How to Protect Wooden Table Legs Outdoors

Your patio or porch is one of life’s simple pleasures, offering relaxation and quality time in the fresh air. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day, enjoying your morning coffee, or hosting loved ones, the outdoor furniture you invest in will certainly get ample use!

However, maintaining outdoor furniture, especially wooden furniture legs, can be challenging. They’re vulnerable to the harsh outdoor elements, from sunlight and UV rays to rain, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. These can cause warping, cracking, and deterioration over time.

Don’t stress, though. We’re here to show you how to protect wooden table legs outdoors with a few practical tips. That includes choosing the right outdoor-friendly table legs, using a quality finish, employing furniture covers, and strategic placement.

For the ultimate peace of mind, though, we invite you to upgrade to our outdoor table legs here at The Hairpin Leg Co. We also have a great selection of wooden furniture legs, but the truth is that genuine wood is not able to withstand harsh weather conditions for the long haul on its own. Browse our selection, weigh your options, and elevate the appearance and functionality of your outdoor furniture today!

Why Wooden Table Legs Need Protection From the Outdoor Elements

Before we get into how to protect wooden table legs outdoors, what are the main challenges you face in keeping your legs safe from the elements? There are three foes - sunlight, moisture, and heat.

Effects of Sunlight and UV Rays

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the wood to fade, losing its natural colour and sheen. UV rays break down the lignin in wood, a natural polymer that binds the cells together. 

This degradation leads to the wood becoming brittle and prone to cracking. The structural integrity of the legs weakens over time, leaving them more susceptible to damage.

Damage from Rain and Humidity

Moisture can seep into the wood, causing it to swell and warp. Repeated cycles of wetting and drying exacerbate this issue, leading to cracks and splits. 

Humid conditions can also promote the growth of mould and mildew, which not only discolour the wood but also compromise its integrity. These are also concerns from a health and hygeine standpoint.

Impact of Temperature Fluctuations

Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in temperature. But, rapid shifts from hot afternoons to cool evenings can accelerate this process, leading to warping and cracking. 

These physical changes not only affect the appearance but also the stability and strength of the furniture.

How to Protect Wooden Table Legs Outdoors

For the most part, these issues are not avoidable outdoors in the UK climate. Don’t worry, though. We’ve got some expert tips to help you safeguard your furniture legs below! 

While you may not be able to prevent the eventual degradation of your wooden table legs outdoors, you can certainly slow down the process and enjoy your furniture for longer with a few tactics. 

And when the time comes to replace the legs altogether, you can count on The Hairpin Leg Co. to provide the finest table legs in the UK. Speaking of which, let’s discuss the importance of choosing the right legs in the first place.

Choosing the Right Materials in the First Place

While there is no denying the beauty of our natural oak furniture legs, the truth is, they’re not equipped to withstand the UK’s harsh weather conditions. 

Instead, hardwoods like teak, cedar, and redwood are more resistant to moisture, decay, and insects, making them better suited for outdoor use. These contain natural oils that help protect against weather damage. If you prefer a different wood type, ensure it is treated with a high-quality sealant to enhance its durability. 

On the other hand, you could consider avoiding wood altogether and going with metal furniture legs, like stainless steel or zinc. These materials are less prone to rust and corrosion.

Considering Furniture Covers

In terms of actual protection from the elements, furniture covers are an excellent way to shield your furniture from heat, sunlight, and moisture. Just be sure to choose covers made from durable, waterproof materials themselves that can withstand harsh weather conditions.

It’s also important that the covers fit snugly to prevent wind from blowing them off - otherwise, you may need to use zip ties to keep your covers securely in place.

Better yet, see if you can find covers equipped with ventilation panels to prevent moisture build-up, which can lead to mould and mildew. 

You may not need to use your covers year-round, but doing so during periods of heavy rain or intense sunlight can extend the life of your outdoor furniture. This will also allow you to pull the covers off and enjoy that post-storm clarity and calmness without sitting on a wet chair!

Strategic Furniture Placement

Where you place your furniture on the patio or porch can influence how much it is exposed to the elements. We recommend you place your table in shaded areas to reduce direct sunlight exposure, which can fade and weaken the wood. Under a patio cover or a large tree are ideal spots. 

