Outdoor furniture adds style and function to your yard, but exposure to the elements can wear it down over time. Like indoor furniture, outdoor furniture is built with a range of materials, each one with its own unique care needs. Whether yours is wood or wicker, here is a handy guide to making sure your outdoor furniture stands up to the elements and maintains its functionality, season after season.
Wood is a classic material, but it is still vulnerable to rain, sun, and humidity. Protecting outdoor wood furniture starts with sealing. If you have purchased or are shopping for outdoor wood furniture, check to see if it has already been sealed. You can typically find this information on the product specifications or by inspecting the furniture. Chances are that most outdoor wood furniture found at your local retailers will already be sealed, but over time, you may notice peeling or discoloration as that initial factory seal wears down.
Resealing is a great way to make your wood patio furniture last longer and keep it looking like new. First, sand the wood to create a smooth surface. Then, apply a weatherproof sealant; a good polyurethane or marine varnish provides excellent water resistance, while a UV-protectant will keep the wood from fading in the sun. Make sure to reapply the sealant once a year, especially if you live in a rainy or humid climate. Spring or fall are great times to do this.
For added protection, use breathable furniture covers during off-seasons or extreme weather. And while it may be tempting to place your wood furniture directly on the lawn, keep it slightly elevated to protect it from moisture emanating from the ground.
While technically a wood, teak is a bit different since it is one of the most durable woods for outdoor furniture. Its high oil content makes it naturally resistant to water and insects. However, over time, teak will develop a silver-gray patina. While some homeowners love this look, others prefer to maintain teak’s original golden hue.
If you want your teak furniture to retain its original color, clean it regularly with a mix of mild soap and water, followed by a teak protector to preserve the warm color. You can also apply teak oil, but keep in mind that it may darken the wood over time. If you’re fine with the patina, simply allow your furniture to age gracefully—no oil required!
Teak is one of the most low-maintenance options out there for outdoor furniture, but that doesn’t mean it’s maintenance-free. Be sure to clean it occasionally to prevent buildup of mold and mildew, especially in more humid climates.
Wicker furniture adds a touch of charm to any outdoor space, but it requires a bit of TLC to keep it looking fresh. First, both natural and synthetic wicker tends to collect dirt and dust in its weaves and so requires a bit more regular cleaning than other types of furniture.
Protect your wicker furniture by vacuuming or dusting each piece with a soft brush to remove debris. For synthetic wicker, you can go a step further and wash it with warm water and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia, as they can strip the material's finish.
Wicker can also fade or start cracking if exposed to direct sunlight for too long. To prevent cracking and fading, move your wicker furniture out of direct sunlight when it’s not in use, and consider storing it indoors during winter or other periods where it isn’t in use. If frequently moving your wicker furniture isn’t practical, invest in a good furniture cover that allows for some airflow.
Unlike wood, you should not seal natural wicker, as it can make the material brittle over time.
Metal furniture, whether it’s made from iron, steel, or aluminum, is both sleek and sturdy, ideal for outdoor setups that face a lot of winds or battering storms. But metal and moisture don’t always mix, meaning your favorite set could start rusting sooner than you’d like. For most types of metal furniture, a protective coating of car wax or paste wax can act as a barrier between the surface and moisture.
For iron or steel pieces, check for rust regularly, making sure to look underneath feet and table tops. If rust appears, don’t panic—just sand it down and apply a touch-up paint designed for metal surfaces. Aluminum, on the other hand, is naturally rust-resistant, but can still develop oxidation spots. These can be cleaned with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water.
Covering your metal furniture during winter or extended rainy periods will also help keep rust at bay. This extra layer of protection, combined with a watchful eye for rust, can significantly extend the life of your metal patio pieces.
Acacia is another type of wood that falls into its own category for care. It is a beautiful and durable choice for outdoor furniture, but like any wood, it’s vulnerable to the elements. The difference is that you cannot seal it the way you would with other common woods (pine, cedar, etc.) So, how to protect outdoor wood furniture made from acacia? The answer lies in oil and shelter.
Acacia furniture benefits from a coat of linseed oil or tung oil every few months. Tung oil is a great option because it is resistant to water and molding and is food-safe, meaning it can be applied to table tops and other surfaces that food will touch. Tung oil’s high fatty acid content also prevents the degradation and discoloration that occurs with linseed or other finishing oils. For best results, be sure you buy actual tung oil, and not “tung oil finish” or another adjacent product.
Oil application helps protect acacia furniture by blocking moisture that can cause cracking. Just like with teak, acacia can gray over time, but regular oiling will keep it looking vibrant.
Since acacia is sensitive to high humidity, you may also consider storing your furniture indoors or in a sheltered area during the winter or wet season. If storage isn’t an option, ensure that your acacia furniture is covered with breathable, moisture-resistant covers.
Taking the time to learn how to protect outdoor furniture based on its material ensures that your investment stays looking great for years to come. Outpost Sunsport sells a wide variety of beautiful, long-lasting outdoor patio furniture, and with these tips, you’re guaranteed to keep using and loving this furniture well past its expected lifespan. Whether it’s sealing wood, oiling acacia, or keeping metal rust-free, a little bit of TLC goes a long way in extending the life of your outdoor furniture.
