Outdoor furnishings can take a real battering from the elements, so if you want your garden seating and tables to stay in good condition, you’ll need to give these items some TLC. If you don’t, they’ll quickly start to show the tell-tale signs of wear and tear and you might find you need to shell out for replacements. To help you care for outdoor furniture and ensure it stands the test of time, take a look at this brief guide.
Plastic
Plastic chairs and tables are easy to look after; all you need to do to maintain these furnishings is give them regular washes with soap and water. This is especially important if the items are light in color. During the winter, it’s a good idea to store the products in a garage or shed, as this will help to prevent them from becoming brittle.
Hardwood
Hardwood furnishings are among the most robust materials available on the market. From oak, to teak and iroko; these timbers contain high levels of natural oils, which makes them highly weather resistant. You don’t need to worry about leaving these sturdy products outside during the colder months. However, it is a good idea to keep their feet off wet ground to prevent rotting, and a waterproof cover will help to preserve their condition in winter. The only maintenance these products need is a yearly wash with a brush and soapy water.
Metal
Most metal garden chairs and tables are finished with protecting coatings that make them straightforward to look after. However, this may eventually wear away. Keep a close eye on these furnishings and if you notice any bubbling or rust, remove the loose material and then treat them with rust-preventing paint. Also, remove any bird droppings as soon as you see them as they can be corrosive.
Rattan
Rattan is robust, and is increasingly becoming a popular option for garden accessories,. However, this material does tend to require a little more care than plastic, wood or metal. Ideally, these furnishings should be stored in a garage or shed when temperatures drop. They also benefit from an occasional vacuum, to get rid of any dirt and dust that may have collected in the weaves. To clean the furnishings, wipe them down with a cloth dipped in a mild detergent solution.
As long as you pay attention to care tips like these, you should be able to enjoy your garden chairs and tables for many years to come.
Image by Jims_photos used under the Creative Commons license
