8 Easy steps to keep your outdoor furniture weather-ready

The outdoors can be harsh. Moisture, sunlight, dirt and dust are environmental factors that not only harm us but outdoor furniture too. The seats and tables on your patio can deteriorate quickly if unprotected from the outside world. This makes them susceptible to rust, water damage, colour degrading and other signs of visible wear.

If you need tips on outdoor wooden furniture protection or keeping all your other patio furnishings clean and safe, read on because this article will outline the best tips for you.

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

If you protect your outdoor furniture, you’ll enjoy warm days under the sun for much longer. The temperature, the rain and the sun are all harsh factors that can ruin the beauty of these furniture pieces, but remember to keep them covered, clean them well and exhaust all the necessary protective measures so they last.

While you can do all these protection tips yourself, some things are better left to the professionals. They can use their expert knowledge to assemble furniture and help you better protect it. Contact a professional on Airtasker and connect with them for any of your furniture needs so that you can have a more beautiful home indoors and out!