Protecting Your Patio Furniture From the Elements
Outdoor patio furniture comes in a variety of different materials including teak, wicker, fabric, and metal. Each material has unique upkeep to protect your furniture from outdoor elements such as rain, mold and mildew, and rust. Following these care instructions will not only protect your patio furniture but will also prolong its life.
All Outdoor Furniture
Building a pergola or having some sort of outdoor structure will help protect patio furniture of any material from the elements, especially the sun. If the sun shines directly on your furniture or for extended periods, it can cause discoloration and warping. Pergolas and outdoor structures can also help protect your patio furniture from getting drenched in downpours. If damaged by water, the integrity of the furniture could be compromised, making it less sturdy. Exposure to water could also cause rusting on patio pieces made from metal.
Furniture covers are another great option to help protect your outdoor furniture from the elements, but they require upkeep as well. Just like the furniture itself, covers are susceptible to gathering mold and muck over time. We recommend using hot soapy water and a heavy-duty large brush to remove dust and dirt. Then rinse the covers with a high-pressure hose. Once they have dried, apply a UV protectant to both furniture and covers. We will discuss the best type of UV protectant to use for your furniture based on its material later in this article. We suggest giving your patio furniture cover a good clean before the start and end of every outdoor season.
Pergolas help provide shade and protection to your patio furniture from the harsh elements
Protecting Outdoor Cushions and Pillows
Fabrics used in patio furniture cushions and pillows can be incredibly susceptible to UV damage. The best way to counteract bleaching and deterioration from the sun is to invest in high-quality fabric. Opt for cushions that are made from 100% acrylic or UV polyester. These durable materials will protect your furniture from sun damage. Natural fabrics such as linen, bleached cotton, and wool are the best to avoid. Summer Classics, Berlin Gardens, and Lloyd Flanders are just some of the brands Housewarmings carries that make UV-resistant cushions and pillows.
To further ensure your outdoor fabric won’t fade or bleach in the sun, use a UV fabric protectant formulated specifically for outdoor materials. We suggest using Berlin Garden’s “Water Repel” spray. Not only does it provide UV protection, it also acts as a water repellent ensuring your cushions don’t form mold and mildew.
Consider storing your cushions and pillows in an outdoor cabinet or screened-in room when not in use. Most cushions are easily detachable and should be put away when not being utilized. Even the highest quality materials will have a hard time battling mold and pollen if you leave them outside 24/7.
Protecting Teak Wood
Teak wood is one of the most commonly used materials in building patio furniture. Teak has a “living finish” meaning it will naturally patina over time from a warm caramel color into a grey and weathered look.
There are two types of products on the market to protect your teak wood furniture: teak oil and teak sealer. Teak oil will not protect your teak from the patina process, but it will restore the rich appearance of the wood. Teak oil application generally requires multiple coats, and the finish does not last long. Teak sealers won’t replenish the wood, but it does work to seal in the wood’s natural oils and resins while preventing outside contaminants and moisture from harming it. Teak sealers will help prevent the patina process and do not need to be reapplied nearly as often as teak oil.
Protecting Wicker
Wicker encompasses a large variety of different materials because it is a design technique and not an actual material. “Real” or “natural” wicker can be made from but not limited to rattan, bamboo, and reed. However, it can also be made from woven synthetic materials. The best way to care for this type of patio furniture is to air on the side of caution, meaning keeping the furniture out of direct sunlight. Read up on exactly what your wicker furniture is made from and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on upkeep.
Wicker that is made from wood i.e. rattan, bamboo, or reed, can benefit from applying a coat of tung oil which helps with water protection. Make sure to apply a UV protectant as well to keep the wood from warping or discoloring in the sun. If your wicker is made from poly, resin, or vinyl, we recommend using the “Heavy Duty Xtreme Clean” spray from Berlin Gardens.
For all types of wicker patio furniture, we recommend using a toothbrush to get to all those hard-to-reach crevices. You can use two tablespoons of liquid dish soap dissolved in two cups of hot water as a solution to help you scrub.
Protecting Metal
Some of the most common types of metal used in patio furniture are aluminum, wrought iron, and steel. All these metals are powder-coated for better protection just like cars. Because of this, you can use car wax to buff the finish to prevent the furniture from looking dull.
If exposed to water over time, wrought iron and steel will rust. It’s a good idea to use a cover on furniture made from these types of materials. If you do notice rust forming on your wrought iron or steel patio furniture, we recommend first using a wire brush to scrape away the rust. Wipe the residue away and then spray the furniture with a rust protectant spray. We recommend the “Heavy Duty Xtreme Clean” spray by Berlin Gardens.
