My Account
You invest significant money in your outdoor patio furniture. If you don’t take the necessary steps, it can look aged and worn. You want to prolong the lifespan of your patio furniture by making it look brand new for as long as possible, but you’re unsure what steps to take to do that.
You can take steps to maintain that brand new look for your patio furniture. It involves putting the time and effort into treating it properly to prolong its lifespan.
Outdoor furniture collections:
- Outdoor dining set
- Single outdoor gliders
- Outdoor rocking chairs
- 2-person outdoor gliders
- 3-person outdoor gliders
How To Keep Your Outdoor Patio Furniture Looking Brand New
Choose Durable Materials
The first step to keeping your outdoor patio chairs looking new is to purchase high-end materials from patio furniture brands. By investing in reputable brands that produce high-quality materials, you're already ahead of the game.
When shopping, do your research and get educated about what brands are on the market and what materials will withstand the weather in your area.
For example, the most durable patio furniture materials are:
- Aluminum
- Wicker
- Recycled plastic
- Wrought iron
- Mosaic
Once you determine what type of furniture you want, you’ll have to invest in high-quality brands. Poly furniture is extremely durable and can withstand the harshest of weather.
Wicker is a perfect low-maintenance alternative to teak. It is fade-resistant, insect-resistant, and dirt-resistant. For high-quality pieces, their metal components of wicker furniture are coated with aluminum for extra durability.
Choosing the right furniture pieces is the first step in keeping your furniture looking brand new - years down the road.
Keep It From the Elements
This tip might be difficult if you don’t have a shed or garage to store your furniture in. Keeping your furniture away from harsh weather elements is the key to prolonging the lifespan of it.
Not only does rain and snow take a toll on the structure of your patio furniture such as outdoor rockers or outdoor swings. Direct sunlight can bleach cushions and can begin to make your furniture look aged.
If you can keep your patio furniture in the shade or under a covered deck in the summer, you'll prolong the life of the cushions. When it comes to extreme weather conditions such as snow and rain, we recommend putting your furniture inside.
Furthermore, when it's raining, place the cushions in a dry, cool area, so they don't get drenched in the downpour. This can also harm your cushions.
Keep It Clean
Doing routine cleans of your patio furniture is the best way to deter a buildup of dirt or dust. We recommend doing periodic cleans to ensure your furniture is in the best possible shape. To clean your patio furniture, you’ll need:
- 1 teaspoon dishwashing detergent
- A bucket of warm water
- A vacuum
- A sponge
Begin by vacuuming all your cushions and the crevices of your patio furniture. Get in the nooks and crannies of your furniture with the wand on your vacuum. Take your time and be thorough, ensuring you get all the excess dust, dirt, and debris out from the cracks in the furniture.
Keep your outdoor furniture clean - Furniture protectant
If your cushions are machine washable, remove the covers from the inserts and place them in the washing machine. Wash on a light load until they are clean. While you’re washing your cushions, now is time for you to wipe down your patio set or outdoor table.
With a sponge and your washing solution, wash down the entire patio set. Take extra care when cleaning out the cracks and crevices. Scrub away any build-up of dust or dirt for a clean finish. If you have wicker furniture, you might want to use a soft toothbrush to help with the small spaces.
Rinse with plenty of water to ensure no more dish soap is sitting on the patio furniture when you’re done. You may want to let your cushion covers air dry before putting them back on the inserts.
Use Furniture Sunscreen
The sun poses a risk to our furniture, too. Harmful UV rays wear down furniture, making your furniture coloring inconsistent and worn. This will make it look dated. Experts have released a pseudo-sunscreen for furniture for UV-protection.
With furniture sunscreen, your furniture won't get worn down, and the quality won't be affected by harmful rays. Your cushions won't become sun-bleached, and you won't notice your furniture has aged a matter of years in only one summer.
It's a quick and easy solution for those who live in warmer states to prolong your furniture's life.
Invest in Patio Furniture Covers
When it's raining, we put on a raincoat, and we should offer the same level of protection to our beloved patio furniture. If you don’t have access to a shed or garage to store your furniture in, purchasing high-quality patio covers.
There are several types of patio furniture covers for you to choose from, depending on your needs and the threats of your climate:
- If you live in a hot climate with direct sunlight, you may want to buy a cover with a high UV rating. This will help minimize the fading and sun bleaching of your patio furniture.
