How to Look After Your Bench Bar: The Complete Care Guide for Outdoor Perfection

🪵 How to Look After Your Bench Bar: The Complete Care Guide for Outdoor Perfection

Your Bench Bar is built to last — designed, handcrafted, and coated to withstand Australia’s toughest outdoor conditions. But like any quality piece of outdoor furniture, a little care goes a long way.
Here’s how to keep your Bench Bar looking as good as the day it arrived, season after season.

☀️ 1. Know Your Timber – Merbau vs Clear Pine

Each Bench Bar is made from premium timber — and each behaves differently outdoors.

Merbau:
Naturally rich in oils and density, Merbau is resistant to rot, termites, and cracking. It thrives outdoors with minimal maintenance but benefits from a fresh coat of protective Varnish once or twice a year.

Clear Pine:
Finished in durable exterior paint or marine-grade varnish, Clear Pine offers a smoother, modern look. To keep it pristine, avoid standing water and gently wipe it down after heavy rain.

Tip: A light re-coat of marine varnish or exterior sealer every 12–18 months keeps both timbers UV-protected and fresh.

💧 2. Keep It Clean

Dust, salt spray, and pool water can build up over time, dulling the finish.

Wipe your Bench Bar regularly with a soft, damp cloth.
For stubborn dirt, use a mild soapy solution (avoid harsh chemicals).
Dry it thoroughly to maintain that smooth surface sheen.

If your Bench Bar lives near the coast, rinse it with fresh water every few weeks to remove salt residue — this prevents long-term corrosion on metal attachments and helps the timber breathe.

🪣 3. Maintain the Finish

Your Bench Bar’s finish protects it from UV rays, rain, and temperature swings. To keep it performing:

Inspect the surface every few months for dullness or tiny cracks in the coating.
Lightly sand and re-coat with marine varnish when needed.
Always follow the grain of the wood for best results.

Pro tip: For painted Bench Bars (like our Custom Colour range), use a clear UV-protective topcoat to extend colour vibrancy.

🧼 4. Care for Attachments & Hardware

If you own accessories like The Drunk Octopus, Frosty Scuttle, Quench Cracker, or Golden Hour, they’re built for the outdoors — but a quick clean keeps them shining.

Brass fittings: Wipe with a dry cloth or polish occasionally for a brighter look.
Stainless attachments: Rinse with mild soapy water and dry to prevent tea-staining.
Screws & clips: Give a quick tighten if your Bench Bar moves between seasons.

🏖 5. Store It Right (Optional but Smart)

Your Bench Bar can handle the elements, but if you know bad weather’s coming or you’re away for long periods:

Remove and store it under cover.
Cover it with a breathable furniture cover to protect from dust and UV exposure.

This helps extend the life of the varnish and keeps it ready for entertaining year-round.

🍹 6. Seasonal Refresh

Each change of season is the perfect time to give your Bench Bar a quick once-over:

Clean, dry, and varnish if needed.
Check attachment fit and alignment.
Swap out styling — think lanterns in winter, bright glassware in summer.

A little attention now means your Bench Bar is always party-ready for your next sundowner.

🌿 Quality Crafted, Built to Last

Every Bench Bar is handcrafted with care and designed for longevity — whether it’s installed on glass balustrades, pool fencing, or balcony rails. With simple seasonal care, you’ll enjoy years of functionality and beautiful entertaining moments outdoors.