10 Best Oil for Wood Furniture: Reviews and Guide

Choosing the best oil for wood furniture can feel overwhelming. With so many options, how do you decide what’s right?

Oils don’t just make your furniture look great—they protect and preserve it too. The right oil can bring out the wood’s natural beauty and keep it strong for years.

Whether it’s a cherished antique or outdoor furniture, there’s an oil that fits perfectly. In this blog, we’ll explore top options and help you find the perfect match for your wooden pieces. Let’s dive in.

Our Top Picks

Best Oil for Wood Furniture: Key Takeaway

1. SunnySide Pure Raw Linseed Oil – Best Overall Finishing Oil for Wood
2. Watco Danish Oil – Best Oil for Unfinished Wood
3. Watco Teak Oil + Stain – Best Oil for Outdoor Wood Furniture
4. Tried & Tru Original Wood Finish – Best Oil for Wood Table
5. Osmo Clear Mate Top Oil – Best Natural Oil for Wood Furniture
6. Star Brite Premium Teak Oil – Best Oil for Sealing Wood
7. Watco Tung Oil Finish – Best Wood Preserving Oil
8. Guardsman Revitalizing Lemon Oil – Best Oil for Wood Veneer
9. WEIMAN Lemon Oil – Best Oil for Dry Wooden Furniture
10. RONSEAL Decking oil – Best Furniture Oil for Wood Decking Floors

What is Wood Oil?

Wood oil is a protective and decorative wood finish that you can directly apply to bare wood or treated timber. Wood oils provide a deep, penetrating, long-term, cost-effective wood finishing that preserves the wood from within.

The main difference between wood oil and wood varnishes is that wood oils are predominantly natural products that are easy to apply and incredibly durable. Most wood oils are also safe for humans, animals, and the environment.

Benefits of Wood Oil Treatment

Wood oil finishes are advantageous for many reasons. The following five reasons you should consider oil over other wood finishes;

Advantages

It’s easy to apply
Oil produces a better luster
Enhances wood’s natural beauty
Protects wood from UV radiation
Protects wood from drying out
Insect, fungal attack, and algae protection

Disadvantages

Some oils can change wood color
Oil finishes are less tough than shellac
Oil is difficult to apply on porous wood

Best Wood Oil for Furniture: Wood Oil Finish Types

There are at least seven different types of wood oils that you can use. Here’s what you need to know about each;

1. Danish oil

What is danish oil made of? Danish oil is a thin oil and varnish mixture that takes about 15 minutes to soak into the wood. Therefore, you should only apply one layer per day. These layers eventually form a thick, durable, varnish-like finish.

What is danish oil used for? Danish oil mainly protects the wood against chemical damage, heat exposure, superficial scratches, and stain. Here are other benefits and drawbacks of Danish oil.

2. Tung oil

What is tung oil made of? Tung oil, also known as China wood oil, is a plastic-like clear coating oil obtained by pressing the seed of the nut of the tung tree. The Tung tree is native to China and Asian countries.

What is tung oil used for? Tung oil is used as a finish to help protect wood surfaces. In addition, woodworkers often use it to create a hand-rubbed finish. Read here to know more about how to darken wood with tung oil?

3. Olive oil finishing

What is olive oil made of? Olive oil is extracted from the fleshy part of the ripened fruit of the olive tree, though some are extracted from unripened olive fruits. It’s yellow to golden, sometimes with a green tinge.

What is olive oil used for? People use olive in cooking, cosmetics, soaps, and traditional lamps. Additionally, woodworkers use it to moisturize wood furniture.

4. Hard wax oil

What is hard wax oil made of? Hard wax or hard-wax oil combines one or more vegetable oils and one or more wax types. The compound may also contain additional chemicals, including VOCs and solvents.

What is hard wax oil used for? Hard wax oil beautifies and protects wood surfaces, such as wooden floors, wooden furniture, cabinetry, and wooden countertops.

5. Linseed oil  – wood sealing oil

What is linseed oil made of? Linseed oil is obtained from the seed of the linseed flax plant. The plants vary. One produces an abundance of seeds, while another variety produces an abundance of fiber. The seeds can be used raw or boiled.

What is linseed oil used for? Linseed oil is used in wood oil finish to make them more fluid, glossy, and transparent. Raw linseed oil and boiled linseed oil are also wood preservatives found in wood oils, varnishes, and paints. You can also use linseed oil to seal wood.

6. Mineral oil

What is mineral oil made of? Mineral oils are odorless, clear liquids derived from petroleum products. The liquid is a highly purified, highly refined petroleum product and an inert, stable compound by the time of its use.