- If you live around several large trees or an area with many wild animals, consider a cover with minimal mesh and a tight weave. This will minimize the chance of animal droppings and tree sap penetrating through the cover to the patio furniture.
- If you have direct access to a pool or if you live in a rainy climate, purchase a waterproof patio furniture cover.
- If you purchased wood patio furniture, consider picking up a cover with added protection to protect against bumps and damage.
- For glass-covered dining tables, invest in a padded cover to avoid breaking the glass.
There are several different patio furniture cover materials to choose from. Some of our favorites include:
- Vinyl
- Polyester
- Plastic
- Canvas
Vinyl
If you're purchasing a patio furniture cover on a budget, a vinyl cover is a good option for you. These cost-effective covers are moisture-resistant, lightweight, and easy to use. The downside to vinyl covers is that they aren't fitting, so mold and mildew can fester if your patio furniture is not stored in a dry, cool area.
Plastic
Plastic patio furniture covers are the cheapest option on this list, however, they are only best for short term protection. Due to the lack of ventilation, moisture cannot escape from inside the cover, and mildew can build up on your patio furniture. Plastic can also crack in cold weather conditions, making this option not great for colder climates. If you're looking for a short-term option to provide protection, plastic can be a great option.
Polyester
Polyester has stretchy fabric, so it can be bought tight and stretched over the piece of furniture you're trying to cover. It can be coated in different substances to have a bonus of UV-resistant and waterproof properties. This quick-drying and breathable option is perfect for preventing mold and mildew.
Canvas
If you’re in the market for a machine-washable cover, the canvas is the way to go. It’s better for warmer climates and it looks better than other patio furniture cover options. Canvas can be treated to be UV protective and waterproof if you need that. It’s tough and durable, making it a wonderful option for a cover.
Seal Your Furniture
If you have wood furniture and you want to keep it looking fresh, seal it with a clear finish to prolong its life and protect it against the elements. When sitting outside for an extended amount of time, your wood patio furniture will inevitably come in contact with moisture. This will cause the wood to rot. By using a clear finish, you'll prolong the life of the wood.
There are three clear finishes we prefer to use:
- Oil
- Varnish
- Epoxy sealer
When determining what method you’ll want to seal your wood furniture with, you’ll want to determine how labor-intensive you’re willing to go. For example, oil is easy to apply. However, you’ll have to do it annually for optimal results. On the other side of the spectrum, epoxy is the longest-lasting option, but it’s a time commitment to have it applied properly.
Oil
Oil is the easiest and quickest to apply, but it only lasts for about a year, so you'll have to commit to an annual application. Unlike varnish and epoxy, oil doesn't provide a protective film to repel water. However, it does protect against UV and protect against mildew, and mold.
All you have to do is use a rag to rub the oil over the wood. The application is easy, and it looks great when it's completed. If you appreciate a more natural look, then oil may be the way to go - it offers a more authentic finish than varnish or epoxy.
Varnish
Varnish provides a layer of protection over the wood. The protection is superior, and it's known to last longer than oil does. It’s easy to apply and can be thrown on using a brush. It’s recommended you sand between each coat to create a smoother base for the next one to stick to.
Opposed to oil, varnish has a life span of 2-3 years before you'll have to do it again. Though it's more tedious to put on, it's nice you don't have to worry about it for a couple of years following.
Epoxy
Sailors prefer epoxy, so when it comes to waterproofing, this is the best option out there. It also adds UV protection. To get the best results, apply three thin coats with a foam roller. Because epoxy is a tricky product, make sure to read the directions before committing to the product itself thoroughly.
Epoxy is the most labor-intensive option when it comes to sealing furniture; However, it’ll last the longest. Following your three coats of epoxy application, you’ll want to sand down the epoxy and seal it all off with a coat of varnish. The sanded surface allows the varnish to adhere to the surface.
Conclusion
If you're looking for ways to prolong the life of your patio furniture, the good news is: there are many ways to do it! There is nothing more satisfying than having 'like new' look two years after purchasing your furniture.
Being mindful about the brand you’re purchasing is essential as well. By choosing durable products for your outdoor patio furniture, you’re more likely to be happy with the finished result. Taking the extra steps like buying a cover, keeping it clean, and sealing it is worth it for the long-lasting aesthetic effects.
Looking for:
