When the weather’s nice, you can really log in some good hours spent outside enjoying your patio furniture. Family barbeques, hosting a neighborhood pool party, or just relaxing in the shade, your outdoor furniture pays you back in quality time and priceless memories. Preserving your investment and prolonging the good times only require a tiny bit of TLC. Learning how to protect your furniture all year long is simple. Taking the necessary precautions now will help save you money in the future.
What Is Your Furniture Made Of
The majority of outdoor furniture can be cleaned off with a little soap and water. When it comes to protecting your pieces, and making sure they last a long time, certain materials may require a little special treatment. Many may underestimate how much attention needs to be put into maintaining your outdoor furniture’s durability. Regular cleanings and weatherproofing go a long way in keeping your investments as fresh as they were the day you bought them.
Plastic, wicker, iron, and wood are the most common materials used to craft outdoor furniture pieces. Each has its own issues to address, while they are all fairly easy to handle.
Rot, rust, and dirt are three pesky demons we’ll eventually have to deal with at some point in time. Even at your best attempt, they’ll find a way to infiltrate your precious outdoor accessories. Left untamed, they can destroy your furniture down to the frame. If you’re set has already seen its fair share of years, make sure it is in good enough condition to even exude the energy to try to salvage it.
Rusted iron chairs are potential hazards. Under the right amount of pressure, an iron chair can collapse right under you or your guest and the ragged pieces can cause an infectious cut.
Holding on to rotted wood too long is a breeding ground for pests and mold. Safety is worth more than the money you’re saving, do yourself and your family a favor and trash or recycle it when it’s time.
Cleaning
Unless you live in a bubble, your furniture is destined to get dirty. Regular cleaning makes your leisurely lounging more comfortable for your and everyone else you share your space with. No amount of protection will truly be effective on soiled furniture. Save yourself some trouble, and just get it over with. You’ll be happy you did.
Take off all the upholstery and cushions before you begin. Hose down wicker furniture and set it out to dry. Metals and woods can be restored with a fresh scrubbing. Only use cleaning solutions that are appropriate for your furniture’s material.
Wicker
All-weather wicker or resin looks and feels like the age-old shell backed chairs from yesteryear but it’s a lot more durable than the original blend. Sturdy frames covered in woven polyethylene resin make these accent pieces a tried and trusty option for long-lasting quality.
Quality pieces are wrapped around a sturdy, rust-resistant aluminum frame. They can withstand the elements but should still be cared for with caution. There isn’t much too do to take care of all-weather wicker. Be sure of what you’re buying. Indoor wicker isn’t made from the same synthetic material. Confusing the two can ruin your furniture at the first sign of rain.
Check to see if the weave has shifted over time. If so, gently reposition it back with your fingers.
Painted furniture may fade or chip after a while, a simple touch up will have it good as new.
Dust off your wicker every now and then. Keeping it clean and dry will lengthen its lasting ability. Accruing dust, moisture, and debris can seep into the woven crevices of your furniture before growing into mildew. Occasionally vacuuming in the cracks and weaves will dislodge any debris. If necessary, a warm soapy sponge will clean off stubborn stains. Never use spray foam cleaner on wicker furniture as the foam can accumulate between the strands, eventually damaging the material. Be sure to rinse off the soap and allow your furniture to completely dry before enjoying again. Sitting on wet wicker can cause it to sag. Likewise, extreme cold weathers can stiffen the material of your furniture making it more susceptible to cracks and breaks. When it’s too hot, it can become elastic and stretch out of form. To avoid all of this, simply cover up your furniture or safely store it away in the event of extreme weather. I doubt you’ll need it much during those times anyway.
Cast Iron and Wrought Iron
Cast iron is one of the oldest metals used in construction. Compared to wrought iron, it is so hard and brittle that it can not be bent or hammered into shape. Although it can break with excessive force, cast iron exceptionally sturdy and long-lasting.
Wrought iron is lighter than cast iron. It’s also much more malleable. Wrought iron is a softer blend of iron, perfect for welding and bending.
Both types of iron can last for many years if properly maintained making them cost-efficient choices for the smart shopper.
After removing cushions and coverings, follow the recommended methods of care suggested by the product’s manufacturer. Take your pieces to an open area away from dirt and grass. Hose down all of your furniture before wiping down with a soapy sponge.
