Outdoor furniture is vulnerable to wear and tear over time, just like any other item. However, a lot of the weathering and damage you see on outdoor furniture is preventable with proper care and maintenance. Learning how to make outdoor furniture last ensures you have an outdoor space you can love for years to come.
WHAT MAKES OUTDOOR FURNITURE NOT LAST?
In order to understand what makes outdoor furniture last, we first need to determine what makes it not last as long as it could. A few key factors can lead to damage which could mean you need to replace your outdoor furniture earlier than you would like.
Weather
All Calgarians understand how much the weather fluctuates in our beautiful city. From chinooks to sudden snowfall, it can be challenging to determine what the weather will be like on any given day. Your outdoor patio furniture is easily affected by these weather changes.
Rain and snow can cause unwanted mold and mildew in your patio cushions that could dramatically reduce their quality over time. Similarly, if your cushions receive too much sun, they might lose some of their vibrance.
Poor Quality
Low-quality materials for outdoor furniture may be inexpensive when you first make your purchase, but they won’t last very long. Over time, you may notice the furniture rust and become discoloured. You may see the paint chip if it hasn’t been properly applied on your metal or wicker furniture.
Improper Maintenance & Cleaning
Poorly cared for outdoor furniture can degrade quickly, and not look as good as it could. Dirt and debris can make your patio furniture appear faded and can cause damage such as erosion over time. Dents, scuffs, and damage make your outdoor furniture appear old and unappealing.
CHOOSE QUALITY
High-quality materials help your outdoor furniture last longer and maintain their usefulness for years to come. When you start with quality material, you make an investment in the future of your outdoor space without having to worry about replacing it every couple of years.
When choosing quality materials, it’s essential to consider factors like appearance, durability, and what the intended function of your space will be. Some common materials for outdoor furniture include:
In the long run, it’s better to make the investment in quality materials now than regret your decision when you have to replace your furniture due to damage.
PROTECT YOUR FURNITURE
Furniture covers are the perfect way to protect your outdoor furniture from wear and tear due to weather, dirt, and debris. Furniture covers are also a convenient and quick solution if you don’t want to bring your furniture in and out of storage constantly.
Many furniture covers are made from vinyl, which can crack and become less effective over time. Some other covers, though, are woven to add durability, breathability, and increased water resistance.
For a more long term solutions, consider investing in cushion storage and finding ways to either cover or store your furniture over the winter so it maintains its quality and doesn’t get damaged.
CLEAN YOUR METAL FURNITURE
If you have metal furniture made from aluminum or stainless steel, keeping it polished is essential to ensuring you can enjoy it for years to come. While metal may be durable, it’s important to keep it maintained to ensure you get the quality you deserve.
When cleaning or polishing your metal furniture, make sure you stay away from any abrasive cleaning cloths or steel wool as it will leave scratches. Instead, stick to sponges and soft cloths. Most aluminum furniture has a painted finish, which you can clean by:
- Using a cleaning solution with 1/4 cup of liquid soap in a gallon of lukewarm water
- Only using sponges, soft bristle brushes, or cloths
- Waxing the frame using a high-grade liquid car wax or other protectant
PROTECT YOUR CUSHIONS
A vital part of your outdoor furniture’s overall character is your cushions. Whether they’re bright and vibrant or subtle and neutral, it’s important to ensure your cushions are protected from both rain and sun to maintain their quality.
During the winter months, bring your cushions into your basement or garage to protect them fully. Bringing them in also reduces the chance mice or squirrels will make a home in your beautiful cushions. In addition, you should ensure your metal frames are covered during winter to protect them from harsh winter winds.
Investing in a UV-protecting umbrella or cantilever in order to protect your cushions from sun fading helps them remain bright.
GET THE PATIOLINE DIFFERENCE
Crafting your dream outdoor oasis is exciting. You get the chance to create a space for you and your loved ones to enjoy for years, making memories and spending quality time together. For your patio needs, from furniture to umbrellas to cushions, our team at Patioline is here to help. Get in touch with our team to book a professional consultation and get the help you need to turn your vision into reality.
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