How to Look After Your Outdoor Furniture

A beautiful outdoor setting is the perfect addition to any backyard. Enjoy the best of the seasons, entertain guests, or just relax in private with an outdoor furniture setting. If you want to enjoy your outdoor living spaces for years to come, it’s important not to neglect them during the colder months and protect them in the hotter ones. We’ve put together our care taking tips on 4 of the most common outdoor furniture materials.

Plastic

Plastic is lightweight, affordable, easy to store, and great if you have young kids or pets running around. If you’re looking for longer term plastic furniture for your outdoor setting look for higher quality pieces, rather than thinner, brittle plastics. Woven plastic furniture is usually a lot more durable and weatherproof if well looked after. You’ll be able to see dirt and dust on your plastic furniture pretty quickly but when it comes to maintenance plastic is by far the easiest to look after. A wipe down with warm soapy water is all you really need for this one. Make sure you keep them out of the way of harsh UV rays when not in use as they can quickly discolor and deteriorate.

Wood

Wooden furniture is a crowd favorite when it comes to outdoor living. The natural material lends itself well to an outdoor setting. When properly looked after you can extend the lifespan of your wooden or timber furniture so it’s important when choosing to be prepared to set aside time at least once yearly for upkeep. Before you begin you need to make sure of two things. 1 being that you have the time to complete the whole job including waiting applying stains and waiting for finishes to fully dry. 2 that the weather conditions are right for the job; wind or rain can ruin the wood or affect the finishes you put on it.

To begin with remove all dust and dirt. If your furniture is showing signs of wear, sand the top layer, this will remove any residue of old finishes and smooth out any damage. Now it’s important to protect your fresh service. Dust off all residue and choose a stain, oil, or finish that suits the type of wood and design of your outdoor setting.

Glass

Glass top tables are a modern solution to outdoor furniture. While they look great when clean, they're often quick to show dirt and dust. Simple household cleaners and a wipe down will keep glass looking crystal clear. It’s important to keep an eye on chips and cracks too. While glass is durable weather wise, it can chip or crack from everyday use. Glass repair kits (usually made for car windshields) will do the trick on small spots but if cracks are growing it might be time to replace your table top to avoid any safety hazards.

Material

Comfort wise adding cushioning to your outdoor furniture is a no brainer, but it’s a choice that comes with a little more maintenance. Even heavier duty materials like canvas and vinyl will never be as waterproof as concrete or timber. When choosing outdoor materials go for the thickest, most durable, and if you can, water resistant. Keep cushions away from harsh UV rays and rain to avoid discoloration or mold. Store cushions when not in use and wipe down when dusty or dirty.