Use circular motions to remove any grit and grime. Tough jobs may require a handled scrubbing brush to loosen up the dirt and get to the hard to reach nooks and crannies. Rinse your furniture again with the hose, making sure to remove all of the soap. Sand down any stained, rusted or chipped areas. A carefully applied coat of touch up paint will blend it all back in.
Wood
Wood furniture pieces add a rustic charm to any outdoor area. With the vast selection of woods being used to craft furniture pieces, consumers have to be aware of their specific grain's needs.
Wood used for furniture is classified in three different categories. Hard, soft, or engineered wood all hold different life-spans and unique things to expect as your product ages.
Hard woods are obviously the preferred wood type for high-quality furniture. Oak, teak, maple, walnut, cherry, and mahogany are all examples of deciduous trees use for the exemplary pieces. Generally speaking, these wood grains are the longest-lasting of all. Hardwoods like teak are renowned for their resistance to rotting. Its high oil content serves as a natural bug repellent and provides almost impenetrable protection from the elements.
Pine, fir, cedar, and redwood are coniferous trees referred to as soft wood. Soft wood furniture can still be high-quality but they tend to require more care because of their likelihood to be scratched and dented.
Solid wood furniture is like a diamond in the rough. If you happen across it, and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg, it’s probably made of an engineered wood as opposed to solid hardwood. By right, engineered wood has earned its place in the market due to its strength and long-lasting qualities. Pieces crafted from engineered wood can be equally attractive as its more costly counterparts after a few final applications of high quality veneers.
It is more common to find furniture that is constructed from plywood, or engineered wood. You shouldn't necessarily dismiss this material as second rate, it provides strength and also helps prevent splitting or warping. It can make for sturdy, long lasting and highly attractive furniture when used with high quality veneers.
Applying wood specific cleaners and protective coatings will assist your furniture is resisting the effects of being outside. Since outside is wood’s natural habitat, there isn’t much else you need to do to keep your furniture safe.
Being proactive in the preservation of your patio and other outdoor furniture will safe you from constantly enduring the expense of replacing them. That and, buying quality pieces from the beginning. Although that low price tag may have caught your eye, a lot of little things can add up just as quickly as one large item. Buying the same dining set over and over won't be any fun-and it's not very smart. In today's society, there are more entertaining options for throwing your money away.
What Is Your Furniture Made Of
The majority of outdoor furniture can be cleaned off with a little soap and water. When it comes to protecting your pieces, and making sure they last a long time, certain materials may require a little special treatment. Many may underestimate how much attention needs to be put into maintaining your outdoor furniture’s durability. Regular cleanings and weatherproofing go a long way in keeping your investments as fresh as they were the day you bought them.
Plastic, wicker, iron, and wood are the most common materials used to craft outdoor furniture pieces. Each has its own issues to address, while they are all fairly easy to handle.
Rot, rust, and dirt are three pesky demons we’ll eventually have to deal with at some point in time. Even at your best attempt, they’ll find a way to infiltrate your precious outdoor accessories. Left untamed, they can destroy your furniture down to the frame. If you’re set has already seen its fair share of years, make sure it is in good enough condition to even exude the energy to try to salvage it.
Rusted iron chairs are potential hazards. Under the right amount of pressure, an iron chair can collapse right under you or your guest and the ragged pieces can cause an infectious cut.
Holding on to rotted wood too long is a breeding ground for pests and mold. Safety is worth more than the money you’re saving, do yourself and your family a favor and trash or recycle it when it’s time.
Cleaning
Unless you live in a bubble, your furniture is destined to get dirty. Regular cleaning makes your leisurely lounging more comfortable for your and everyone else you share your space with. No amount of protection will truly be effective on soiled furniture. Save yourself some trouble, and just get it over with. You’ll be happy you did.
Take off all the upholstery and cushions before you begin. Hose down wicker furniture and set it out to dry. Metals and woods can be restored with a fresh scrubbing. Only use cleaning solutions that are appropriate for your furniture’s material.
Wicker
All-weather wicker or resin looks and feels like the age-old shell backed chairs from yesteryear but it’s a lot more durable than the original blend. Sturdy frames covered in woven polyethylene resin make these accent pieces a tried and trusty option for long-lasting quality.
