How to Keep Your Garden Furniture in Shape
A well cared for and maintained garden furniture does not only look more inviting but it also lasts longer. Garden furniture is exposed to harsh conditions which can affect its beauty and sometimes also its durability. By keeping it protected against the elements that pose the risk of damage, your garden furniture will remain the focal point of your garden for a number of years but it is crucial to start caring for your outdoor furniture properly before it starts showing signs of damage.
How to keep your garden furniture in shape primarily depends on the material from which it is made. Some types of materials such as teak and stone for instance are naturally resistant to most outdoor elements that pose a risk of damage including moisture, UV light and insects. If your garden furniture is made from quality materials such as the mentioned teak, you should keep it clean to prevent dust and dirt from penetrating too deep below the surface and this would be about all. Some home owners also treat it annually with teak oil to preserve its distinct colour, however, this does not have any effect on its durability. Stone garden furniture does not need any special care either other than regular cleaning to keep it look visually appealing and inviting. Keep in mind, however, that no material is 100% stain-proof. Take care of spilling accidents as soon as possible because the longer you wait the greater the chance that you will not be able to wipe the spill off.
Garden furniture which is made from materials that are not resistant to outdoor elements can be kept beautiful for many years as well but it will require more care to keep it in shape. If your garden furniture is made from wood, you should first determine from which type of wood it is made because different types of wood require different care. Teak, as already mentioned earlier, does not require any special care other than regular cleaning, however, most types of wood need to be protected against moisture and termites as well as kept away from direct sunlight exposure. To extend its durability, wooden garden furniture should also be stored indoors after the end of “the garden season”. Just as important is to keep it clean and periodically inspect it for signs of damage such as mould, mildew, cracking and tiny holes which may indicate an insect infestation.
Care and maintenance of metal furniture for garden also depends on the type of metal it is made from. Stainless steel furniture for instance is resistant to moisture and will not rust, whereas cast aluminium and iron furniture have to be protected against moisture. The manufacturers of this type of garden furniture treat it with protective coatings, however, over time the protective paint may chip off and expose the metal which can lead to rusting. For that reason metal garden furniture should be carefully inspected for signs of paint damage before each “garden season” and re-painted with a matching paint if necessary. It cannot be affected by rain, snow and moisture as long as the metal is covered with protective paint but it is a good idea to store it in your garage or basement during the winter.