What is a mineral oil used for? Mineral oils are mainly found in carrier oils, cosmetic products, and lubricant laxatives.

However, it’s also common in wood oils. It helps protect wood grain against humidity changes, making the wood less susceptible to warping and cracking.

7. Teak oil

What is teak oil made of? Teak oil, strange as it may seem, has nothing to do with the teak tree or teak wood. Instead, it’s made from a blend of ingredients, similar to Danish oil.

Ingredients used to make teak oil include linseed oil, pure tung oil, mineral spirits, and varnish.

What is teak oil used for? The primary use of teak oil is to slow down the natural greying process of teak wood. However, it’s also common in other exterior wood applications, such as outdoor wooden furniture and oiling boats.

8. Australian timber oil

Australian timber oil is a wood treatment designed to protect and enhance wood surfaces. It penetrates deeply into the grain, conditioning and sealing the wood.

This oil is perfect for hardwoods like teak and mahogany. It provides a rich finish while protecting against UV rays and moisture.

The blend of natural oils and resins adds durability. It’s ideal for outdoor furniture, decks, and fences.

Easy to apply, it brings out the wood’s natural beauty, keeping it strong and beautiful over time.

How to Apply Finishing Oil for Wood

The exact steps for oiling wood varies slightly depending on the type of oil. However, the overall process is the same.

Tools and materials 

• 220-grit sandpaper
• 600-800-grit wet-and-dry sandpaper
• Wood oil
• 4/5 dry cotton cloths

Step-by-step guide for treating wood with oil

1. Sand the wood to a smooth finish with extra fine 22- grit sandpaper.
2. Wipe the surface clean using a clean cloth. Alternatively, vacuum-clean the surface, then wipe with a cloth.
3. Apply a small amount of the oil to a section of the wood.
4. Rub the oil into the wood with a new clean, dry cloth. Always rub in the direction of the grain.
5. Repeat step #4 until you cover the entire wood surface.
6. Allow the surface to dry for half an hour. Then wipe off the excess oil from the surface using a cloth.
7. Leave the surface to dry for 24 hours.
8. It’s time to apply the second coat. This time you should use an extra-fine 600-800-grit sandpaper. So, begin by pouring a liberal amount of oil onto the sandpaper.
9. Rub the oil into the wood surface as if you’re sanding it, working from one edge of the surface to another until you cover the entire furniture.
10. Wipe off the excess oil (and dirt) using a clean cloth.
11. Wait 24 hours for the surface to dry. That’s all!

Best Furniture Oil for Wood: Product Reviews

Let’s begin with the product reviews. The following are fifteen of the best wood finishing oils to consider for your next project.

1. Best Overall Finishing Oils for Wood – SunnySide Pure Raw Linseed Oil

Linseed oil is an age-old wood finishing material. Extracted from flax seed, it’s commonly used to preserve lumber and as an ingredient in paints, varnishes, and stains.

Many traditional communities also use linseed oil to protect wood from deterioration, damage, and discoloration. 

Thus, you can expect a bit of magic from Sunnyside Corporation’s raw linseed oil. First, it’s a natural wood protector that shields furniture from moisture, weather, and wear.

Therefore, you can use it on indoor and outdoor furniture. Secondly, Sunnyside raw linseed oil replenishes faded and tired wood. It brings wood back to life by drawing out the natural wood grain and revitalizing the natural shine. 

Above all, Sunnyside raw linseed oil extends the lifespan of wooden furniture. Applying it to unfinished wood or mixing it into oil-based paints and stains fortifies the wood and extends the furniture’s lifespan. 

The oil is safe for vegetable gardens and butcher blocks, and although it has a mild smell, the odor is harmless. However, beware that it dries very slowly, typically taking 2-4 days for the oil coat to dry completely.

Sunnyside raw linseed oil is available in quarts, gallons, and bulk packs and is for use in raw wood only.

What We Liked Most

Penetrates wood deeply for maximum protection
High water repellency and weather resistance
Revives faded and weathered wood
You can mix it with oil-based paints and stains

What Could Be Improved

It has a mild petroleum distillate smell
It dries much slower than boiled linseed oil

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2. Best Oil for Unfinished Wood – Watco Danish Oil

Watco products are a staple in the woodworking industry. The company makes some of the best finishing oils and stains. One of their finest products is Watco Danish Oil, an interior finishing wood oil with the protective properties of a varnish.

Indeed, Watco says the Danish oil is a blend of oil and varnish. Watco Danish Oil stands out for many reasons.

