The Essential Guide to Keeping Your Timber Picnic Table Looking New in Melbourne
- Melbourne Picnic Tables
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
Look, you chose a heavy-duty timber picnic table for a reason: quality. You’ve got tough, treated pine built to last a decade, not a season. But let’s be honest, Melbourne’s weather—from those brutal UV blasts to the sudden winter downpours—is tough on everything.
The good news? Keeping your investment looking rich, protected, and splinter-free is easier than you think. It just requires one simple routine a year.
Here is our local guide on how to maintain your outdoor timber table in Melbourne so it stays the centre piece of your backyard for years to come.
Step 1: The Spring Clean – Wash Away the Winter Grime
Before you apply any protective coats, the timber has to be squeaky clean and fully dry.
What you need: Warm water, a mild dishwashing detergent (like Sunlight or Morning Fresh), and a scrubbing brush (not a wire brush!).
Mix the Solution: Fill a bucket with warm water and a good splash of your mild detergent.
Scrub Gently: Dip your brush in and work across the timber, following the direction of the grain. Focus on removing any general dirt, grime, or surface mildew that built up over winter.
Rinse Thoroughly: Use a garden hose to rinse off the soapy residue. You want the timber completely clean.
Dry Time: This is crucial. Give the table a couple of days in the sunshine to dry out completely before moving to the next step. If the timber is damp, the oil won't soak in properly.
Step 2: The Prep Work – Smoothing Out Rough Spots
If you’ve maintained your table well, you might be able to skip this. But if the timber is starting to feel rough to the touch or if the kids have given it a few scuff marks, a quick sanding will bring it back to life.
What you need: 80-120 grit sandpaper or sanding block.
Go Light: You are not stripping the table bare—you are just knocking down any raised grain or rough spots.
Follow the Grain: Always sand in the direction of the wood grain.
Wipe it Down: Once you are done, wipe the table down with a clean, dry cloth to remove every trace of dust. Your timber should feel silky smooth and ready for oil.
Step 3: The Secret Sauce – Re-sealing for UV Protection
This is the most important step for long-term health. The protective coating slows moisture loss and, crucially, blocks the harsh UV rays that cause timber to turn that classic silver-grey colour.
What we recommend: Use a high-quality exterior decking oil or a semi-transparent timber stain that contains a strong UV inhibitor.
Brush it On: Apply the oil with a paint brush or a small roller, again, moving along the direction of the timber grain.
Allow to Soak: Let the oil soak into the timber for about 30minutes. The wood should look "wet" but not be pooling.
Wipe Excess: Use an old rag to wipe away any excess oil that hasn't penetrated the wood. This prevents a sticky surface that collects dirt.
Optional Second Coat: Check the product instructions. Many high-quality oils benefit from a light second coat applied a few hours later, or the next day, for maximum protection.
Step 4: Setting a Reminder – The Annual Schedule
To keep your timber table happy, mark your calendar!
The best time to perform this routine in Melbourne is early Spring (September/October). This ensures your table is fully protected and looks its absolute best before the start of the harsh Australian summer sun and the busy entertaining season.
A simple annual clean and oil is all it takes to protect the investment you made in quality, locally-built furniture.
Ready to Upgrade Your Outdoor Space?
Whether you’re ready to start entertaining or just want to upgrade to a table that needs minimal maintenance, we have the heavy-duty solution.
Our fully assembled picnic tables are built with the toughest timber and delivered right to your backyard, ready for years of memories.
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