The allure of garden furniture is strong for the vast majority of homeowners. How could you possibly resist those sun loungers, or the adorable swinging chairs that seem to be everywhere this year?
Unfortunately, many homeowners find that, despite pretty high price points, the promise of outdoor furniture is far too short-lived. You might find your hard-won outdoor seating starting to peel and crumble after just one season!
We’ve all been there, but let us tell you that it doesn’t need to be this way. Quality garden furniture certainly shouldn’t be a disposable commodity, and you can ensure it’s a winning feature of your outdoor living space for many seasons to come by simply considering these key care factors.
# 1 – Make Materials Your Priority
Cute, stylish garden furniture is all well and good, but appearances shouldn’t be your only consideration when it comes to the pieces you put outside. We’re sorry to say it, but buying outdoor furniture based solely on its appearance is likely to result in a short lifespan.
Materials should be a far more pressing priority during the decision stage. While that might not lead you to the most dreamy sets, it will guarantee quality and durability.
Top materials to look out for in your quest include hardy options like aluminum, hardwoods, and synthetic rattan. By comparison, you should avoid weaker materials that are prone to warping or disintegration, such as PVC or softwoods.
# 2 – Protect From the Elements
Even the strongest garden furniture materials aren’t immune to wear, tear, and fading if you leave them out to face storms or scorching sun all day long. Hence, you’ll also need to think about protecting your outdoor furniture from the elements.
Investing in furniture covers is perhaps the best example of this, and you should use them during any excessive weather patterns or periods of disuse. It’s also recommended to remove outdoor furniture cushions throughout the off-season.
However, you won’t want to keep your seating covered during periods of heavy use, so what can you do then? Well, temporary protective options like retractable patio awnings could be a great alternative. As well as generally making your outdoor seating areas more comfortable, the ability to cover those furniture items in seconds, come rain or shine, could see them going stronger for a whole lot longer.
# 3 – Put a Little Work in
We’re sorry to say it, but ensuring that your outdoor furniture lasts also often means putting a little work in. It’s not enough to shove it outside and wish it well – you also need to take active steps to ensure its long lifespan!
Cleaning garden furniture regularly is especially essential, as it ensures you can get rid of potentially damaging debris and anything else that might damage or fade your furniture. Equally, many outdoor furniture options can benefit from additional protective measures, including oiling or sealing, and also anti-rust treatments.
Who said outdoor furniture could only ever last for one season? Not us!
