Here’s an update to show how the cedar table has weathered and how I brought life back to it. While we were moving, this table had to sit out in the weather, unprotected and without maintenance for 2 full years. Here it is when we finally got back around to it June 2016. Pretty rough.
Table after 2 summers of weathering with no refinishing
It was showing a bit of weathering. The finish had cracked and was missing in many places, leaving the bare wood to turn silver in from the sun’s UV light. It’s time for a bit of sanding!
Starting to sand
Almost finished sanding
The top was much smoother after a quick hit with the palm sander. I was probably using 100 or 150 grit paper, but the finish was smooth enough with just a single pass.
Now time to add some fresh deck stain. I still have the original can of Sikkens that I started with on this table, so I keep using it. It is really easy to apply. The table top looks great, almost new again!
After a fresh coat of stain
And finally, here’s a picture of the table a few weeks later, after a rain. The finish is smooth and the water beads up nicely.
Water beads nicely!
I’m thinking about getting a table cover now to keep this look for a long time. I’m liking this one from Amazon. It should save me a bit of refinishing work and extend the life of this table for quite some time to come.
I used your plans for the Cedar Outdoor Farmhouse Dining Table and it came out really nice. However I did put my own spin on it. I have received more compliments on that table than most of what I’ve ever built. Thanks for putting free plans online. Most sites want an arm and a leg for bird house plans.
I have a cedar bench that has been outside and become very weathered. I would like to clean it up and just make it waterproof, no stain color added, as it will still be outside. After sanding, do you have a recommendation for the best waterproofing for cedar? Thanks. Your table is beautiful.
I’m a big fan of the Sikkens oil based stains. I know you can get them in clear and cedar color. The clear would be closest to what you describe. I prefer the oil based stains because they penetrate into to the wood, not just sit on top. This makes it much easier to do a light cleanup in the future and re-apply. If you want to keep your bench in good shape, I would plan on annual applications regardless of the finish you choose.