8 Easy steps to keep your outdoor furniture weather-ready

While your patio or deck is a great place to relax and have fun, it’s also a responsibility. Outdoor furniture can deteriorate quickly because it’s exposed to the elements. From rain and sun exposure to high humidity, many environmental factors can damage your furniture.

Preventive measures can extend their lifespan, avoid rust and water damage, and maintain the appearance of your outdoor areas. And when dining sets, chairs and tables are outside, especially if they’re wooden furniture, this knowledge is a must! This article will teach you how to protect outdoor wood furniture sets and other pieces. Let’s get started!

8 Tips for outdoor furniture protection

1. Store your furniture when not in use.

Moisture, dirt and mildew can quickly deteriorate the quality of your outdoor furniture, so when they’re not in use, it’s best to fold up and properly store them. Put it in the shed or inside your house. If you don’t have the space and they must stay outside, keep them in the shade to avoid direct sunlight and rain damage.

If there are extended periods where you don’t use the furniture, like when the seasons change, it’s best to store it for a warmer and more appropriate time. Store the pieces in a cool and dry place.

2. Use furniture covers.

If you can’t store the furniture or plan to use it again soon, you can cover them. The covers protect from UV rays and moisture that can cause damage over time, especially to wooden outdoor furniture.

There’s a furniture cover that can fit any outdoor pieces, from picnic tables to lawn chairs, so you can always find one that fits. The covers shouldn’t be too tight or loose, as airflow prevents mould and mildew.

3. Apply sealants and other treatments.

Wooden furniture can be tough to protect because of its material. One of the ways to preserve wood’s natural beauty is by applying a sealant. Spread it on the wood surface thoroughly to ensure every inch has a barrier against excess moisture and dirt.

Besides sealants, paint and varnish can also protect outdoor wood furniture, making them colourful and shiny for the aesthetic of your patio. These can also prevent UV damage because sunlight can break down fibres in outdoor wood furniture.

4. Get furniture pads.

Need to know how to protect outdoor furniture feet? It’s simple! Use pads on them and prevent them from scratching against your patio’s floor or from the grass they lay on, which can also stop the grass’ moisture from deteriorating your wooden garden furniture.

5. Clean them regularly.

Preserve your outdoor furniture even more by cleaning them regularly. Dirt and debris make your chairs and tables look bad and destroy them very slowly, so it’s essential to undergo regular cleaning once a week.

The best way to clean wooden garden furniture is by using a clean cloth and mild soap. Use the damp cloth to remove dirt, and let them air dry thoroughly before use. Avoid harsh chemicals, which can further damage the wood.

6. Know how to protect specific types of furniture.

While we’ve discussed many ways to protect outdoor wood furniture, you can choose from many other types. Equip yourself with the knowledge to protect outdoor furnishings of all kinds.

For example, plastic furniture might not need as much protection from the rain as wooden furniture, but they need to be protected from the sun as the heat can cause it to deteriorate faster. Coat it with a protectant to prevent fading and cracking in extreme weather conditions.

7. Buy durable furniture and maintain them.

The furniture for your outdoor area is not the place to be stingy. Get durable, well-made furniture that can take the heat, rain, and debris without wearing down fast. It can be pricey, but it will surely be worth it.

There are a few ways to spot quality outdoor furniture. First, make sure they were made for the outdoors. Regular furniture will not cut it, as they are not built to handle harsh weather. You can also check the quality of outdoor wood furniture by judging the wood type and quality. It should feel heavy and sturdy, with joints that don’t creak or budge.

8. Protect according to the conditions in your area.

If you don’t live in a sunny place year-round, you must pay attention to the weather to take care of your outdoor furniture. For example, please take note of the off-season when it rains to know when it’s better to pack up the wood furniture. Living where temperature fluctuations happen often might also make you reconsider plastic furniture outdoors.

Keep your furniture looking good

Maintenance is the name of the game when it comes to outdoor furniture. Protecting it from the sun, the temperature, the rain, and the dirt are of utmost importance to ensure they stay beautiful and sturdy for you to use in your picturesque patio. Keep your furniture covered, apply the necessary protection and keep it clean for them to last longer.

Many professionals are out there if you need help with your outdoor furniture. Whether you need help with furniture assembly or keeping them maintained, you can find the experts you need on Airtasker. Contact the kind of Tasker you need, and you’ll be quickly connected with them to get your furniture needs to be done ASAP.