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How To Protect Your Outdoor Furniture

Posted by Watson's on Mar 4, 2022 12:15:00 PM

Okay, we know it’s the middle of winter, but it’s still an important topic. Especially if you haven’t properly protected your outdoor furniture against the elements of Mother Nature!

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It may not seem like a big deal to worry about your outdoor furniture, but it does matter and it can save you a lot of money through less repairs, replacements, and extending the life of your furniture.

You may also be asking yourself, “but its outdoor furniture, it’s hearty and supposed to be able to take on the elements.” This is true, to a degree (see what we did there)! While the materials used for outdoor furniture are meant to withstand rain, snow, and debris, but not consistently or in mass amounts.

When it comes to properly protecting your outdoor furniture, how you go about it depends on the type of material or materials of your pieces.

Let’s take a look at how to protect your outdoor oasis investment so you can enjoy it for years and years to come!

Wicker Furniture

A favorite material for outdoor furniture, many people opt for wicker for its design aesthetics. Wicker furniture is typically made from either natural rattan (a wood-based material) or synthetic rattan.

Here’s the thing, wicker doesn’t like water. It can be easily damaged through water getting in the thin rattan and causing mold, mildew, or rotting the wood.

It’s best to keep wicker furniture covered when not in use or stored in a dry place during the winter months.

Wood Furniture

Who doesn’t like the natural look and feel of wood outdoor furniture? While your wood furniture is typically treated for water, it is still susceptible to moisture, which can cause damage. When not properly taken care of (all year round), the coating can peel off or wear out allowing for moisture to get in and rot the wood.

The best way to protect your wood furniture is to ensure its properly sealed for water and to remove any excess moisture (such as snow) from the furniture so it doesn’t sit on the furniture and cause damage.

Metal Furniture

There’s a couple different types of metal outdoor furniture and each has its individual advantages and care plans.

Wrought iron furniture is very susceptible to the elements and building up rust. It’s important that any iron outdoor furniture you have it properly stored for the winter season or at least if there is any moisture predicted (snow and rain), to avoid damage. If you don’t have a place to store them, and just a tip in general with iron furniture, you can use a special spray paint, like Rustoleum, to protect and change out colors of your furniture!

Aluminum outdoor furniture, unlike iron, is rustproof, allowing for easier maintenance overall. But nothing is foolproof and while the frame may be better suited for winter weather, the nuts and bolts and other elements may not be. Make sure you’re still keeping your aluminum outdoor furniture properly covered or stored, or wipe off any excess moisture to assure longevity and use.

General Care for Outdoor Furniture:

When it comes to caring for your outdoor furniture, there’s a few items to consider, regardless of material type:

  1. Covers & Tarps

If you’re not going to be using the furniture throughout the season, it’s best to cover it. Ideally, this should be in a dry place where there’s little to no moisture to seep in. An outdoor shed, garage, or even under a deck are great places to cover and store your outdoor furniture for the winter season.

  1. Properly Clean

Before storing your outdoor furniture, make sure it’s properly cleaned to avoid rust and other damage. A mild dish soap and sponges or brush can help you give your furniture a good once over. Make sure it’s completely dry before covering and storing as well. Make sure to also properly clean your furniture once you take it out of storage.

  1. Keep Cushions Comfortable

When not in use, store your outdoor furniture cushions to keep them comfortable and clean. While many outdoor fabrics are designed to resist water, they aren’t meant to have inches of snow or ice sitting atop them. This will not only keep your cushions comfy, but also more vibrant.

For all your outdoor furniture needs and care plans, contact a Watson’s design expert today! We offer a wide selection of outdoor furniture in a variety of materials and designs to make your outdoor space the perfect oasis anytime of year!


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