First, it’s ideal for a variety of wood surfaces, including bare, stripped, and sanded surfaces (though it’s not recommended for floors).

Secondly, this protective oil for wood penetrates deeply into the wood but dries pretty fast. Your oiled surface should be completely dry within six hours.

Another reason we love Watco Danish Oil is that it’s very economical. One quart (947ml) covers an impressive 170 square feet. Better still, the oil is very easy to apply. You’re guaranteed to finish most projects in under an hour. 

Watco Danish Oil protects surfaces from spills, abrasion, chipping, and peeling.

Moreover, this rubbing oil for wood creates a warm, rich glow that enhances the natural look and feel of the wood. Feel free to use it on bare wood or sanded surfaces.

What We Liked Most

Ideal for a variety of indoor wood surfaces
Protects surfaces against spills, abrasion, and chipping
Creates a warm, rich glow of a hand-rubbed finish
Easy to apply and highly economical 

What Could Be Improved

It requires yearly reapplication
Annual reapplication darkens the wood

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3. Best Oil for Outdoor Wood Furniture – Watco Teak Oil + Stain

The Watco brand has several teak oil finishes designed for different applications. We’re specifically interested in the Watco Teak Oil + Stain.

It’s an interior and exterior finishing oil that protects wood from elements such as sunlight exposure and rain. It also shields furniture from dings, dents, and scratches. 

This oil stands out for many reasons. First, it’s the perfect finish for weather-resistant furniture. Therefore, it’s an excellent choice for patio chairs, garden benches, and your favorite Adindorack chairs.

Secondly, it dries surprisingly fast. Typically, the furniture is ready for use 8-10 hours after application. Another reason to choose Watco Teak Oil + Stain is that it’s very easy to apply.

Indeed, you can spray paint it if you’re in a hurry. However, the best way to apply teak oil to outdoor furniture is by hand-painting with a brush for a warm, rich glow of a hand-stained finish. A quart of the oil covers between 160 and 190 square feet. 

In case you’re wondering, Watco Teak Oil + Stain is applicable in marine vessels. You can use it on your boats without any downsides. It’s also applicable in decking projects.

What We Liked Most

Penetrates wood deeply and protects it from within
It’s easy to apply and dries fast (within eight hours)
Offers water, moisture, and UV protection 
Suited for interior, exterior, and marine applications

What Could Be Improved

It is not food-safe
It is combustible 

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4. Best Oil for Wood Table – Tried & Tru Original Wood Finish

Many woodworkers love products from Tried and Tru. It’s one of a few companies that use all-natural, renewable ingredients in its products. 

For instance, they don’t use metallic solvents, thus zero VOCs. Instead, they use polymerized linseed seeds that protect furniture without putting your health in danger.

Of course, their 18th-century tried-and-tested methods also appeal to many woodworkers. The Tried and Tru Original Wood Finish, their best-selling product, is very popular.

Tried and Tru Original Wood Finish combines polymerized linseed oil and beeswax. Therefore, it protects wood surfaces from moisture and water. Additionally, the hard surface protects furniture from dents and scratches. 

It’s very easy to apply, though, and very economical too. A small amount of the finishing goes a long way (1,000 square feet per gallon) thanks to the absence of added solvents.

However, the company recommends applying the finish with a rag rather than a brush. Doing so limits quantities during application. 

Remember that you can use Tried and Tru Original Wood Finish as the primary finish or a top over Tried & Tru Danish Oil and Tried & Tru Varnish. It comes in a choice of three sizes, pint, quart, and gallon.

What We Liked Most

Safe for skin and food contact
Free from solvents, dyes, and VOCs
Superior moisture resistance
100% renewable ingredients

What Could Be Improved

It smells like cooking oil

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5. Best Natural Oil for Wood Furniture – Osmo Clear Mate Top Oil

Osmo’s Top Oil line of products is a popular choice for woodworkers looking for food-safe, easy-to-apply natural finishing oils. It offers durable, easy-to-apply finishing oils for table tops, butcher blocks, and kitchen worktops.

The line comprises seven products; Clear Matt, Clear Satin, Natural Matt, Acacia Matt, White Satin, Terra Satin, and Graphite Satin. However, we believe the Clear Matt is the best among the seven. 

This natural oil finish for wood glides effortlessly on wooden surfaces, emphasizing the wood’s natural beauty with a glowing matte finish.

Moreover, this clear oil for wood leaves a super-durable finish resistant to stains, scratches, and scuffs. Above all, it’s a food-safe finish that doesn’t peel, flake, crack, or blister. 

