We put together plenty of articles on choosing the right garden design, how to execute varying styles and picking out the best plants and other pieces for your outdoor spaces, but we often gloss over what needs to be done to protect certain items once they are in place.
Garden furniture makes up a large part of the space and while most sunny days are spent lounging on said furniture or counting down the minutes until you can do just that, there’s a little bit more that needs to be taken into consideration to ensure that you can enjoy them for as long as possible.
The spring and summer bring with them plenty of occasions where you can sit back and relax with friends and family over good food and a few drinks and having comfortable places to sit and lounge are key to the enjoyment of these days. Below, we take a look at what it takes to protect your garden furniture throughout the year to ensure it stays looking as good as new for as long as possible.
Invest in the best in the first place
If you want your garden furniture to last for as long as possible then it’s wise to invest in good quality items in the first place. Whether you opt for wood, metal or rattan furniture, just make sure that it is of the finest quality as this will set you off to a great start. The UK weather doesn’t lend itself well to wood furniture if you plan on keeping it outside in the rain, but rattan, which is lightweight and easy to maintain, and non-rust metals are fine for this. Make sure cushions have covers that are easily removed and washable and are also shower resistant.
Protecting wooden furniture
Wood furniture looks great, so don’t be put off by the fact that other materials may fare better in the inclement weather, just make sure you use suitable protection for the wood such as an oil or stain and keep it regularly maintained. Also, cover it up as much as possible so it isn’t damaged by the elements and UV rays.
Metal furniture protection
Metal framed furniture are a great choice for gardens as they are durable and long-lasting. Opt for lightweight aluminium options or stainless steel and they won’t rust. You can use a metal specific protectant on your furniture, if necessary, but many manufacturers now powder coat aluminium meaning it can be resistant to fading and UV light.
Protecting wicker, bamboo and rattan furniture
If you have wicker, bamboo or rattan furniture, then you may need to apply marine varnish to the exterior to prevent it from water damage. You can also use Tung oil on the reeds, this is a water-resistant oil that keeps the furniture protected in a damp environment.
Cover it up
Leaving your furniture in the elements exposes it to light, UV rays, dust and rain, which can damage the materials and affect its strength and durability. When not in use, be sure to cover up your furniture to ensure it lasts for as long as possible. There are a few ways in which you can do this – awning or an umbrella are good options for sunnier days when you’ll be out there more often, but a cover is a better option if there are showers due or you’re away from home for a stretch of time.
Store it away
When the sunny days have well and truly passed for the year, it’s time to store your furniture away until spring. Finding a safe, dry spot for your furniture, and more importantly the cushions, will go a long way to ensuring you have your stylish furniture set looking as good as new for many more years to come. If you don’t have the space for the whole set, store the cushions and cover the frames, keeping it tied up to withstand the winter weather.