How to maintain an Oak Garden Swing...
Our oak designs need very little maintenance, but this is something you might want to try...
Oak is a generous wood. Left entirely to its own devices, your swing will silver gracefully and last for decades without a thing being done to it. Late spring is the best time to do it. The wood has dried out from winter, and you'll get a long stretch of fair weather before the height of summer sets the finish.
The same principle applies to oak benches, signs and hardwood in general when left outside.
Your five-minute swing health check
Before you do anything, walk round your swing with a cup of tea and look at four things. The whole check takes about as long as the tea.
- Ropes. Look for fraying at the knots, soft spots when you squeeze, and any green mildew. Manila rope lasts four to six years in the British climate, longer if your swing lives somewhere shaded and dry.
- Seat. Run a hand along the top. Does it feel rough and dry? Is there lichen in the grain, or bird poo from a passing visitor? A stiff brush often does the job. The more stubborn marks come off with warm soapy water, and a light sand sees off anything still clinging on. Removing the lichen in particular is worth the effort: a clean seat dries out much quicker between showers, so you can sit back down without ending up with a wet bum.
- Branch/Beam. Look at the branch connections. Is the rope still securely attached? Does the branch still look healthy? One of the huge advantages of using natural rope is that the rope itself does not damage the branch, but check for fungi or other damage to the branch. If the branch is high up, consider taking a photo and zoom in or use a pair of binoculars to have a close look.
- Knots. Give each side of the swing a firm tug. They should feel solid.
If everything looks well, you've earned the rest of your tea.
If something gave you pause, keep reading.
There's a fix for each one below.
A half-hour DIY refresh
In the video above Jeanette shows you how to look after one of the swings in her garden.
Estimated time to complete the project: 30 minutes.
This is the simple routine that brings the colour back.
You'll need:
- 120 grit sandpaper (coarse)
- 240 grit sandpaper (fine)
- A soft brush, or the soft attachment on a vacuum
- A clean, lint-free rag
- Danish oil (a small tin goes a long way)
- Brush off. Dust, cobwebs and last autumn's leaves. The cleaner you start, the better the finish will be.
- Light sand with 120 grit. Work along the grain, not across it.
- Finer sand with 240 grit. A second pass to smooth everything down. By the end the wood should feel like the inside of your wrist.
- Wipe clean. A slightly damp cloth lifts the dust out of the grain. Let it dry for ten minutes before the next step.
- Apply Danish oil. Pour a little onto the rag or straight onto the wood. Wipe it on in long strokes along the grain, the way you'd wax a table. The wood will drink the first coat in.
- Leave to cure. After a few hours it's ready to swing on again.
A word on oily rags. Danish oil generates a little heat as it cures. Never leave used rags scrunched up in a bin. Lay them flat outside until they're stiff and dry, then dispose of them. Old painters' lore, still true.
BEFORE
AFTER
Why Danish oil
Danish oil sinks in rather than sitting on top, so the oak still breathes. It's a blend of natural oils and a small amount of varnish, which means it nourishes and protects in one step. We use it because it suits the way oak wants to live: slowly weathering, slowly deepening, never sealed shut in plastic. It also smells of a country house in summer, which we count as a bonus.
When to replace your ropes
Manila rope is a beautiful natural material, and like everything beautiful and natural, it has a working life. Four to six years is typical in our climate. Sun and rain take their toll, as does the sheer joy of being swung on.
For most people the moment to replace it is the obvious one: when the rope is badly frayed, or has actually given way. When that day comes, send the swing back to us.
We'll fit fresh rope, tie the knots the way they were tied originally, and have it back to you ready for another long stretch of summers.
Why manila rope
Manila is the rope that taught the world to trust natural fibre.
It's strong, forgiving, and built for a life outdoors — the same qualities that took it to sea for centuries. Salt, sun and rain are all in a day's work for it.
Just as importantly, it weathers in step with the oak. As the wood softens from honey to silver, the rope deepens from pale gold to a warm, sun-bleached fawn. The two ages together, the way a good pair of materials should.
There's a longer story behind manila and how it came to be the rope of choice for makers like us — but that's for another day.
Swing Re-rope service
After a few days your swing will come back to you looking like the swing in the video AND with a brand new rope.
Did you know about the Quercus Club?
Every Oak & Rope owner is part of The Quercus Club. You collect acorns on every order, and you can put them towards a refurbishment, a re-rope, or anything else in the shop. They never expire. See below for more details...
