Caring for Outdoor Furniture

Although external furnishings and fittings will typically be built to last and will often be made using durable, wear-resistant materials; they aren’t immortal and can sustain damage over time. The most common materials used in their construction are hardwoods, high grade aluminium and man-made plastics and as you might imagine; these are far more resistant to degradation than indoor alternatives. But caring for outdoor furniture can add an extra level of protection, so how can you do so?

Treat the wood, reap the rewards

Most wood stains and varnishes will already be applied when buying a product for outdoor purposes; particularly chairs. These protective shields can reduce over time, so updating them once every year or two can stop liquid from affecting the wood underneath down the line.

Seal chips and scratches

Aluminium is one of the softest steel alloys in the world, but when properly treated it can offer an astounding degree of structural integrity. Most aluminium will be powder coated or treated in some way to add further protection to the chromium content within – but if chips occur, rust can soon settle in. To avoid this event, a quick spray with a transparent varnish can help drastically.

Keep your fabrics and plastics covered

Plastic is completely waterproof and even certain fabrics (such as polyester and canvas) can be incredibly resistant to the weather – but if there’s one element that can take a major toll, it’s direct sunlight. The harmful UV rays emitted by the sun can cause brittleness and colour fading within these types of materials, so covering them when not in use can go a long way in keeping them functional well into the future.