The furniture you add to your patio makes it more attractive and welcoming. You want to keep it looking fantastic for years to come. Whether you have teak furniture with luxurious cushions or beautiful wrought iron with mesh seats, there are easy steps you can take to prolong the life of your furniture. Here are a few tips to help you keep your furniture looking amazing longer.
Moisturize Wood
If you have wood furniture, keep it moisturized and beautiful with a quality teak oil or lemon oil. Taking the time to condition the wood and moisturize it will prevent cracking. Appropriate for unfinished and stained pieces, it will keep your wood furniture looking fresh and beautiful. After applying the oil, allow it to saturate the wood and soak into the grain.
Clear Rust from Metal
Metal furniture can rust, so you want to take steps to keep the rust away. Clean the furniture a few times a year. Inspect it while cleaning to locate areas of rust. Look particularly closely at weld points and seams for signs of rust. If you find the trademark discoloration, treat the spot immediately. Clean it with a stiff wire brush to remove loose rust, and then spray it with a quality rust converter. Sand the area lightly before correcting the color with matching touch-up paint.
Check Hardware
Whether you have wood, metal or wicker furniture, you should inspect the hardware on a regular basis. Replace rusted bolts or screws to prevent stains. Make sure all connections are tight for safety and security. Annual inspections will help you keep the furniture in great condition and avoid unfortunate accidents with breaking pieces.
Pampered Cushions
The upholstered cushions on your furniture will break down quickly if they are regularly exposed to sun and rain. While the occasional storm won't harm your cushions, regularly leaving them in the rain will prove harmful. Invest in a deck box or storage bin to protect your cushions when they aren't in use. It only takes a few minutes to store the cushions when you're done, and they will last longer as a result.
Winter Storage
Cold winter temperatures make wood brittle and will destroy your upholstered seating. Protect the furniture by storing it indoors when the temperature starts to drop in the fall. If you don't have space inside for the frames, consider investing in quality waterproof furniture covers to protect them. Cushions should be stored safely inside where the snow and cold temperatures won't damage them.
Avoid Constant Moisture
Your patio furniture may look fantastic on the grass, but the constant moisture from grass and dirt will rot wood legs and rust metal frames. Provide your furniture with an appropriate surface to avoid problems from constant moisture. A flagstone base makes an incredible setting for your furniture, and it will protect it. Whether you use concrete, bricks or even gravel, you will enjoy a dry seating surface and safeguard your furniture from the ravages of sitting water.
Beautiful outdoor furniture is an investment in your outdoor living space. Keep it in top condition by taking the time each year to do some basic maintenance and minor repairs. Protect it from severe weather and pamper your cushions to keep it looking incredible year after year. With the right care, you can continue enjoying your patio furniture for years to come.
