Are you tired of constantly worrying about the state of your outdoor furniture? There are numerous options available to help protect your outdoor furniture from harsh elements and unforeseen mishaps. So, whether you opt for a sturdy pergola, a versatile awning, a handy tent, a set of patio chairs, or even a trusty carport, we’ve got you covered. Today, we’re here to shed some light on why you should protect your outdoor furniture and fixtures, plus we’ll also provide you with some tried and tested techniques for doing just that.
Why Outdoor Furniture Needs Protection
Hey there, outdoor lovers! As much as we enjoy lounging on our patio furniture and soaking up the sun, we also need to take good care of our outdoor furniture and structures if we want them to last long. It’s essential to know how to protect outdoor furniture pieces as well as understand why it is necessary. So, let’s dive in!
Harsh Weather Conditions and Environmental Factors
Firstly, outdoor furniture and structures are exposed to harsh weather conditions, including sun, wind, rain, and snow. Even when you have the sturdiest pergolas or gazebos, the heat of the sun and UV rays can cause fading and cracking of the furnishing’s surface, making it look old and worn out in no time. Rainwater and moisture can lead to mold growth, making your furniture or structure not only unsightly, but also hazardous to your health. And let’s not forget about pests and other wildlife that can ruin your furniture with their claws and teeth.
They are Expensive
Secondly, outdoor furniture is expensive. The price of a pergola or gazebo can be hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Whether you’ve invested in teakwood, wicker, or metal, it’s a considerable investment that needs proper care. By protecting your outdoor furniture, you’re extending its lifespan and saving yourself from buying new furniture every season.
Choosing the Right Materials for Outdoor Furniture and Structures
Let’s face it – outdoor furniture and structures can take a real beating from Mother Nature. Rain, wind, and the scorching sun can quickly damage and deteriorate even the toughest pieces. That’s why it’s important to choose the right materials when shopping for outdoor furniture protection.
First and foremost, look for materials made to survive the elements. This includes avoiding furniture made of materials such as wicker or unpainted wood. Instead, choose metal, plastic, or coated wood. These materials are not only more durable, but they can also be easily weatherproofed, ensuring that your furniture will look fantastic for years to come. If you do choose to go with natural wicker or wood furniture, be sure to invest in a furniture cover to prevent uv damage along with natural wear and tear.
The quality of the furniture’s hardware is also an important factor. Make sure to check that it is made with rust and weather-resistant materials. After all, you don’t want your furniture to break apart during a storm.
When searching for outdoor structure or furniture protection, ask the salesperson how to protect your new patio furniture while keeping its specific materials top of mind. They will be able to provide you with information and recommendations on how to keep your garden furniture in good condition.
Remember, investing in quality outdoor furnishings and proper protection will save you money and headache in the long run. So, don’t skimp on the materials and hardware. Choose wisely and enjoy your outdoor oasis for years to come.
How to Protect from Sun Damage and Fading
One of the biggest culprits that can ruin your outdoor furniture is the sun. It might be great for our tans, but it’s not so good for our furniture. After all, nobody wants a sun-faded, discolored, or brittle-looking patio chair. Luckily, there are a few ways you can provide your furniture with UV protection to prevent sun damage.
Invest in Quality Outdoor Structures
First off, you might want to invest in a pergola or gazebo. These structures provide shade, making it less likely for your furniture to fade and dry out, especially if you have wooden furniture. Alternatively, you could consider carports or awnings to create shade in your outdoor area.
Invest in Furniture Covers
The color of your structures and outdoor furniture cushions can both begin to fade from the harsh summer sun. Another simple way to protect your furniture is to move it around during the day. This might sound like a bit of a hassle, but it’s worth it to preserve the longevity of your outdoor furnishings. You could also invest in furniture covers to shield your pieces from the harsh UV rays. A bit of extra effort now could save you from having to buy all new patio furniture in the future.
Use of UV Resistant Sealants and Coatings
UV-resistant sealants and coatings can be used to protect your furniture from sun damage. These treatments form a protective layer that aids in the reduction of fading, discolouration, and other negative consequences of solar exposure.
Remember, how to protect patio furniture from sun damage and fading might seem like a small concern, but it can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your outdoor space looking beautiful and functional for years to come.
Protection from Pests and Other Wildlife
So you’ve put up your outdoor chairs in your backyard oasis. It looks fantastic, and you can’t wait to throw a summer barbecue with your pals. But what’s that scraping noise? Oh no, it’s the neighborhood raccoons wanting to make your lovely patio furniture their new hangout!
