7 coats of polyuretane. light sanding in between coats

I agree with UllisGarden...also, I would use some silicone sealer on any exposed "ends" to prevent wicking before sealing with polyurethane. Make sure the pieces are dry before sealing them. Especially the feet which tend to sit in water long after the rains have passed. I think I would bring the set indoors, or under cover during long periods when you aren't going to be using it. i.e. winter. How lucky you are!!

Make sure whatever polyurethane you use has UV filters in it. I have had good success with water-based polyurethane, easy to use, no fumes, no pollution. Follow the instructions, be patient, apply all coats necessary and you will be rewarded by years of use. Of course, if you don't want to go through all that, I would be happy to take that set off your hands! :-)

Amanda

Hi Sunny. I'll bet you got your bamboo furniture from the free stuff web site. That was me !! I wasn't home at the time but my husband said your dh was very nice and we're happy the set found a new home. It was my mother's and she would be happy to know it will be sitting in your garden. Let me know if you are the one. Small small world.

gezzz......I wish I was in YOUR neighborhood!!!!
Am totally jealous!
Julie

We have vintage rattan furniture and my husband sands and verathanes (sp?) it every year, but it still weathers. Esp. the bottom of the legs, where water will blacken it. We finally built an outdoor room to protect it.

Rattan is more durable than bamboo. If what you have are bamboo furniture, they will not last long if left outdoors to the elements even if they've been urethaned.