8 Easy steps to keep your outdoor furniture weather-ready

Your yard and patio are great places to have family fun, get sun, and relax. But the outdoors can be harsh, especially for outdoor furniture. The fluctuating temperatures, dust and dirt, humidity, and weather can all make your furniture lose its integrity and beauty.

It would be best to protect your furniture so it lasts longer by preventing rust, water damage, and other damage dealt with by nature. Protecting outdoor wooden furniture and other pieces is the only way to stop the environment from ruining your beautiful outdoor area. Learn how to protect outdoor furniture by reading through this article!

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 mold 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 colorful and shiny for the aesthetic of your patio. These can also prevent UV damage because sunlight can break down fibers in outdoor wood furniture.

For other types of furniture, there are other coatings you can use to keep them in top shape. For example, oil and grease are excellent protective coating for outdoor metal furniture. Get in touch with your local hardware store to learn the best ways to protect your outdoor furniture.

4. Get furniture pads.

The elements can destroy your furniture from the ground up, so you may need protective feet for outdoor furniture. 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

Your outdoor area is a relaxing and fun place to stay, and it doesn’t have to be stressful to maintain, either. Take all the necessary precautionary measures to protect your outdoor furniture from the weather, the sun, the temperature, and the dirt that can destroy them. Put protective covers on outdoor furniture, apply protectants, and clean them well to keep them pristine.

Some things can’t be done by yourself, though. If your furniture needs extra assistance, it’s better to connect with professionals with the necessary knowledge and experience. Use Airtasker today to call an expert to assemble your furniture and get advice on protecting plastic outdoor furnishings.