Have you ever strolled into the garden with a magazine and cold lemonade, plopping down on your favorite patio chair...only to realize it’s covered in mildew? Or what about a beautiful wooden table set that’s been devastated by rot?
It’s cozy and aesthetically pleasing to keep furniture in the backyard, making it easy to relax in the outdoors with guests. But, whether your furniture is made from wood, metal or has fabric cushions- it becomes subject to the elements. After time, dirt, wind and rain will cause wear and tear, making it imperative to take necessary measures to ensure freshness and longevity. Here are some ways you can prevent damages and enjoy the use of your patio furniture for years to come.
If you’re in the market for new patio furniture, do some research into weatherproof options. This furniture is already prepped to withstand extreme sunlight, rain and snow and will give you a jump-start on weathering prevention. Shoot for hardy materials, such as poly or resin rattan. If you love wood, teak is a trustworthy option as it is naturally oil based. But, be aware that it can crack along the grain due to prolonged sun and rain exposure.
Just like we need our daily nutrients to stay healthy, patio furniture needs a maintenance boost every now and then to look shiny and new. That’s where marine varnish comes in handy. Applying three coats every two years to furniture will help keep materials such as rattan weatherproof, while preserving its natural coloring. Tung oil is a good choice to keep out moisture and maintain fibre rigidity, but won’t be able to withstand the effects of heavy rain.
Cleaning is an age old tacti to preserve the life of any belonging...you wash your car regularly, etc. to avoid build up of the yucky stuff that can cause havoc down the road, right? The same goes for garden furniture, where regular cleaning removes dirt and debris that varnish can’t take care of. Resin does well with a good cold water wash down every few months. For wooden furniture, use a sponge and warm, soapy water to thoroughly scrub once a year. If you have metal furniture, clean as much as you’d like to keep rust at bay.
Of course, the best preventative measure you can take against the elements is by covering your furniture with a proper PVC backed polyester sheet. If extreme weather or storms are predicted, take time to haul your furniture under a safe, well- covered area.
