Expert: Eileen Cronk - 5/4/2007

Question
I ahve some older (1950s) Old Hickory porch furniture that I inherited from my
great-grandparents. I like to leave it on my porch, but the 2 rockers and low
coffee table have not stood up to the damp chilly winters and hot summers of
Tennessee very well. They are dried out and cracked in places and I want to
know what I might do to save them and then to maintain them better than I have
so far.

Answer
Hi Loyd
Nice to hear from Tennessee.
Unfortunately outdoor wood furniture needs constant maintenance. Thats just the way it is.
You do not say if the pieces where ever painted and not being familiar with this type of furniture I do not know if its painted.
I live up in Canada and we have our famous "Muskoka Chairs" that sit on our porches and decks. They are made of cedar and most always painted each season or at least every other season.
The ones we do not paint are coated with Thompsons weather shield. Its a clear coat.
And wood is wood, so the maintenance of your chairs will be the same as here.
And usually we put our chairs in the garage for the winter cause its too darn cold for porch sitting.
Hope this helps
Regards Eileen