Pests and other critters are definitely something you should protect your outdoor furniture from. They have the ability to easily damage or ruin your furniture, leaving you with a major mess to clean up.
But don’t worry! You can do a few things to keep unwelcome guests away from your cherished outdoor refuge. Here are some ideas for keeping bugs and other critters away from your furniture:
Keep Food and Garbage Away
One of the biggest reasons pests come to your outdoor space is because of the delicious smell of food. Make sure you keep all food and garbage covered and away from your outdoor furniture. This will help keep your patio critter-free.
Use a Repellent Spray
Special sprays can be purchased to keep bugs and other critters away from your furniture and structures. These sprays can be used on both the furniture, cushions, and the surrounding areas.
Use Covers
Covers are an excellent method to protect your outdoor furniture from bugs and other wildlife. Covers will protect the furniture while also acting as a barrier to keep unwelcome visitors out. There are covers for nearly every style of outdoor furniture available.
Invest in Outdoor Lighting
Because some pests are terrified of light, installing outdoor lighting can help keep them at bay. You don’t have to go all out and install floodlights; string lights or lanterns would suffice. You can also add another layer of protection by using a chain link fence kit to create a boundary.
Protecting your outdoor patio furniture from bugs and other wildlife can seem like a tedious task, but it is definitely worth the effort.Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about chasing away troublesome raccoons during your next summer barbecue!
How to Cover and Store Outdoor Furniture
Alright, folks, it’s time to pack up those pool parties and summer BBQs for the winter season. But, before you call it a day, you must ensure that your outdoor furniture is protected and stored away from harsh weather conditions and other outdoor elements.
Furniture Covers
Let’s start with the covers! This may sound obvious, but using covers that fit like a glove is one of the best ways you can protect your furniture. Additionally, covers are frequently made of long-lasting, water-resistant materials like polyester, nylon, or vinyl that provide protection from rain, snow, and other severe weather conditions. When it’s time to use the furniture again, they’re simple to remove.
Outdoor Structures
If you want to take things a step further, consider investing in outdoor structures such as pergolas, gazebos, carports, or awnings. They do not only add shade and a nice atmosphere to your outdoor living space, but they also protect your furniture from sun damage, fading, and other environmental factors.
Keep Your Furniture Dry
Make sure to properly clean your outdoor furniture or structure before you cover or store it. Doing this will prevent mold and mildew growth on the furniture while it is in storage. Remember to remove any outdoor cushions, pillows, or ornamental objects before covering or storing the furniture.
Store in a Dry and Covered Area
Another important tip to remember is to store the furniture in a dry and covered area. This protects it from damage caused by the elements, pests, and wildlife. Nobody wants their beautiful outdoor sofa to become a home to some unwanted visitors!
Routinely Check Your Outdoor Furniture
Finally, remember to keep an eye on your furnishings over the winter months. Check it on a regular basis to ensure there are no indications of damage or wear and tear. This allows you to take prompt action and avoid more damage.
Tips and Tricks for Weatherproofing
We’ve covered why outdoor patio furniture needs protection and how to choose the right materials. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of weatherproofing your beloved outdoor seating and tables.
First off, let’s talk about the easy stuff. If you know inclement weather is coming your way, take a few simple steps to protect your furniture. Cover your tables and chairs with tarps or outdoor furniture covers. And don’t forget to bring your cushions inside – they’ll stay dry and you won’t have to worry about any weird mildew smells lingering later on when it comes time to use them.
If you’re feeling extra ambitious, consider purchasing or making your own wind barriers to shield your furniture from strong gusts. You can make a DIY windbreaker by installing panels or dividers made of materials like canvas or vinyl.
And now, for the main star: the DIY weatherproofing spray. You can make your own concoction using ingredients like water and silicone. Mix together the ingredients in a spray bottle, and spritz onto your furniture as needed. The spray will create a waterproof layer that’ll repel moisture and other pesky outdoor elements. However, double check with the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure it’s safe to use on the material of furniture or structure.
Finally, when the weather changes, keep an eye on your outdoor furnishings. Even if you’re sure you’ve done everything correctly, it’s a good idea to double check and look over your pieces every few weeks. If you find mold or mildew forming, take care of it right away before it spreads.
Protect Your Outdoor Furniture with ALEKO
Taking the necessary steps to protect your outdoor furniture is crucial for its longevity and continued enjoyment. By following some of the simple tips, you can make sure your furniture is ready to handle anything Mother Nature throws its way. Investing in ALEKO outdoor structures and durable outdoor furniture adds an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.
