RENOVATIONS: Bringing Bamboo Furniture Back To Life
Let's be honest - refinishing furniture can be a daunting task. I've spent years accumulating a collection of chairs in the basement with “potential”, a testament to good intentions and dwindling motivation.
But recently, I felt the urge to revive some neglected bamboo furniture.
These chairs, rescued from the side of the road, reside in the Carport (a covered outdoor space) here at Content + Co. and were in desperate need of some TLC.
The beauty of bamboo furniture? It's incredibly sturdy. With a little effort, I knew I could transform these chairs into functional and stylish seating for years to come.
The process was surprisingly quick and manageable. Here's how I brought these bamboo chairs back to life in under an hour:
Clean sweep: I started with a simple dry brush and microfiber cloth to remove dust, spiderwebs, and stray grass.
Sanding for smoothness: Next, I used fine-grit sandpaper to buff out any rough spots or splintering. Sanding also creates a better surface for the finishing touches.
The finishing touch: After some research, I discovered Australian Timber Oil is a popular choice for bamboo. While I initially bought some, I realized we already had a can of polyurethane hiding out in the workshop. Completing this project for zero dollars vs. $30 was enough for me to drive back and make the return.
Australian Timber Oil
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Poly with a twist: The poly's finish leaned a bit orange, but it ended up adding a richness that perfectly complements our black and white striped cushions.
Before and after pics don't lie! These chairs went from roadside rescue to carport chic in a flash. So, even if you're not a seasoned refinisher, bamboo furniture's forgiving nature allows for quick and rewarding projects.
What do you think of the transformation? Ready to give a project like this a try? Let us know in the comment section below!