The manufacturer specifically recommends TopOil clear Matte for wooden kitchen worktops and tables. Make sure to clean and dry the surface before application.

Also, don’t thin this natural wood oil finish. Instead, shake and use it as-is, allowing 8-10 hours between coats for drying. The surface is fully cured after 2-3 weeks. 

A word of caution, though; multi-purpose cleaners, such as detergents, are highly detrimental to the finished surface.

The same applies to other household cleaning products, such as bleach and baking soda. So, only clean the surfaces with pure water.

What We Liked Most

Food-safe and kids friendly 
It doesn’t peel, flake, crack, or blister
Performs well in high-humidity areas 
A high average coverage (24 sqm/liter)

What Could Be Improved

It takes a long time (2-3 weeks) to cure fully
Traceable odors and VOC content

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6. Best Oil for Sealing Wood – Star Brite Premium Teak Oil

The Star Brite Premium Golden Teak Oil is a perfect choice if you’re working on high-end furniture or mid-century items. It is the finest sealer/preserver/finish for marine teak and other fine woods. 

The finish comprises ultra-refined, chemically modified premium natural oils combined to form a high molecular weight polymer finish that easily withstands exposure to harsh weather and saltwater.

This oil finishing is also blended with high-tech additives to protect your furniture from the sun’s damaging UV rays. The result is maximum protection for the surfaces of fine woods and furniture.

Sealing wood with oil is a straightforward process. Begin by treating the wood with a premium cleaner and brightening it up with a brightener.

Then apply the teak oil onto the surface using a clean cloth or sponge, working in the grain direction for maximum grain penetration. Always wait five minutes before wiping off the excess oil. 

Star Brite Premium Golden Teak Oil is easy to use and fast drying. It also offers extra-long protection, typically 4-6 times longer than standard teak oils.

What We Liked Most

Extra-long wood protection 
Contains UV inhibitors for long-lasting outdoor furniture
Brings out the natural beauty in fine woods
The best oil for mid-century furniture
Easy to apply and dries quickly 

What Could Be Improved

Requires regular top-ups
It’s toxic and flammable 

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7. Best Wood Preserving Oil – Watco Tung Oil Finish

Watco Tung Oil Finish is a restorative oil finish that enhances wood’s natural color and warmth in a few steps. First, it penetrates stained and unfinished wood deeply to protect the wood from moisture and other elements.

Moreover, it leaves a look of a hand-rubbed finish. The fast-drying, ready-to-use formula doesnt darken over time. Instead, it retains the natural color of the wood. But more importantly, you can reapply it many times without darkening the wood.

Reapplication brings back the surface’s natural luster and refreshes the character of wood furniture, trim, and molding. It’s very easy to apply. Begin by stripping the surface of existing finishes with sandpaper or a stripper.

Then sand the surface in the direction of the grain to prepare it for oiling. Always begin with 120-grit sandpaper and progress to the softer options slowly.

Finally, wipe the surface with a rag or remove the dust with a dry vacuum. Use mineral spirits to remove stubborn grease and oils. 

Once ready, shake the container thoroughly, and begin the application. Then allow 15 minutes for surface penetration before wiping the excess oil with a clean cloth.

Watco Tung Oil Finish takes 34 hours to dry, though you need at least two coats.

What We Liked Most This Oil for Preserving Wood

Ideal for stained and unfinished surfaces
Restores and enhances natural wood color
Deeply penetrates wood for maximum protection 
It doesn’t darken furniture 

What Could Be Improved

It is not pure tung oil
The solvent-based oil needs ventilation

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8. Best Oil for Wood Veneer – Guardsman Revitalizing Lemon Oil

Lemon oil is renowned for its revitalizing qualities. It’s the best finish for dry woods or warping surfaces that need rejuvenation.

Therefore, we recommend the Guardsman Revitalize Lemon Oil for wooden surfaces. It works equally well on solid wood and manufactured wood products, including wood veneer.

Guardman RevitalizeLemon Oil gently cleans away built-up surface grime and residue, allowing the wooden surface to breathe better.

In addition, it penetrates the wood to replenish lost oils, restoring the wood’s shine and natural beauty. It also contains UV blockers that prevent sun damage, fading, and discoloration.

It’s easy to use the oil. Begin by wiping the surface with a lint-free cloth. Guardsman provides a special Guardsman Dusting Cloth for this purpose.

After cleaning, apply a small amount of the Guardsman Revitalizing Lemon oil and use a soft, clean cotton cloth to spread it. We recommend working in the direction of the grain.