Quality pieces are wrapped around a sturdy, rust-resistant aluminum frame. They can withstand the elements but should still be cared for with caution. There isn’t much too do to take care of all-weather wicker. Be sure of what you’re buying. Indoor wicker isn’t made from the same synthetic material. Confusing the two can ruin your furniture at the first sign of rain.
Check to see if the weave has shifted over time. If so, gently reposition it back with your fingers.
Painted furniture may fade or chip after a while, a simple touch up will have it good as new.
Dust off your wicker every now and then. Keeping it clean and dry will lengthen its lasting ability. Accruing dust, moisture, and debris can seep into the woven crevices of your furniture before growing into mildew. Occasionally vacuuming in the cracks and weaves will dislodge any debris. If necessary, a warm soapy sponge will clean off stubborn stains. Never use spray foam cleaner on wicker furniture as the foam can accumulate between the strands, eventually damaging the material. Be sure to rinse off the soap and allow your furniture to completely dry before enjoying again. Sitting on wet wicker can cause it to sag. Likewise, extreme cold weathers can stiffen the material of your furniture making it more susceptible to cracks and breaks. When it’s too hot, it can become elastic and stretch out of form. To avoid all of this, simply cover up your furniture or safely store it away in the event of extreme weather. I doubt you’ll need it much during those times anyway.
Cast Iron and Wrought Iron
Cast iron is one of the oldest metals used in construction. Compared to wrought iron, it is so hard and brittle that it can not be bent or hammered into shape. Although it can break with excessive force, cast iron exceptionally sturdy and long-lasting.
Wrought iron is lighter than cast iron. It’s also much more malleable. Wrought iron is a softer blend of iron, perfect for welding and bending.
Both types of iron can last for many years if properly maintained making them cost-efficient choices for the smart shopper.
After removing cushions and coverings, follow the recommended methods of care suggested by the product’s manufacturer. Take your pieces to an open area away from dirt and grass. Hose down all of your furniture before wiping down with a soapy sponge.
Use circular motions to remove any grit and grime. Tough jobs may require a handled scrubbing brush to loosen up the dirt and get to the hard to reach nooks and crannies. Rinse your furniture again with the hose, making sure to remove all of the soap. Sand down any stained, rusted or chipped areas. A carefully applied coat of touch up paint will blend it all back in.
Wood
Wood furniture pieces add a rustic charm to any outdoor area. With the vast selection of woods being used to craft furniture pieces, consumers have to be aware of their specific grain's needs.
Wood used for furniture is classified in three different categories. Hard, soft, or engineered wood all hold different life-spans and unique things to expect as your product ages.
Hard woods are obviously the preferred wood type for high-quality furniture. Oak, teak, maple, walnut, cherry, and mahogany are all examples of deciduous trees use for the exemplary pieces. Generally speaking, these wood grains are the longest-lasting of all. Hardwoods like teak are renowned for their resistance to rotting. Its high oil content serves as a natural bug repellent and provides almost impenetrable protection from the elements.
Pine, fir, cedar, and redwood are coniferous trees referred to as soft wood. Soft wood furniture can still be high-quality but they tend to require more care because of their likelihood to be scratched and dented.
Solid wood furniture is like a diamond in the rough. If you happen across it, and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg, it’s probably made of an engineered wood as opposed to solid hardwood. By right, engineered wood has earned its place in the market due to its strength and long-lasting qualities. Pieces crafted from engineered wood can be equally attractive as its more costly counterparts after a few final applications of high quality veneers.
It is more common to find furniture that is constructed from plywood, or engineered wood. You shouldn't necessarily dismiss this material as second rate, it provides strength and also helps prevent splitting or warping. It can make for sturdy, long lasting and highly attractive furniture when used with high quality veneers.
Applying wood specific cleaners and protective coatings will assist your furniture is resisting the effects of being outside. Since outside is wood’s natural habitat, there isn’t much else you need to do to keep your furniture safe.
Being proactive in the preservation of your patio and other outdoor furniture will safe you from constantly enduring the expense of replacing them. That and, buying quality pieces from the beginning. Although that low price tag may have caught your eye, a lot of little things can add up just as quickly as one large item. Buying the same dining set over and over won't be any fun-and it's not very smart. In today's society, there are more entertaining options for throwing your money away.