Patio furniture can last a lifetime if properly cleaned and cared for. Unfortunately, many homeowners disregard their outdoor furniture, expecting it would weather the test of time with little effort. To be sure, some furniture is more durable and long-lasting than others. But, if you want your patio furniture to last, you should take some basic measures by following the outlined guidelines.
Select High-Quality, Long-Lasting Furniture
Choosing the appropriate type of patio furniture is critical if you want it to last a lifetime. Wicker furniture is affordable and straightforward to maintain. It is, nevertheless, vulnerable to injury. It is often destroyed by falling tree limbs, weather, and even everyday use and is typically composed of either natural reed or synthetic PVC nylon.
Instead of wicker, think about more robust and more durable patio furniture. Teak is often regarded as one of the best materials for patio furniture. This tropical hardwood has a lovely leather-like odor and a rich mahogany gloss. The most notable attribute of teak is its natural oil content. These oils, you see, work to repel mold, mildew, and bacteria, keeping teak — and teak furniture — from decomposing. Genuine teak furniture will cost a premium, but most homeowners will agree it is a wise investment.
Consider Bringing in Metal Furnishings
Don't leave metal patio furniture out on your patio for extended periods, especially in the winter. Metal furniture will not withstand the cold winter temperatures as well as teak furniture. It is because metal furniture includes iron and iron rusts when exposed to dampness. Some metal furniture is less prone to rust than others, but the truth remains that all types can and will rust if left outside for an extended time. The only method to completely protect your metal patio furniture from rusting is to store it indoors while not in use.
Place The Furniture In a Shady Area
Try to place your patio furniture in a shaded spot if at all possible. Uncovered furniture will fade as a result of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. A chair that was once beautiful forest green may no longer be lime green. But, by placing your furniture in a shaded spot, you will protect it from this problem. Place your furniture in the shade to protect it from bird droppings, fallen limbs and debris, hail, and other elements.
Many commercial varnishes are formulated to provide UV and moisture protection. Alternatively, if your patio has little to no shade, try putting a UV-protective treatment to your furnishings. It forms a protective barrier between your furniture and the weather once applied.
Cushions Should Be Kept In a Safe Place
If your patio furniture contains cushions, think about placing them in a storage container or box. Seat cushions cannot withstand the heat and dampness of being outside. They will develop mold and mildew if not properly cared for, which is impossible to eliminate. Bringing your seat cushions indoors is one method to protect them from this sort of damage, but a separate storage container is also an option. Several containers are specifically made for storing patio seat cushions. They are suitable for this function because they are massive, heavy-duty, and waterproof.
Patio Furniture Cleaning and Washing
There is no way about it: if you want your patio furniture to last, you must wash and maintain it regularly. Patio furniture may usually be cleaned by hosing it down with a garden hose if it does not have cushions. Some customers go over and beyond by using a pressure washer, but this is rarely necessary. A pressure washer's high PSI might harm some types of furniture. As a result, cleaning your patio furniture with a central, low-pressure garden hose is recommended.
If a garden hose isn't available, scrub your furniture by hand with mild dish soap and a bucket of water. It should come clean with a bit of elbow grease.
Maintain a Clean Patio
It would be best if you cleaned your patio in addition to your patio furniture. Allowing leaves, pine straw, and other waste to accumulate on your patio can limit the life of your furniture, not to mention that a dirty patio is unpleasant to use. When debris like this accumulates, it promotes the growth of mold, mildew, and insects, all of which can damage your furniture. Make it a habit to clean your patio furniture regularly if you want it to last.
Covers For Patio Furniture
You may also extend the life of your patio furniture by covering it. Vinyl covers for patio furniture are available at most home improvement stores. You can throw them over your furniture to protect it from rain, insects, hail, and other elements.
Takeaway
You must take care of your outdoor furniture and other things if you want to extend their lives. You may be confident that your patio furniture will last for generations if you follow every piece of advice in this article.