How to Care For Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor settings make it that much easier to enjoy the backyard spaces we have. Quality outdoor furniture isn’t just great for entertaining during barbeques, on Christmas, or just on hot days in general, it can also be a great aesthetic addition to any home.

The intense summer sun isn’t just tough on us, it can wreak just as much havoc on our furniture as well. But you can’t go around slapping sunscreen or a hat on all your tables and chairs now can you? Looking after outdoor furniture requires a little more nuance and finesse.

In this article, we’re going to go through some of the ways you can help to keep your outdoor furniture looking new no matter what our ridiculous climate throws at it.

Timber

Timber furniture is tough and can usually withstand a lot of weathering. But though it may hold up structurally, the appearance of timber furniture can be quickly affected by the trials of the weather. Regular cleaning is the key to extending the life of timber surfaces for as long as possible.

Keeping tables and chairs free of the buildup of mildew, bird droppings and other things which can stain or break down paint or oil is important. Eventually, however, wooden surfaces are going to need refurbishing. Painted timber will usually last longer than oiled or raw timber, but it too will eventually be in need of a refresh.

For now, let’s focus on oiled/stained timber. When the item has started to look a little worse for wear, the first step is to sand back the surface in preparation for re-coating. Choosing the correct grit of sandpaper is important.

The particular type you require can vary depending on the grain of the wood and the amount and type of blemishes that need to be removed. More than one grit type of paper might be required to return the best results. Once sanding has been taken care of it’s time to re-oil the wood.

Choose the correct oil depending on the type of wood the piece is made out of, then follow the application instructions. Once the stain has been applied, leave it to dry. For best results, more than one coat should be applied. Once the process is complete, you should be left with a gleaming, new-looking piece of furniture.

For painted items, the process is more or less identical. When sanding back the piece it isn’t necessary to remove all the old paint as long as the surface is left even and provides a good gripping surface for the new coat. Like a stain, paint should be applied with successive layers for the best results.

Wicker

Wicker also known as rattan furniture provides a unique aesthetic, however, the ravages of time can take quite a toll on this form of furniture. The weave pattern of wicker furniture creates an array of nooks and crannies which are havens for mold and mildew.

Frequent scrubbing to remove these annoying critters is critical for extending the life of wicker materials. Use a soft-bristled brush so as to minimise abrasive damage to the stain and use warm soapy water to remove the offending mold.

Making sure you allow the water to dry quickly and effectively in a well-ventilated area after cleaning is critical to ensuring damp spots don’t remain which would allow the mold to propagate again quickly.

Plastic

Plastic is the easiest material to care for, but it’s also the hardest to fix when it eventually does wear out. This means that plastic items, while low maintenance and simple to use, must usually be disposed of when the weather does eventually take its toll.

To extend the life of plastic chairs and tables it’s critical to keep them out of direct sunlight as much as possible. UV rays will quickly break plastic down, making it brittle and ugly. This could also be dangerous as brittle chair legs may give way under stress, leading to injury.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is another easy material to care for, however, the quality of the steel in question will be the biggest determining factor of how long it lasts. Though perhaps not as attractive as timber furniture, stainless steel is much more solid than plastic alternatives and provides a good middle ground between the looks of timber and the simple maintenance of plastic.

Stainless steel is characterized by being rust-proof, however, oxidization can still occur in poorly maintained furniture, particularly around joints and screw holes. Keeping metal furniture out of the rain is key to keeping it looking good. If you do notice some minor rust forming, a quick blast with WD40 and a scrub should take care of the problem.

Looking after outdoor furniture will undoubtedly require a level of commitment, but it doesn’t have to be an enormous chore. Taking simple preventative steps and keeping on top of issues before they become enormous problems will go a long way to ensuring your outdoor setting remains attractive and safe for years to come.

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