From the Forest, For the Forest since 1995
Transparent Premium Sealant
Our most popular finish. It leaves your furniture looking natural and helps keep the beautiful wood surface colors from fading for several years. We use Sikkens brand for finishing because they are the best on the market.
Forever Redwood
Care and Finish
Stains, primers, paints and how to care for your wood
Find your finish
Forever Redwood offers 10 finish options: sealant, stains, urethane, unfinished and primers.
All furniture and structures ship finely sanded to 220 grit. Colors vary with the wood grade and screen. Explore the 7 wood grades →
See every finish,
side by side.
All our finish options are on our 7 wood grades, side by side. Each grade takes the finish a little differently.
Enlarge comparison →Sealant & stains
Beautiful color. The grain stays visible.
Cherry Stain
All our stain finish options let the grain of the wood show, instead of covering it completely. There is an additional fee for choosing a stain because it doubles the coats we apply (the stain is applied first and then it is sealed).
Coffee Stain
All our stain finish options let the grain of the wood show, instead of covering it completely. There is an additional fee for choosing a stain because it doubles the coats we apply (the stain is applied first and then it is sealed). Douglas-fir stained dark shows a "tiger stripe" effect; for a consistent dark stain choose a Redwood grade.
White Stain
All our stain finish options let the grain of the wood show, instead of covering it completely. There is an additional fee for choosing a stain because it doubles the coats we apply (the stain is applied first and then it is sealed).
White Wash
The wood is still more visible with the white wash finish than with the white stain finish.
Black Stain
All our stain finish options let the grain of the wood show, instead of covering it completely. There is an additional fee for choosing a stain because it doubles the coats we apply (the stain is applied first and then it is sealed). Douglas-fir stained dark shows a "tiger stripe" effect; for a consistent dark stain choose a Redwood grade.
Urethane & unfinished
Clear coat or a natural look
Urethane
Urethane is recommended for indoor use.
Unfinished
Choose this option if you are applying your own stain or want the surface color to fade to a "weathered look" in a few months. We do not recommend leaving furniture unfinished outdoors for any extended period: it is best to at least seal the wood to protect it from absorbing and losing moisture.
Primers
For painting in a light or darker color
Off-White Oil-Based Primer
Choose this option if you are going to paint a light color. We apply two coats of primer so that it is ready for one final coat of paint. We recommend sealing or staining your furniture, and we do not recommend painting it. We apply two coats of primer so that the final paint goes on with just one coat. We don't apply finish paint; we recommend hiring a local paint contractor and painting each piece before assembly.
Gray Oil-Based Primer
Choose this option if you are painting a darker color. We apply two coats of primer so that it is ready for the final coat of paint. We recommend sealing or staining your furniture, and we do not recommend painting it. We apply two coats of primer so that the final paint goes on with just one coat. We don't apply finish paint; we recommend hiring a local paint contractor and painting each piece before assembly.
Care & maintenance
Keep your wood looking great for decades.
Your Forever Redwood structure or furniture can last outdoors for at least 10–30 years with minimal maintenance, even in the harshest climates. The secret is to keep the wood supple: don’t let it get too dry and brittle, or too wet in contact with the ground.
Your care routine
Four simple steps
Clean
Hose and wipe down with a rag and a bucket of water; use a soft brush for a deeper clean. Do not power wash, and do not use soap or chemicals.
Look
There is no fixed schedule. After cleaning, let it air out: if the wood looks tired and dry, it’s time for a new coat.
Reseal
Seal only the exposed surfaces (on covered pavilions and gazebos, just the exterior and the posts near the roof edge). For resealing we recommend Sikkens Proluxe Cetol Log & Siding Stain in 078 Natural, which keeps the color better than 072 Butternut.
Re-sand (optional)
To make it look new again, sand the visible surfaces with 100 grit, then 220 grit, dust off and seal. Our pieces are oversized, so sanding barely changes their size.
Rags used to apply sealant are an extreme fire hazard: always burn them, never store them.
Good to know
Common questions
Tap a topic for the answer.
Seal, don’t paint
Paint eventually cracks and keeps the wood wet longer, which multiplies microbial action. Outdoor wood lasts longer sealed.
Creaking?
The wood may have lost moisture in its new home. Tighten the nuts and bolts until you feel resistance, plus a quarter turn. It usually only happens in the first year.
Termites
Termites look for dry wood; resealing every couple of years is the best prevention. In high-risk areas we can mix Bug Juice insecticide by TWP into the sealant.
Silver patina
If the finish fades, the silver color is only surface deep (less than 1/64") and is not decay. It can be sanded and sealed back to new in a couple of hours.
Tannin stains on new concrete
Redwood tannins can stain concrete or masonry less than a year old. Seal new hardscape before assembly. Stains clean off with diluted bleach; oxalic acid in water prevents them.
Mold
In very moist areas or near water: spray on bleach heavily diluted with water (or lime juice) and wipe off.
Moisture checks
Large 8×8 and 10×10 timbers can take a year to dry fully and may develop checks. It is not a structural issue. Send us photos and we’ll suggest solutions.
Small cracks
Sand the edges, then fill with a paste of wood glue and the sawdust, sand with 220 grit and seal. For a clean split, send us a photo: we can make a replacement piece at minimal cost.
Included with every order
Touch-up kit
Every order includes a touch-up kit: sandpaper and two 8 oz bottles of sealant. Sand 10–15 strokes with 100 grit, then 220 grit, dust off and rub in sealant; a second coat a couple of hours later. The sanded area evens out in a few weeks.
Real customer pieces
How the finish changes over time
Watch & learn
Care videos
Questions about care and finish?
Our team is happy to help with wood, finishes, care or anything about your order.
Customer Reviews
The Presidential Bench
Contact & Help