Asked on Feb 10, 2016

I am putting a wood table on my covered patio.

Is there a paint or stain that can protect it from the elements? The top is tiled.
  13 answers
  • CK CK on Feb 10, 2016
    Wood will weather no matter what you do to it for outside use. However since you have a covered patio, the wear will not be quite as significant as if it was an uncovered patio. I'd use some exterior clear polyurethane or other clear sealer made for exterior use (maybe even some marine grade sealer) and enjoy! When it comes to outside use, just know things will not last as long as if they were indoors. As a sort of 'last resort' you might think of getting a plastic table cover for it in very inclement weather...or just cover it with a plastic tarp.
  • Nancy juliano Nancy juliano on Feb 10, 2016
    this a good product
  • You can use a sealer like you would use for a deck. However, if it is exposed to more than just condensation, (heavy rains blowing on it, etc) moisture will eventually get down between those tiles and crevices and ruin it. (Like the seams where the mitered corners meet). If you do decide to seal it, make sure to turn it over and get to the wood beneath.With the covered patio as seen in the image, you should be able to keep it looking good as long as you reseal every few years, and cover it when there is strong blowing rain. My patio furniture looks good after 3 years of year round exposure.I even have a regular TV hanging out there. So, I think that you should be safe. Good luck. :-)
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Feb 10, 2016
    I would recommend a marine sealer as well. In my opinion it may hold up better for the outdoors. I would research if it can be applied on the tile.
  • Tammy Tammy on Feb 10, 2016
    Spar Urethane is an outdoor sealer that is recommended for wood pieces that are stored outdoors. Many stores carry a variety of this topcoat.
    • See 2 previous
    • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Feb 10, 2016
      @Tammy The question was not for me it was for the hometalker who posed the question to begin with. I was asking you for my own info if you knew the answer.
  • MN Mom MN Mom on Feb 10, 2016
    I like Tammy's suggestion of the outdoor sealer. If it were me, I would consider a piece of safety glass cut to the size of the table top. It would help keep the tiles preserved and protected. You can also purchase a vinyl table cover for the days when heavy rain is expected.
  • Camille Andry Prat Camille Andry Prat on Feb 10, 2016
    Thank you everyone. I will be keeping a vinyl tablecloth on the table. It's the wood legs and underneath that I am most concerned about. I will check into your suggestions.
    • Ann M Ann M on Feb 11, 2016
      I have your same table! Pier one circa 1994? We also bought the smaller buffet table. We had a beveled glass top made for it at the time. Good suggestions from these Hometalkers. Wish I had a covered porch to use mine!
  • Dianne devoll Dianne devoll on Feb 11, 2016
    By all means, use the clear varnish used on boats. It can be used on tile. Make certain to clean mildew off before sealing the table and do several coats, letting it dry thoroughly in-between coats, I would seal the botto of the legs also. Throw the plastic cloth away and let the pretty tiles show! dianne devoll burns tn.
  • Mary Beth Carrier Mary Beth Carrier on Feb 12, 2016
    I'm also a fan of Marine poly. I use it on all my outdoor wood and it's all still in great shape after many years whether it is painted or stained.
  • W.h1195363 W.h1195363 on Feb 13, 2016
    Get a glass table top cut that is slightly bigger than the top of the table .
  • Anita Anita on Feb 13, 2016
    I have used Marine poly on a wooden counter. It doesn't scratch and has a hard finish that would hold up to weather. Besides protecting the top, use it on the legs. A glass top wouldn't protect legs and could possibly get moisture under it. POLY IT!
  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Nov 11, 2022

    Yacht Varnish!

  • Mogie Mogie on Nov 11, 2022

    Unfortunately wood will break down over time in the weather. A sealer helps slow that process down. I would go with a marine sealer. Just ask for that at your local big box store.