Additionally, keep the furniture elevated and away from direct contact with the ground to avoid moisture absorption. Using furniture pads or placing the legs on pavers can help prevent moisture from seeping into the wood, reducing the risk of rot and decay.

If nothing else, you should at least move your furniture under a shaded or roofed area during storm advisories or if you plan to leave home for a period of time during a scorching summer.

Keeping the Legs Clean and Maintained

Whether you’re dealing with indoor or outdoor legs, a bit of TLC goes a long way in preserving the integrity of your furniture legs. 

Clean the legs with a mild soap and water solution to remove dirt, grime, and mildew. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the wood. After cleaning, dry the legs thoroughly to prevent moisture absorption. 

Periodically inspect the legs for signs of damage, such as cracks or splits, and address them promptly. Applying a fresh coat of sealant or wood preservative annually can provide an additional layer of protection, keeping the wood in good condition.

When to Store Furniture Indoors

Sometimes, it makes sense to bring the legs indoors rather than leave them outside subjected to the elements. This includes periods of heavy rain, snow, or extreme heat. 

Storing the furniture in a dry, sheltered area like a garage or shed can prevent damage from prolonged exposure to harsh elements. Before storing, ensure the furniture is clean and dry to prevent mould and mildew growth. Covering the furniture with breathable fabric can provide extra protection while in storage.

We Have Outdoor Table Legs Designed to Weather the Elements at The Hairpin Leg Co.!

There you have it - how to protect wooden table legs outdoors! We hope you’re able to use these tips to prolong the life of your wooden table legs amidst all the challenging climate conditions here in the UK. 

But remember - the unfortunate reality is that most wood is not suited for outdoor use. That’s why ultimately, you may need to upgrade to our metal table legs here at The Hairpin Leg Co.

If you want to upgrade your indoor furniture, we also offer a wide variety of coffee table legs, dining table legs, industrial table legs, bar table legs, and so much more. Our hairpin legs in particular are our most popular choice, and it’s clear to see why.

Designed specifically for DIYers, makers, and professionals, they offer a brilliant classic style for those who crave mid-century modern flair. We’ve crafted them after the original design by Henry Glass in the 1940s. They’re stable and easy to install, too. 

Choose between twin and triple rod styles, with a slimline flute shape and a slightly reclined angle. We offer leg sizes from 10cm to 102cm, suitable for any project from dressers to bars. Our 10mm rod diameter is ideal for most projects, while heavy-duty legs are available for desks and dining tables weighing over 60kg.

 

We offer a 5-year warranty and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee on these legs to help you place your order with confidence. 

So, browse our catalogue, see what catches your eye, and then, learn how to install furniture legs over in our blog. We actually have tips on how to attach table legs specifically, including the best way to connect table legs. Our builder’s guides included in every order make the process quick and easy, and you can always get in touch with us for one-on-one assistance if necessary.

Don’t stress about the outdoor elements any longer. Discover the best metal table legs today at The Hairpin Leg Co., equipped to maintain their brilliance for years to come despite the harsh conditions of the UK’s climate!

Closing Thoughts on How to Protect Wooden Table Legs Outdoors

As we wrap up our guide on how to protect wooden table legs outdoors we want to remind you that there are a few lines of defense you can use to safeguard your furniture. These include using furniture covers, strategically placing furniture, maintaining cleanliness, and storing it indoors during harsh weather. 

However, the fact of the matter is that most types of wooden furniture legs are not designed to withstand the outdoor elements, even with proper protocols like those we discussed today. You’re typically going to find yourself looking for replacement legs after a few years, and when that happens, remember that The Hairpin Leg Co. has the outdoor legs you need.

Find additional resources in our blog on how to fix table legs, DIY metal table legs, how to restore metal table legs, how to stabilise wooden table legs, how to change dining table legs, dining table leg length, and more.

But now that you know where to buy wooden furniture legs or metal furniture legs, it’s time you took a look around and found the best table leg design for your unique needs and style preferences. 

No matter what you have in mind, we’re certain there is something you’ll fall in love with in our catalogue. Experience peace of mind knowing you’re investing in a beautiful, long-lasting solution today!