Best finish for new outdoor dining table

[Ghallahad]

Im nearly finished with a new outdoor dining table so im starting to think about finishes. This is the first outdoor piece ive made so im not too sure about weather resistant finishes. The table is out in the open sky, and sees the sun for about half the day.

The table is made from NG Rosewood, with Tassie Oak (not 100% decided yet) slats on the top.

I was thinking something along the lines of Danish Oil/Tung Oil? Or is a poly mix ok to use outside too? Having to redo the finish every so often is not as issue, im willing to do it. I just want something nice that will retain the pink that ive got in the Rosewood.

Cheers!

[dr4g0nfly]

I'd defiantly go with oil but more likely to use Boiled Linseed or Teak oil for greater weather resistance.

Several coats to start and then every Autumn before you put it way for the winter. If it's going to stand outside all winter then stand the legs in a pot/tin/jar of whatever oil to allow them to soak up as much as they can.

[Claw Hama]

When you say outside is it covered or sitting out in the weather?

Dragonfly, winter in around here isn't the problem, our winters here are very very mild. Summer is the killer with high 30 to 40deg days that bake and dry out the timber.

The boiled linseed is good but I have had a lot of success outside with the Maloof Danish mix 1/3 Boiled Linseed, 1/3 Tung Oil, 1/3 Varnish/Polyurethane. You will still have to apply it every 3 to 6 months (depending if you get a lot of Western sun or not) to look after your work.
Or for a simpler process use and oil base deck oil like Cabots.