Short answer: yes, wooden garden furniture can stay outside in winter. Wash it, let it dry completely, oil the end grain and legs where needed, and pack it in a waterproof, ventilated Bag'in. The key is that the wood is dry and that water does not sit in cracks and joints.

Wood handles the cold well. What damages wooden furniture in winter is water that soaks in and freezes, and damp that sits long enough to cause mould and rot. Prepared the right way, your wooden furniture comes through winter in good shape.

Also read the complete guide to storing garden furniture over winter.

Types of wood and what they need

Wood Can it stay out packed? Before winter Watch out for
Teak Yes Wash, dry, oil end grain and legs if needed Grey patina is natural and harmless
Eucalyptus, acacia and other hardwoods Yes Wash, dry, oil the whole piece if it is dry and grey Cracks in the end grain
Pine and other softwoods Yes, with good ventilation Oil or stain before winter Absorbs moisture more easily, rot in the legs
Painted wooden furniture Yes Touch up damaged paint Water under flaking paint

How to prepare wooden furniture for winter

  1. Wash. Mild soapy water and a soft brush. Brush with the grain. Rinse well.
  2. Let the wood dry completely. At least one to two days of dry weather. Damp wood that gets packed holds on to the moisture.
  3. Check for damage. Tighten loose screws and note any cracks. Small cracks grow when water freezes in them.
  4. Oil where it is needed. Oil the end grain and legs, which soak up the most water. On dry, grey hardwood you can oil the whole piece. Do it in dry weather and follow the instructions on the oil.
  5. Let the oil soak in and dry. Do not pack the furniture straight after oiling. Give the oil the time the manufacturer recommends, ideally a day or more.
  6. Tip off standing water. Check that no water is sitting on table tops, armrests or in joints.

When should you oil?

Oiling works best when the wood is dry and there are a few dry days ahead. That makes late summer and early autumn better than a damp November day. If you have not got round to it, it is better to pack dry, unoiled furniture than to oil in wet weather and pack it damp.

Grey teak: teak left untreated turns silver-grey. That is natural and does not weaken the wood. If you want the golden colour back, clean and oil it in spring.

Weathered grey teak chair next to a freshly oiled teak chair

How to pack wooden furniture

Wooden furniture can go in Bag'in as long as it is completely dry and properly treated.

  • Lay the base on a firm, ventilated surface, such as a wooden deck, at least 20 cm from walls and fences.
  • Stack evenly and keep the height around 90 cm. Place the table top so water cannot collect on it.
  • Lay DryTop Protect over the furniture, between the furniture and the cover. It protects both the furniture and the cover, and improves air circulation inside the bag.
  • Zip up Bag'in Nordic, tighten the drawstrings and lock the zip with the carabiner.

Read more about condensation and mould under covers and snow on garden furniture and what frost does to it.

When spring arrives

Open Bag'in on a dry day, let the wood air and check for mould and cracks. A light layer of mould washes off with mild soapy water. Read more about getting your garden furniture ready for spring.

Frequently asked questions

Can wooden garden furniture stay outside in winter?

Yes, when it is clean, dry and packed in a waterproof, ventilated bag.

Does teak need oiling before winter?

No, teak manages without. The end grain and legs still benefit from oil.

Why does teak turn grey?

Sunlight and weather break down the colour in the surface. The grey patina is natural and does not harm the wood.

Can I oil wooden furniture just before packing it?

Give the oil time to soak in and dry first, as the manufacturer recommends.

Why does wooden furniture crack in winter?

Water gets into small cracks and end grain, freezes and expands. Dry furniture and oiled end grain prevent most of it.