The oil comes in 16 oz bottles. Therefore, you may need several orders for a large project. However, it’s easy to apply and dries in no time.

What We Liked Most

Restores the wood’s lost natural oils
Replenishes the wood, restoring its natural beauty
It’s extremely versatile (works on leather, wood, metal, etc.)
It protects wood surfaces from the sun’s damaging UV rays
It has a pleasant smell

What Could Be Improved

It’s only available in tiny 16 oz bottles
Lemon oil requires regular reapplication

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9. Best Oil for Dry Wood Furniture – WEIMAN Lemon Oil

Weiman was founded in 1941 and has been a leading wood care expert, providing high-quality wood care products at affordable prices.

The Weiman Lemon Oil wood furniture polish is a testament to their commitment to quality. It contains the purest of oils that rejuvenate dry furniture, imparting a lustrous shine that lasts many years. 

It works by soaking deeply into each pore in wooden items, giving wood surfaces a deep, rich luster while protecting and enhancing the wood grains.

Therefore, it’s perfect for cleaning faded or dry surfaces. The oil works best on oaks, maple, cherry, birch, walnut, and pine, though you can use it on other surfaces, including engineered wood. 

Weiman Lemon Oil also contains UVX-15, a sunscreen that protects wood from watermarks, stains, aging, and other symptoms of sun damage. UVX-15 further protects wood from drying out, fading, or discoloring. 

It’s easy to apply the oil. First, apply it to a clean cloth and rub gently in a circular motion until the oil has penetrated the surface. Then dry the oiled surface with a clean cloth. It takes as little as five minutes to dry.

What We Liked Most About This Furniture Wood Oil

It’s affordable 
UV-protects furniture surfaces
Easy to apply and dries fast
Revives and restores dry wood

What Could Be Improved

Requires reapplication every 6-12 months
It leaves a lemon scent on surfaces

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10. Best Furniture Oil for Wood Decking Floors – RONSEAL Decking oil

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The Ronseal decking oil is an all-in-one, solvent-based oil ideal for bare wood, preserved lumber, and pressure-treated decking boards. It offers maximum protection for softwood and hardwood decking and is resistant to water. 

However, what stands out most about Ronseal Decking Oil is its durability. This wooden furniture oil finish lasts twice as long as other decking oils, meaning you don’t need frequent and often-expensive reapplications.

Yet, it protects your decking from weather and foot traffic just as the top decking oils do while nourishing and conditioning the wood surface. 

It’s very easy to apply Ronseal Decking Oil. First, clean the deck, then decide whether you should apply a decking restorer before applying the decking oil.

Alternatively, use a decking stripper to remove to get the deck back to bare wood. Then brush off the surface, shake the oil for a uniform mix, and begin oiling.

You only need two oil coats applied four hours apart. A liter of the oil covers 8.0 square meters. The Ronseal decking oil finish is anti-slip. So, you don’t have to worry about slip and fall accidents. It’s also insect-repellent. 

What We Liked Most

Protects deck against UV
It keeps moisture and insects out
Dried surfaces are anti-slip 
It prolongs the life of decking boards

What Could Be Improved

There are few color options
A low coverage means you need lots of oil

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Safety and Maintenance Tips When Using Furniture Oil Finish

It’s important to stay safe when applying wood oil and thereafter take the best care of the oiled surfaces for maximum longevity. So, the following are a few safety and maintenance tips to observe;

Safety tips

• Always wear protective clothing and synthetic rubber gloves when applying wood oil.
• Do not breathe in the mist or spray. Instead, wear protective breathing equipment.
• Keep the oils and oiled surfaces out of the reach of children until completely dried.
• Wash splashes of the oils on your skin immediately using plenty of water.
• When you’re done, tightly seal the original container and dispose or store it safely.

Oiled surface maintenance tips

• Select wood oils based on the type of wood.
• Remember that wood absorbs oil best when sanded smooth.
• Allow the oiled surface to dry completely before using it.
• Use a lint-free soft cloth without buttons or zippers to duct the furniture regularly.
• Clean the furniture periodically with a solution of one cup boiled linseed oil, one cup turpentine, and 1/3 cup white vinegar.
• Refinish the surface every six months to two years, as the wood oil manufacturer recommends.

Best Wood Furniture Oil: FAQs 

What is the Best Oil for Wood Furniture? Summary

Oils preserve the natural properties of the wood while enhancing the wood’s aesthetics.

Additionally, the best oils penetrate deeply into the wood, protecting your furniture from rotting, decay, moisture, and spills. Fortunately, now you know fifteen of the best oils for wood furniture.