Preserving Your Outdoor Furniture
Designing the perfect outdoor area of your home is a great way to maximize living space. This could mean adding a simple chair to the porch, or an outdoor dining area on the deck, or even lounge chairs in the garden. Whether you enjoy entertaining guests or simply relaxing after a long day’s work, this oasis can add value to your home and your happiness.
But we all know that the outdoor elements can be unforgiving. Damage from wind, rain, sun, snow, and ice, can all be culprits in harming your outdoor furniture, especially if it is made from a wood material. And if you have been shopping around for sets of outdoor furniture than you know that it is not always easy on the wallet. So how do you protect these outdoor pieces that you have spent your hard-earned money on? We will give you a few tips to hopefully help you get a longer life out of your lovely outdoor furniture.
Evaluate the Elements
The first step is to consider where you live and what type of weather you typically experience. Is it a hot and dry environment? Do you experience high humidity? The next thing to think about is how much direct sun the area is exposed to. Wood can be strong and durable which is why we love to use it for both indoor and outdoor purposes, but if it is not properly cared for it can certainly be affected by the elements in mother nature.
Proper Storage
An easy way to protect your furniture is to cover it when not in use. Tables and chairs can easily be covered with a tarp or waterproof material. A covered outdoor chest can store any cushions to avoid dirt and mildew build up. But if you don’t like the look of the covers or find yourself using the space so frequently that you are constantly uncovering and recovering, maybe finding an alternate solution will suit you better. Awnings and pergolas can be another option to protect your furniture and provide shade for your enjoyment.
Paint
We all love the natural look of wood but over time moisture can lead to rot, and too much sun can lead to cracking and fading. An easy way to remedy this is by applying paint to the piece. We recommend using a latex and not oil based paint for a longer lasting effect. You may have to reapply if chipping or peeling occurs, but the paint will reflect the sun and protect the wood underneath.
Varnish and Outdoor Oil
If you want to maintain and really highlight the wood features of your outdoor furniture, consider finishing the wood with a water-resistant varnish such as a marine varnish. For additional protection, outdoor oil can be applied over the finish to defend against sun, heat, and mildew. It can be applied as needed and you don’t have to sand the surface before application.
Outdoor living spaces can be a great place to kick up your feet with a good book or host a fabulous dinner party. But maintaining the integrity of your outdoor wood furniture can be a challenge. Constant sun, extreme temperatures, and variable weather can take its toll on these pieces. Hopefully these tips will help preserve your furniture for years to come.