Furniture Care: How To Protect Outdoor Furniture From All Weather
So, you've taken the plunge and purchased a beautiful new outdoor setting - congratulations! But you might now be wondering how to protect outdoor furniture from all weather conditions, from sunshine to storms. Whether you've gone for timber, aluminium, rope or wicker, here's how you can ensure your setting looks fabulous for years to come, whatever the weather.
Please note, the information in this article is a general guide only - for information specific to your setting, please refer to the instructions provided on the tag.
A note on weather exposure
The Australian climate can be harsh - not just on plants, pets and people, but also on furniture. To prolong the life of your gorgeous new outdoor setting, and prevent unnecessary exposure to harsh weather elements, we always recommend that it is kept undercover, in line with our warranty conditions. In particularly extreme conditions, such as high wind, you may wish to relocate your furniture to a more sheltered spot or find a way to secure it, particularly if it is lightweight in construction. This advice applies only where the tag on the item or setting indicates that it is suitable for undercover outdoor use - if your furniture's tag indicates that it's for indoor use only, it must be kept indoors.
How To Protect Outdoor Furniture From All Weather
While there are some general rules that apply to all outdoor furniture, each different material has its quirks. Flower Power stocks a great range of Guardsman furniture protection and maintenance products suitable to a range of materials. Read on for tips specific to your setting's unique finish.
Timber
To keep the gorgeous natural finish looking fabulous, use a timber oil on all timber surfaces regularly. This will also help to seal the grain and provide some water resistance. You can clean your furniture's timber surfaces if necessary with warm, soapy water, but usually a soft, damp cloth will do the trick.
Part of the natural beauty of timber is that the grain can expand and contract with changes in atmospheric conditions or exposure to direct sunlight. Sometimes this natural process will result in fine lines or cracks appearing - these are not faults, but form part of timber's natural character.
Teak
Our teak furniture items require slightly different treatment to other timber pieces. We recommend that these pieces are used indoors, however if used outdoors, they absolutely must be covered at all times. Untreated teak timber develops a stunning silver sheen as it ages - this is a natural part of the weathering process for this timber type, however if you'd prefer your teak furniture to keep its original rich honey tone, you can apply a specialised teak sealant which will halt the process.
Powder-Coated Aluminium & Powder-Coated Steel
Sleek, hardy and lightweight, our metal pieces are built to last. Before first use, we recommend you apply a coating of automotive wax, repeating every two to three months to help keep the finish looking great and prevent weathering. Should you need to clean your metal surfaces, we recommend using warm, soapy water, ensuring you follow up with a clean fresh water rinse to remove any leftover residue.
Marble, Stone, Terrazzo & Cement
These natural textures provide a unique look, but it should be remembered that these surfaces are porous and delicate. Wipe up any spills immediately to prevent stains setting in, using a dabbing motion to absorb the liquid. Never leave any liquid, including water, on the surface for an extended period of time. To clean, use a soft and non-abrasive cloth with warm soapy water, avoiding any harsh chemicals, oil-based products or acids which can damage the surface. We recommend that you treat all stone surfaces with a sealant product every three to six months, and make use of a tablecloth or runner to prevent scratching or marking. Remember to keep your furniture under cover and out of the weather.
Double-braided marine-grade rope
Our striking rope-accented furniture adds a stylish touch to any outdoor entertaining area. Remove any excess loose dust or dirt from your woven rope surfaces with a soft, dry brush. If needed, you can gently spot-clean any marks or stains with warm, soapy water. Avoid any excessive scrubbing, abrasive materials or the use of high-pressure cleaners to preserve the finish of the rope.
Hand-woven synthetic wicker
There are few finishes more classic than hand-woven synthetic wicker, which blends beautifully into a wide range of decorating styles. Use a soft, dry brush to remove any loose dust from your setting, then clean with warm, soapy water. For lasting benefits, we recommend the use of a premium automotive shampoo. Rinse with clean, fresh water to remove any residue and simply allow to air dry.
Soft furnishings
The cushions and chair pads on your outdoor furniture items, while water resistant, are not waterproof and shouldn't be exposed to large amounts of water. Similarly, prolonged exposure to extreme sunlight can cause fading of their fabric exterior. Our top tip for keeping your outdoor soft furnishings in great condition is to remove them when not in use. Store them in a clean, dry environment, away from the weather until you need to use them again. Not sure how to clean outdoor furniture covers? Generally, you can cold hand wash or spot-clean any visible stains. Notice mould or mildew on your outdoor cushions or chair pads following long spells of wet and humid weather? It's recommended that you apply a mould-killing product that's safe for use on fabrics, always making sure to test in an inconspicuous spot first.
Want to explore our extensive range of outdoor furniture? Click here to shop now.