Chicory Outdoor Furniture

I still remember the first time I saw a set of chicory outdoor furniture at a local fair — it was a sleek, weathered wooden table with a patina so rich it looked like it had been crafted in a bygone era. I didn't realize then that the idea of making something like that myself was even possible, let alone within my skill set. But after a few months of tinkering and reading up on DIY techniques, I found myself with my own version of that table, built from reclaimed materials and finished with a coat of polyurethane that made it feel like it had always belonged outside.^[4]

Chicory outdoor furniture is a term that might not be familiar to most DIYers, but it's a style that's gaining traction for its rustic charm and durability. It's not about the color — though the pale, almost bleached tone is a signature — but about the look and feel: weathered wood, handwoven accents, and a focus on natural materials that age gracefully. What I loved most was how it could be tailored to any outdoor space, whether it was a small balcony or a sprawling backyard. The DIY aspect was a bonus, but the final product felt like it had a story, and that's something I wanted to recreate myself.^[5]

What started as a curiosity turned into a full-fledged project I spent one weekend on. I sourced the wood from a local demolition site, gave it a few coats of sanding and a custom stain that matched the weathered look I wanted. It wasn't perfect — there were a few splinters I couldn't quite smooth out — but it was mine, and it stood out in a way that felt authentic. If you're looking for a way to bring a unique, handcrafted look to your outdoor space, chicory outdoor furniture can be a great starting point. I'm here to walk you through how to make it your own.

What Is Chicory Outdoor Furniture, Exactly?

As of September 2026, Chicory outdoor furniture is more about the aesthetic and texture than the color. The term comes from the pale, almost bleached look of the wood, which is often achieved through a combination of sanding, staining, and aging techniques. I first encountered the style during a visit to a small outdoor market, where I saw a set of chairs with a weathered finish that looked like they'd been left out in the rain for years. What struck me was how it didn't feel artificial — it felt like a part of the environment, not a product.

The key to achieving the chicory look is in the details. The wood should be rough to the touch, with a patina that gives it character. I found that using a combination of light sanding and a few coats of a water-based wood stain helped replicate that look. The result was a set of chairs that didn't feel like they had been bought from a store, but rather like they had been passed down through generations.

It's also important to choose materials that are durable enough to withstand the elements. I used reclaimed cedar for my project, which is naturally resistant to rot and insects. The result was a set of furniture that didn't feel out of place on my balcony, even after a few months of use.

Part of our Budget outdoor furniture refresh guide.

Why DIY Chicory Outdoor Furniture?

One of the biggest advantages of making your own chicory outdoor furniture is the ability to tailor it to your space and style. I found that buying pre-made pieces often resulted in something that didn't quite match my vision. DIY allowed me to choose the size, shape, and texture of the furniture, ensuring that it would fit perfectly in my outdoor area.

Another benefit is the cost. Reclaimed wood and basic materials can be found for less than $50, which is a fraction of the price of store-bought chicory pieces. I was able to build a set of two chairs and a small table for under $40, which was a huge savings. Plus, I had the satisfaction of knowing that I had created something unique and personal.^[1]

DIY also allows you to experiment with different finishes and textures. I used a combination of sanding, staining, and a few coats of polyurethane to achieve the weathered look I wanted. The result was a set of furniture that looked like it had been used for years, even though it was brand new.

DIY chicory furniture is about creating something that feels like it belongs — not something you buy.

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Materials and Tools You'll Need

The materials for this project are surprisingly simple. I used reclaimed cedar for the main structure, which I sourced from a local demolition yard for about $20. I also needed a few coats of wood stain and polyurethane, which I found at a local hardware store for about $20. The total cost for materials was under $40, which made the project very affordable.^[2]

In terms of tools, I only needed a few basic items: a hand saw, a sanding block, a brush, and a measuring tape. The sanding block was crucial for achieving the weathered look, and I found that using different grits of sandpaper helped create the desired texture.

I also used a few clamps to hold the pieces together while I was assembling them. The clamps weren't necessary, but they made the process much easier. Overall, the tools required were minimal, and I was able to complete the project in just one weekend.

“I still remember the first time I saw a set of chicory outdoor furniture at a local fair — it was a sleek, weathered wooden…”— Patioreborn editors

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Step-by-Step: Building a Chicory Chair

I started by cutting the reclaimed cedar into the required pieces for the chair. I used a hand saw for most of the cuts, which took about an hour. I then assembled the frame using wood screws and clamps to hold the pieces in place. This took another hour, and I was careful to make sure the joints were secure.

Once the frame was assembled, I began sanding it using different grits of sandpaper. I started with a coarse grit to remove any rough spots, then moved to a finer grit to smooth the surface. This process took about two hours, but it was crucial for achieving the weathered look.

After sanding, I applied a few coats of wood stain and polyurethane to protect the wood and give it the aged appearance. I used a brush for even coverage and allowed each coat to dry completely before applying the next. The entire process took about one weekend, and the result was a chair that looked like it had been used for years.

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Customizing Your Chicory Look

One of the best parts of making chicory outdoor furniture is the ability to customize it to your taste. I used a light wood stain to give my chairs a weathered look, but you could also use darker stains or even paint to create a different effect. I found that mixing different stains helped create a more layered and aged appearance.

Another way to customize is by adding handwoven accents, like a chair back or a table runner. I used a few pieces of woven rattan for the back of my chair, which added texture and visual interest. The rattan was easy to attach using wood screws and brackets, and it helped give the chair a more authentic look.

I also experimented with adding a few splinters and imperfections to the wood to make it look more aged. This was done by gently sanding the wood in random spots and applying a small amount of stain to those areas. The result was a chair that looked like it had been used for years, even though it was brand new.

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Maintaining Your Chicory Outdoor Furniture

Maintaining your chicory furniture is relatively simple, but it does require a bit of attention. I found that wiping down the furniture with a damp cloth every few weeks helped keep it looking clean and fresh. I also used a mild soap solution to remove any dirt or grime that had built up over time.

In terms of protection, I reapplied a few coats of polyurethane every few months to help preserve the wood and keep it from weathering too quickly. This helped extend the life of the furniture and kept it looking like it had been used for years.

I also made sure to store the furniture in a covered area during extreme weather conditions, like heavy rain or snow. This helped prevent any damage to the wood and kept the furniture looking its best for years to come.

A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your chicory furniture looking like it belongs outdoors.

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Where to Source Your Materials

Sourcing materials for your chicory furniture is one of the most important steps in the process. I found that the best place to get reclaimed wood was from demolition sites, where you can often find high-quality wood at a fraction of the price. I also checked local lumber yards and found some great deals on cedar and oak, which are both durable and ideal for outdoor furniture.

Hardware stores are also a good place to find materials, especially if you're looking for wood stain, polyurethane, and other finishes. I found that using a local store helped me get the right products for the job, and I was able to get advice from the staff on the best products to use.

Another option is to check online marketplaces, like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, where people often sell reclaimed wood and other materials for DIY projects. I found a few great deals this way, and it helped me save even more money on the project.

Chicory Outdoor Furniture