Preventing rot is always easier than stopping it. Take all the precautionary measures ahead of time, so that your wooden table legs don’t rot.
This also applies to any other wooden furniture you may have outside: wooden benches, wooden chairs
What causes your wooden furniture to rot in the first place is repeated exposure to moisture, rain, morning dew, snow.
If you store your table outdoors, the wood will absorb all the moisture and swell. If the wood does not completely dry out, it will start to rot, crack, and decay. If your picnic table legs are already rooted out, unfortunately, you’d need to replace them.
What is the best type of wood for picnic tables?
Cedar is the best wood for outdoor furniture, as it is naturally resistant to decay.
How to keep picnic table lets from rotting
1. Let it dry
The best thing you can do after heavy rain is to let your table dry. You should place it indoors or under a covered area and allow it to dry completely before being used again.
2. Ideally, store it inside when you’re not using it
Consider storing your table in the garage in the winter and when you’re not using it, to keep it safe until next use.
3. Paint your table
Although it will lose the natural look, a coat of paint will act like a barrier between moisture and wood, which will protect it from rotting.
4. Seal it for weatherproofing
Once or twice a year, you should seal your picnic table to prolong its lifespan and protect it from oily food spills, rain, and moisture. You should choose a sealant designed for outdoor use, ideally marine grade.
5. Apply protection to the feet
Method 1: Epoxy Feet (MOST EFFICIENT)
By using epoxy, you can create a hard translucent barrier that will prevent moisture from entering as well as protecting the legs from scratches and tearing off over time.
This method is a bit more pricey because you’ll have to buy a high-quality epoxy, but it’s highly efficient.
This is what you’ll need (links to Amazon below):
- West System Epoxy Bundle with Mini Pumps
- Masking Tape to protect the sides of the leg and to help shaping the form for epoxy.
Method 2: Use furniture protection pads
Rubber, silicone, or plastic protector pads are great for protecting outdoor furniture. Before ordering, measure everything to make sure they’ll fit.
Method 3: Nail-in Plastic Caps
Another solution is to nail-in protective plastic sliders like these ones.
This is a more invasive solution but seems to work perfectly.
We hope you like our tips and they were helpful to you. Let us know in the comments below if you have better solutions to prevent wooden furniture legs from rotting.
