Is Bamboo Furniture Waterproof?

Want to use your bamboo chairs, tables, or plant holders outdoors? Since bamboo is famous for its durability and longevity, it’s perfect for gardens, patios, balconies, and poolsides. People from our community are wondering, is bamboo furniture waterproof?

Bamboo furniture isn’t completely waterproof. In general, all new bamboo furniture is protected by a water-resistant silica coating. The water-resistant film will deteriorate over time, so it’s important to oil or seal your bamboo furniture if you intend to leave it outdoors year-round.

The same goes for all wooden furniture, not just bamboo.

One thing that sets bamboo furniture apart from wooden units is that it does not expand or swell in response to temperature changes.

But remember, if your bamboo furniture is left outside indefinitely, it can be subjected to constant moisture and extreme heat, which may degrade your garden, patio, balcony, or poolside furniture with time.

How to Waterproof Bamboo Furniture?

It’s possible to waterproof your bamboo furniture with a few simple steps. If you intend on exposing your bamboo chairs, tables, or desks to unpredictable weather conditions, I suggest exploring one of the options listed below. Oiling, sealing, or waxing your bamboo furniture will waterproof it for years to come.

Tung Oil

Since tung oil does not fill in bamboo straw, it will not have a smooth finish. If you really want the authentic feel of bamboo, this is an excellent option.

When purchasing tung oil, you should exercise caution. Most consumer goods do not certify tung oil, but tung oil can be obtained from redecorating distribution houses.

Tung oil lasts longer than most adhesives and is simple to add and redo as required. It even keeps water stains at bay.

Clear Lacquer Sealant

Clear lacquer sealant is widely available in supermarkets. You can add transparent lacquer sealant to your bamboo furniture in a variety of ways, based on what works best for you.

With a brush, you should apply it thickly. To coat your furniture in an even coating, use a spray nozzle.

Oil Paint

If you’d like to improve the shade of your wooden furniture, oil-based color is a wonderful choice. It’s ideal for repurposing basement furniture.

It is suitable to apply two quotes of oil paint. Further, it is crucial to paint the entire wooden furniture every two to five years as needed to keep the current water-resistant cover.

Marine Varnish

Marine varnish is perfect as you can apply it alone or with other combinations for water resistance to your bamboo furniture.

It may subtly modify the shade of your furniture, but not significantly. Always apply the varnish with a brush.

Spar Urethane

It’s similar to polyurethane, except it is preferred for wooden and teak furniture that moves a lot when used. We believe spar urethane is more stable than polyurethane, allowing it to roll with the objects while folks sit on it.

Spar Urethane not just prevents your bamboo furniture from water stains damage but also keeps it from drying out and splitting.

Find the option most appropriate for your situation and make your bamboo furniture waterproof for years to come. Keep those natural colors and patterns alive for as long as possible with a few swipes of a pain brush.

Tips for Waterproofing Bamboo Furniture

Luckily taking care of bamboo furniture doesn’t require much effort. If you want to leave your furniture outside year-round, here are some proactive measures that will keep your furniture strong and shiny for years to come.

Protect it from Unpredictable Weather

Since bad weather is the main enemy of bamboo furniture, you need a way of covering your patio set in harsh weather conditions.

Consider investing in a waterproof security cover for your patio table, chairs, and bamboo outdoor sofa kit. Alternatively, think about moving your furniture to an area where there is no rain such as a shed, barn, or conservatory.

Extra Care in Winter Times

Any garden furniture, regardless of material, fails to withstand the elements. Ice and freeze are just as damaging to the resilience of bamboo.

If the temperature falls below zero, make sure to cover the outdoor dining table, wooden outdoor chairs, couch, or table with a waterproof cover. Do this before any ice or moisture gets into the narrow ridges on the bamboo, since ice spreads on thawing which may cause certain pieces of the wood to decompose.

Cleanliness is Important

Bamboo benefits from occasional thorough cleaning.

Since soil and dirt are caustic, when the outdoor furniture is used, the dirt rubs against the material, potentially contributing to softer areas and fraying.

Push aside any soil, gravel, or falling leaves from both surfaces of the bamboo patio bench, table, or garden dining collection with a soft brush. Pay close attention to the edges and beneath the table or chair as well.

Next, use is a vacuum to removes the finer debris particles from between the weaves in the pattern.

Further, it is not advisable to use a jet wash.

Don’t Let Stains Set In

The trick to dealing with stains on bamboo furniture is to act quickly.

Spills on bamboo furniture should be cleaned up as soon as it occurs. Immediate cleanup is the only way to prevent lasting staining and dark spots.

Blot stains rather than rubbing them deep, as this allows you to lift the mark rather than unintentionally rubbing it in.

To clean up spills, use a paper towel and a gentle cleanser while avoiding getting the bamboo wet.

Restoration

Bamboo furniture can be revived with some TLC. Vacuum the dust from the bamboo, then rub it down with a wet cloth and a gentle cleanser.

If you spot some holes in the bamboo, clean them out with a low-grit abrasive paper. Dry the part again to clear the sanding particles, and then use a soft cloth and a circular motion to add paste wax to every hole you spot.

Why You Should Waterproof Bamboo Furniture?

If you love your furniture and want it to stay durable, bright, and flexible, it’s a good idea to add a coating of wax or oil to waterproof your bamboo.

Since most wooden furniture is not handled with a waterproofing agent before it’s sold, you need to be proactive in protecting your furniture set. 

When bamboo gets too damp it stretches and the natural fibers degrade. This deterioration may result in moisture spots or, worst, splintering and splitting.

With just a little effort, you can render your bamboo furniture waterproof.

Summary

Bamboo furniture is an environmentally and fashionable way to decorate your house. Since bamboo does not diminish or grow in response to changes in the environment, it is a common option for patio furniture because it can tolerate changes in humidity and temperature.

About the bamboo plant, it is a kind of grass. Not just this, it is the largest member of the grass family and can flourish in almost any climate, from cold mountainous areas to hot tropical regions.

There are over 1,000 distinct species of bamboo, with the broader varieties resembling trees. The bamboo plant’s stems can range in height from a few centimeters to 40 meters. They are still joined and have consistent nodes.

We know the dilemma people face when it comes to bamboo furniture. Bamboo furniture is perfect for home decor and you can use it inside or outside if you just pay a little attention to how to use it. In this blog, we have answered all the answers related to waterproofing your bamboo, we hope you find it useful.