4 Ways to Protect and Look after Your Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture will make a lovely addition to any garden, as it will provide you with a place to relax or entertain friends. Outdoor furniture can be easily damaged by the weather if it is not properly maintained. This article provides four simple tips that will help you to look after your outdoor furniture and have it looking great all year round.

Waterproof Sealant

You can coat outdoor furniture with a waterproof sealant to help protect it from the elements. This is particularly beneficial if you live in an area that receives a lot of rainfall, or if you live near the ocean. It can also prevent wooden furniture from cracking and rotting. Always choose a water sealant which has been designed for use on the type of material that you are applying it on, and be sure to follow the instructions on the product packaging. A waterproof sealant can be applied every couple of years, or more frequently if you live in an area with harsh weather.

Protect and Store

During the winter months when you are not going to be using your outdoor furniture, or when you are going away on a long vacation, you should put it in storage for protection. You can place it in a sheltered area, such as a garage, or cover the furniture with tarpaulin or furniture cover. Covers are available in a range of shapes and sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your outdoor furniture. This extra layer of protection will prevent damage from happening while you are away.

Always make sure that you lift the furniture rather than dragging it, and be careful about the temperature while storing it. If the room is too hot, too cold or too humid it can damage the furniture over time.

Clean it Right

You should clean your outdoor furniture to remove dirt and grease. A build-up of grime on the furniture can wear away at the paint and damage the surface. A simple wash down with a hose will do the trick. Stubborn stains can be removed by using a special gentle cleaning product and soft cloth. Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaning products on the outdoor furniture as they can eat away at the surface and cause some serious damage.

Paint It

Wooden furniture can be repainted. Not only will the fresh coat of paint help to revamp the furniture, but it will also provide an extra layer of protection. Wooden furniture will need to be sanded prior to applying the paint. You can always hire a professional painter to come and paint your outdoor furniture for you.

Follow the above tips and you will be doing all you can to keep your outdoor furniture looking as good as new for many years to come. Good luck.