changes over time, you might want to revive its full character or change the look. Here’s how.

  1. 1

    Wet the surface.

    Hose or pressure-wash the furniture thoroughly. Detergent or caustic soda based cleaning products can be used safely, just make sure the surface is wet first, then brush the residue off once applied. Keep the surface wet throughout, and rinse the detergent off well afterwards.

  2. 2

    Dry thoroughly.

    Allow the timber to dry completely before continuing. Depending on the weather, this can take a few days.

  3. 3

    Sand the surface.

    Use 120 grit sandpaper to remove any marks or potential splinters. An orbital sander works, though hand sanding gives the best result. Always sand in the direction of the grain.

  4. 4

    Oil if desired.

    Apply a protective oil following the manufacturer's recommendation (see our recommended oils below), or leave the surface raw and unprotected if you prefer the natural look.

  5. 5

    Put it back to use.

There’s no set schedule for this, it’s a natural product, so it changes gradually over time. When you revive it is entirely up to you and the look you want to capture. This kind of change is purely visual and has no effect on the structural integrity of your garden furniture.

Recommended Oils

Recommended protective coatings.

To maintain the premium heritage standard of your furniture, the finish must be as high quality as the timber itself. These three products balance ease of application with professional-grade results, are Australian-tested, and are readily available across the country.

01

Spectradeck

Water-Soluble, Eco-Friendly Woodcare Oil

Best for a sustainable, low-odour finish that highlights natural grain.

An eco-friendly, water-soluble penetrating oil that protects timber from rotting, cracking and drying while enhancing its natural colour and grain. Self-priming on most surfaces with a hardwearing, low-odour finish. Australian made and owned.

Desired effect

Highlights and enhances natural grain and colour with a water-repellent, hardwearing finish. Well suited to decks, boardwalks, street furniture and outdoor furniture, including horizontal surfaces that see heavy wear.

Application
  1. 1Ensure timber is clean, dry and free of old coatings or residue before application.
  2. 2Stir thoroughly before use.
  3. 3Apply evenly with a brush, roller or airless sprayer, working in the direction of the grain.
  4. 4Allow to penetrate and touch-dry before applying a second coat for a deeper finish.
Where to buy
Spectradeck product shot

Order directly from Sceneys (Melbourne, shipped Australia-wide) at sceneys.com.au.

02

Intergrain Universal Timber Oil

Clear or Obsidian Black

Best for deep nourishment and custom tones.

A deeply penetrating oil-based coating that protects timber from the inside out. Famous for never flaking or peeling, which keeps long-term maintenance simple.

Desired effect

Clear nourishes the wood for a wet look that exposes raw grain. Obsidian Black delivers a deep matte for a sophisticated industrial-heritage look.

Application
  1. 1Lightly sand imperfections with 120 grit paper and wash the furniture.
  2. 2Stir thoroughly, especially Obsidian Black, to keep pigment even.
  3. 3Apply liberally with a brush or lambswool applicator.
  4. 4After 15 to 20 minutes wipe away any excess that has not absorbed to avoid a tacky finish.
Where to buy
Intergrain Universal Timber Oil product shot

Bunnings, Inspirations Paint and specialty timber flooring outlets across Australia.

03

Deck Doc Lanolin Oil

Natural, sustainable, ancient protection

Best for natural, sustainable and long-life protection.

Lanolin is the natural oil found in sheep's wool, used for centuries to seal wooden ships. Non-toxic and incredibly effective against the harsh Australian sun.

Desired effect

A soft matte finish that feels organic to the touch. Superior waterproofing by sealing fibres with natural waxes. Excellent on Ironbark and Spotted Gum.

Application
  1. 1Sand any imperfections with 120 grit paper and ensure timber is clean and dry.
  2. 2Apply to clean, dry timber with an applicator or brush.
  3. 3Work the oil into the grain with a scouring pad for deeper penetration.
  4. 4Buff with a green scourer cloth 2 to 3 hours after application for a subtle high-end sheen.
Where to buy
Deck Doc Lanolin Oil product shot

Order directly from Deck Doc (shipped Australia-wide) or specialty hardware and paint stores.

Water beading on freshly oiled hardwood surface
Maintenance tip

The water bead test.

Your timber will tell you when it needs a fresh coat. Sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface and watch what happens.

  • Beading

    Water sits on top like a bead. Your coating is still working, no action needed.

  • Soaking

    Water disappears into the grain and darkens the wood. Time for a maintenance coat.

care faq.

Care questions, answered.

  • No. That is natural tannin bleed from the hardwood, particularly common with Spotted Gum, Redgum and Ironbark in the first 6 to 12 weeks. Flush it with a hose on a non-porous surface and any staining usually lifts with a deck cleaner or mild oxalic acid solution.

  • Not necessarily. If you want to keep the rich exposed grain, apply a UV-stabilised oil within the first few weeks. If you want it to silver off naturally, leave it raw and let the Australian sun do the work.

  • Yes. Our hardwoods are rated Class 1 and 2 for durability. Avoid leaving feet permanently submerged in standing water and the timber will handle decades of weather without issue.

Oiling Australian hardwood furniture
A legacy in every grain

Furniture made to outlive its instructions.

Whether you preserve the vibrant reds and blondes with one of our recommended oils, or let the timber silver off into a distinguished heritage patina, you are caring for a material that grows more beautiful with age. Need a hand? Talk to our team about servicing, refurbishment or replacement parts.

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