How to Refinish Outdoor Furniture: Step-by-Step Guide

Before and after of a refinished outdoor patio set, showcasing a transformation from grey, worn wood to a beautifully stained, natural cedar finish with freshly sanded surfaces and a sleek, polished look.

Phew, talk about a GLOW UP. This patio set has been taunting me for more than a year now with its greyed-out wood grain, old stained cushions, and cute design that I just knew had potential. Learning how to refinish outdoor furniture not only revitalized this set but also gave me confidence for future DIY outdoor projects.

To backtrack, this set was left behind at our house by the previous owners, so it was free to us.

She had moved out-of-state before selling and left a whole assortment of random stuff in the shed and attic that I assumed she didn’t want to bother to come back for, like a lawnmower, wheelbarrow, Christmas lights, and a random decorative deer head. It was like thrift store shopping at my own house, which is obviously the dream.

Anyway, back to the patio set. As you know by now if you’ve been following along, we’re selling our house. We’re actually under contract as I write this, so we’re kind of stuck in DIY limbo—not wanting to change anything that a buyer has already seen and not wanting to create anything new we’re going to need to haul three states away.

As we’ve discovered, though, we’re antsy people and need projects to tinker with, so cue the patio set makeover.

This project was so easy and surprisingly cheap, costing just about $25 in supplies. It’s a budget-friendly way to give your outdoor furniture a new life without replacing it.

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Tools & Materials to Refinish Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor stain and sealer – This Varathane Cedar natural tone is the exact one I used
Paintbrush – I just used a cheap one like these
Paper towel (to wipe stain)
Sander
Sandpaper (80 grit and 220 grit)
Tack cloth (optional, but makes a big difference in surface prep)

Sanding Outdoor Furniture

Assuming you’ve got a rickety, old, neglected piece of outdoor furniture like I did, start by giving it a rough sanding with 80-grit sandpaper.

A quick note on sandpaper for DIYers: The grit number refers to how rough or fine a finish you’ll have. A lower number like 60 or 80 is great for removing caked-on debris like old wood filler or stubborn stains, whereas higher numbers like 220 provide a smooth, polished finish.

The 80-grit sandpaper removed years of rain and sun damage, exposing a gorgeous natural wood color. While some tight crevices were difficult to access, the transformation was worth the effort.

Smooth the Surface with 220-Grit Sandpaper

After the rough sanding, go over the entire piece again with 220-grit sandpaper. This step smooths the surface and prepares the wood for staining. Sanding twice may seem tedious, but it’s essential for achieving professional-looking results when you refinish outdoor furniture.

Clean and Prep for Staining

Once the sanding is complete, clean the furniture thoroughly. I used paper towels to remove the dust, but a tack cloth is even better for catching fine particles. This prep step ensures the stain adheres properly to the wood.

Apply Stain and Sealer

We used Varathane’s outdoor stain and sealer in Natural Cedar. This product is a great choice for refinishing outdoor furniture because it combines stain and sealant, saving time and effort. We used it recently for our outdoor table,

Before applying the stain, mix it thoroughly. The pigments tend to settle at the bottom of the can, and uneven mixing can result in blotchy coloring. Apply the stain in small sections, working about two square feet at a time. Use a brush to spread the stain and immediately wipe it with a paper towel to achieve a natural look.

Let the Stain Dry

The outdoor stain we used requires at least four hours to dry before use. This stain also acts as a sealer, providing long-lasting protection against the elements. Refinishing outdoor furniture with a stain-and-sealer combo is a great way to save time without sacrificing durability.

Step 6: Admire Your Refurbished Outdoor Furniture
Breaking this project into smaller sessions made it manageable even during a busy week. The transformation was incredible—this refinished patio set looks like something out of a high-end catalog.

If you’re wondering how to refinish outdoor furniture without breaking the bank, this project proves it can be done on a tight budget with just a few tools and supplies.

I still need to pick out replacement outdoor cushions, but that can wait until we’ve settled into our new home. For now, we’re enjoying our “new” patio set with sunset margaritas under the string lights.

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FAQ: How to Refinish Outdoor Furniture

Can I refinish outdoor furniture without a sander?
Yes, but using a sander makes the process faster and ensures a smoother finish. If you don’t have a sander, sandpaper and elbow grease can still get the job done.

What is the best stain for refinishing outdoor furniture?
Outdoor stains like Varathane’s outdoor stain and sealer are ideal because they provide both color and weatherproof protection.

How long does it take to refinish outdoor furniture?
This depends on the size of the project, but it’s typically a one-day job. Breaking it into smaller steps makes it more manageable.

Can I use paint instead of stain on outdoor furniture?
Yes, but paint requires additional prep, such as priming, and it may not last as long in extreme weather conditions compared to outdoor stain and sealer.

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