HOW TO KEEP YOUR PATIO FURNITURE LOOKING BRAND NEW
No matter what climate you live in, outdoor patio furniture undoubtedly takes a beating. Whether you need to protect furniture from the blistering sun, extreme humidity or freezing temps, the challenge is figuring out how to keep it looking like new when it’s outside and exposed to the elements.
However, there are several things you can do to keep your outdoor patio furniture looking newer, longer. Here’s what you need to know.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN FURNITURE IS EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS
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Discoloration. When your patio furniture is unprotected, exposure to direct sunlight or moisture can lead to fading or discoloration, especially for plastic or vinyl patio furniture. Fading makes your furniture look older than it is while discoloration and stains can just make it look unattractive.
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Rusting. Rusting occurs when metal furniture gets wet and isn’t treated properly. Rust can discolor and erode metal and also stain fabric.
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Cracking. Cracking in patio furniture is common when it’s exposed to direct heat and sunlight. Cracks can destroy the upholstery and make chairs look unattractive as well as making them uncomfortable to sit in.
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Mildew Growth. Mildew growth occurs when patio furniture is left outdoors when it rains or left exposed to regular morning dew. It can stain your furniture and may cause health problems for people who are allergic to mildew.
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Chalky Appearance. Patio furniture may end up looking chalky if it is exposed to water with a high mineral content. Minerals such as lime may appear as chalky deposits on the surfaces of your patio furniture. In addition, degradation of the surfaces by the sun and heat creates a chalky appearance.
Every type of damage can be attributed to patio furniture being exposed to the elements without proper protection.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF PATIO FURNITURE
Patio furniture may be made from a variety of products and each one requires protection. Here are some of the most common components used in patio furniture.
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Wood. Wooden patio furniture has a classic appearance and can come in a variety of finishes. Probably the most famous wooden patio furniture is the Adirondack chair.
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Metal. Metal furniture is also quite popular. Less expensive options include aluminum, which is lightweight and easy to find. On the more expensive side of the spectrum is cast iron furniture, which has an elegant appearance.
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Plastic/Faux Wood. Plastic patio furniture can be a beautiful and affordable choice for the outdoor areas of your home. Some plastic furniture has a faux wood finish, which offers the appearance of wood without the expense.
Different types of furniture are susceptible to different types of damage. For example, metal is susceptible to rust, but unlikely to be affected by fading unless it is painted. Conversely, plastic furniture will not be affected by rust, but may be affected by fading and chalkiness.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PATIO FURNITURE AND KEEP IT LOOKING NEW
There are a few things you can do to protect your patio furniture. The first is to put a cover on it when you’re not using it. A simple cover can do a good job of keeping your furniture protected from sun and rain. Long-term exposure to the weather will affect any finish. You can minimize the effects with a cover.
The second option is to put your furniture away when the weather is intense. If you don’t have covers, then storing your furniture in a garage or shed when it’s extremely hot, cold, or wet outside will help to protect it from damage.
If you want to avoid the investment of patio furniture covers and the headache of taking heavy chairs and tables in and out every time you use them, consider treating the hard surfaces of your outdoor patio furniture with a sealer and protector that shields against heat, moisture and sunlight.
The ideal product should be free of toxic and harmful chemicals, safe to use around children and pets, and easy to apply. Ideally, it should also be effective on a variety of surfaces inside and outside your home. That way, you can simplify sealing with a single product. While you’ll still want to store fabric pillows, cushions and seat pads when it’s rainy or snowing out, sealing the frames of your outdoor furniture is a simple, hassle-free and effective solution to boost the longevity of your items.
Patio furniture can make the outside areas of your home as welcoming as your indoor spaces. With the right product to protect and seal it, your outdoor furniture will retain a like-new appearance for every season, year after year.
