After you've invested in an outdoor furniture set, the last thing you want is to see it get damaged. Patio furniture prices can add up; After all, it is an investment. Remember that you're transforming your outdoor living space into an extension of your home. Your furniture should reflect your style while providing additional space.
High-quality outdoor furniture sets should withstand harsh weather conditions. However, we recommend storing them to prolong the life of your patio furniture. Extreme weather can affect your furniture's integrity. Over time, it can cause unnecessary wear and tear and affect the overall look. All patio sets risk falling victim to extreme weather conditions. Whether you've invested in teak, metal, or wicker, your outdoor furniture set could splinter, crack, or rust.
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How Weather Affects Patio Furniture:
- Cracking
- Rusting
- Splintering
- Molding
- Mildewing
- Discoloring and/or staining
Four of the main reasons why you can’t leave your patio table and chairs out in the weather are:
1. It Can Crack
Your patio furniture can crack when you leave it out in extreme cold and snowy conditions. This will look displeasing and weaken the durability and integrity of the furniture.
As the furniture begins to crack, you can expect that the lifespan will shorten, as the cracking can continue down the remainder of the furniture. Once the cracking happens, it’s impossible to reverse. However, you can scrub splintered wood with a stiff wire brush and apply wood filler for temporary repairs. Use paint to prevent further damage.
2. It Can Rust
Only metal furniture or furniture with metal accents will begin to rust. There are several ways you can prevent rust. The best way is avoid allowing your furniture to get in contact with moisture. If your metal furniture does get left out in the rain, wipe it dry as soon as possible. Before a rainstorm, cover furniture with a waterproof tarp or move to a clean, dry storage space.
Other options to prevent rust are applying oil, painting the metal, applying a powder coating, or using an alloy. Once rust has settled in, you’ll have to sand and repaint or apply a topcoat to prevent the rust from spreading further.
3. It Can Grow Mold and Mildew
“Mold” and “mildew” are two words that can make just about anyone queasy. Especially when talking about their patio furniture. Exposure to too much moisture can cause both mold and mildew to grow on cushions and covers.
Mold and mildew are two different kinds of fungi. Mold is characterized by a yellow or green fuzzy growth pattern. Mildew grows flat and is often powdery in nature. Mold can cause migraines and allergy-like symptoms. Mildew causes headaches and can lead to respiratory distress if not treated. The bad news? Patio cushions on your outdoor furniture or favorite outdoor wooden glider chair can grow these fungi when damp for long periods of time.
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The best way to get rid of mold and mildew is to avoid them all together. Once they begin growing, they can be challenging to get rid of. To prevent the growth of mold and mildew, you should store your cushions in a clean, dry space.
If your patio cushions do get wet at any point, let them dry out in the sun as soon as possible. Any prolonged exposure to moisture will leave your cushions at risk for developing fungus.
4. It Can Discolour
Bad news: Any prolonged exposure to the elements can cause your patio furniture to discolor. For example, teak begins to grey over time, and wood can become bleached. The original color that you knew and loved can become subdued.
There are some materials that can’t be returned to their original condition. In the event that your furniture does discolor, you might need to learn to love its new state.
How to Store Furniture
Did we officially talk you into properly storing your outdoor furniture when it isn’t in use? Good idea! Store it in a dry, cool place where there’s no way for water to penetrate it. Most of our customers use their garage, shed, or storage locker to store their patio furniture in. Store the furniture throughout the months that it’s not in use, such as through the winter months or rainy season.
We also recommend using a waterproof tarp or cover to prevent dust and dirt from settling on the surface of your furniture. This is the best way to ensure that you’re prolonging the life of your outdoor chairs and dining table. After all, you might as well get the best bang for your buck as possible.
Conclusion
As a homeowner and patio lover, the most responsible thing to do is protect the investments you make and the items that you spend your money on. In this case, it’s your patio furniture. After all, you’ll want a comfortable patio to sit back and drink a cold drink one next summer as well! So, make sure that you take the best care of your outdoor furniture set as possible. Investing in a patio set made out of eco-friendly poly lumber will guarantee a long lifespan. Wildridge makes durable, long-lasting poly furniture like this white porch conversation set.
Whether you have a metal, wood, wicker, or fabric furniture set, you’ll risk it becoming victim to harsh weather conditions if you don’t take the proper precautions to prolong its life. By storing it in a dry, cool place and using a tarp or cover, you’ll be certain to enjoy your patio set for years to come.
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