Aug 17 2010
Taking Care of Your Outdoor Furniture Investment
Outdoor furniture is an investment in the way you live in your home. When you get ready to outfit your patio, porch, or yard, be prepared to take care of this purchase, just as you would the furniture you buy for the inside of your home.
One feature common to all outdoor furniture is durability; it needs to be weather-resistant. Whatever you choose, it should be designed to handle rain and sun. Regardless of the type of furniture you buy, you need to know what kind of regular maintenance you should do to keep it sound and comfortable. Regular cleaning keeps outdoor dirt and food from creating permanent stains. Wash it down at the beginning and end of the outdoor living season (and any other time it seems like it needs it), using warm water and a gentle cleaner meant specially for the kind of outdoor furniture you have. Make sure the furniture dries after you clean it– leave out in the sun or dry it off with a towel.
If you have wood outdoor furniture, it may come oiled so it can keep its brown tone. If it is untreated, it will age to a silver-grey. If you want to keep it brown, reapply oil regularly. Refinishing wood outdoor furniture protects it from the weather. If your wooden furniture looks a little worn, you can sand it down and reapply weather-resistant paint or stain.
Regular use of any outdoor furniture can loosen any hardware that holds the furniture together. Examine the furniture regularly and be prepared to tighten the bolts, and replace hardware if necessary. Lubricate all hinges and wheels seasonally.
Aluminum furniture resists rust, but can be susceptible to pitting-a condition that gives the metal a dull patina. Regular washings helps prevent pitting. Any metal furniture with an enamel or baked-on finish stays better longer. If the metal is already damaged, rub the surfaces with a steel wood pad, and add kerosene or paint thinner if it needs a little extra help. When the metal is smooth again, wash it with water and a mild detergent. Rinse and dry it, thoroughly, then apply a light coat of protect your work with automobile wax.
Outdoor furniture made of resin and recycled plastic is extremely durable and weather resistant. You can leave it outside with very little concern about the effects of the elements. Because it’s lightweight, resin furniture can be stored easily; it’s often stackable, and pieces like tables can be broken down when you need to put it away.
Wrought iron can be a lifetime investment. Examine it each season to see if any bare metal is exposed. Touch it up with a rust-resistant metal primer on these spots or with a spray paint designed for exterior use. This prevents rust from spreading under the paint.
It’s a good idea to cover outdoor furniture when you are not using it. This little bit of work will help protect your furniture from rain and excessive sun.
Storing outdoor furniture for the winter is a good idea. Make some room in your garage or basement in the fall, or consider renting a storage unit for the winter months. Even if it’s designed to withstand snow and ice, your outdoor furniture will last longer if you move it inside over the harsh weather months.
With regular maintenance, outdoor furnishings can remain attractive and enjoyable for many years. If your outdoor furniture looks worse for wear, make it a wintertime project-head out to the garage or basement, and revitalize your outdoor furniture investment.
Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of numerous niche online stores that offer customers not only products, but information relating to furnishing and decorating indoor and outdoor living spaces. Whether you want to renew your deck or patio with Adirondack chairs or create the ultimate living environment with Adirondack furniture that is perfect for entertaining, there is a lot of helpful advice to take advantage of to make it happen. Click today and indulge your senses.