What do I do to improve my bench?

[BelfastSmile]

We have a garden bench which has metal ends and then wooden slats going across - just your standard garden bench. The wooden bits were varnished, but the varnish has started cracking and peeling off.

What's the best way to restore it? I've scraped off as much loose varnish as I can, and sanded down a bit too (can do more). There are some stubborn patches of varnish, but mostly it's now raw wood.

Do I varnish it again? Or stain it?

Teak oil.
I have a wooden bench that is 20 years old and still has loads of life left in it. No signs of rotting, just a light sand & teak oil every few years.

It would last a lot longer if you revarnish it. But varnish gives a satin or gloss finish. You can sand it afterwards for less shine. For a more natural matte finish the oil is a better choice. But needs to be done quite regularly, like at least once a year. Or you could paint it .

I don't think you can varnish teak, it doesn't stick - what is the wood?

If it was originally varnished then it can be revarnished.

I'm not sure, sorry

Another vote for teak oil. It works wonders on tired garden furniture.

If you oil you will need more layers more often but it won't crack and peel and if you keep on top of it it won't need much sanding back.