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On the JJ Barnes Blog, with the UK weather crashing wildly from freezing to wet to warm, sometimes all in one day, I check out how to protect your garden furniture no matter the conditions!
Let’s face it, UK weather is a fickle beast. One minute you’re basking in sunshine, the next you’re battling a hailstorm. And for our beloved garden furniture, this constant fluctuation can be brutal. From scorching heat to icy chills, and everything in between, our outdoor havens take a beating. Recent weather forecasts predict highs of 20 degrees and sunshine, along with high wind and storms, meaning gardens will be faced with a wide variety of climates. The varied weather has likely lead to the recent 420% increase in searches for ‘garden furniture treatment’, as homeowners look to protect their garden furniture.
But fear not. Today, I’ll delve into the best protection methods for all types of materials, from classic wood to modern metal, ensuring your patio oasis remains a source of comfort and style all year round thanks to top tips from Ali Wooldridge, co-founder of luxury garden furniture company, Gardenesque.
How To Protect Your Garden Furniture
Wet And Cold Weather
Cover with a waterproof material.
When the heavens open and unleash a deluge, the first line of defence for your precious garden furniture is a good quality waterproof cover. These trusty shields come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, offering a solution for every furniture type and budget.
Ensure that you regularly lift and waft your covering to allow airflow and prevent condensation, as this can lead to mildew, and in worst case scenarios, mould or rust.
-Ali Woodridge
Material Matters:
Heavy-duty Polyester: A popular choice, offering a balance of affordability and durability. Look for a denier rating (indicating fabric thickness) of 420D or higher for year-round protection.
PVC-backed Polyester: Provides excellent waterproofing and is ideal for wet climates. This material can trap moisture underneath during hot periods, so ensure proper ventilation with air vents.
Breathable Fabrics: These allow moisture vapour to escape, preventing mildew build-up under the cover. Perfect for furniture left outside for extended periods.
Finding the Perfect Fit:
Measure Up: Don’t rely on guesswork! Measure your furniture carefully, including the highest point (think chair backs or parasol tips) to ensure complete coverage.
Shape Up: Covers come in various shapes to fit different furniture configurations. Square or rectangular covers work for tables and chair sets, while L-shaped options cater to corner sofas.
Drawcord Security: A tight fit is essential to prevent wind from billowing the cover and causing damage to your furniture. Look for covers with drawstrings at the hem for a secure fastening.
Bonus Features:
Air Vents: As mentioned earlier, air vents help prevent condensation build-up under the cover, especially during hot weather.
UV Protection: Some covers offer added UV protection, safeguarding your furniture from sun bleaching and extending its lifespan.
Easy Cleaning: Look for covers with a wipeable surface for effortless cleaning of dirt and grime.
Apply relevant treatments.
Whilst keeping your garden furniture dry and away from wet and cold environments, applying the correct treatment will also ensure for optimum protection and keep the furniture looking its best.
Apply varnish or teak oil that is specifically for hardwood at least twice a year to keep it in optimum condition and protect the wood from moisture and rain.
Most people think that metal is weatherproof, and whilst it is more durable than other materials, many metals will need a regular polish or wax to protect from moisture and rust through colder and wetter weather.
However, powder coated aluminium, which we favour in our products, can uphold many weather states and is very durable, making it an excellent low maintenance choice. There’s only need to treat if the powder coating is damaged.
-Ali Woodridge
For the Wood Whisperers:
Wood Oil: A natural choice for nourishing and protecting wood. A sealing wood oil penetrates the grain, repelling moisture and preventing cracks. Apply annually for optimal results, and choose from clear options to maintain the natural wood look, or tinted versions for a colour refresh.
Wood Stain: Offers a dual benefit of colour enhancement and protection. Wood stains come in transparent, semi-transparent, and solid varieties, allowing you to subtly change the wood’s tone or completely revamp its look. Reapplication frequency depends on the chosen stain type.
Varnish: Creates a hard, protective film on the wood surface, shielding it from moisture and UV rays. Wood varnish is ideal for high-traffic areas but can alter the wood’s natural look slightly. Re-application is typically needed every few years.
For the Metal Mavens:
Metal Paint: A fantastic way to revive weathered metal furniture and add a pop of colour. Choose an anti-rust metal paint specifically designed for outdoor use, ensuring long-lasting protection.
Metal Polish: For unpainted metal furniture, a good quality metal polish can work wonders. It removes dirt, grime, and light oxidation, leaving behind a gleaming finish. Apply regularly to maintain the shine.
For the Rattan Royalty:
Rattan Cleaner: Keeping rattan furniture clean is key to preventing mildew growth. Opt for a dedicated rattan cleaner that won’t damage the delicate material.
Rattan Protector: This spray-on treatment forms a barrier against moisture and UV rays, extending the lifespan of your rattan furniture.
Store away.
To avoid any interior damage to your wooden garden furniture, it’s important to keep it stored away in a dry, covered place, such as a shed or garage, especially for softer woods as they’re porous.
It’s the combination of rain and cold temperatures that cause the most damage for the likes of timber and eucalyptus wood. When the temperature drops below zero, any water and moisture within the wood will freeze and then thaw once temperatures rise, causing the wood to swell.
-Ali Woodridge
Sunshine.
Apply UV protection.
Most rattan and hardwood garden furniture will require a UV protection to maintain their unique colouring and ‘new’ look.
Some rattan furniture, such as our rattan collection, is made from plastic, and so tends to be more durable against UV rays. However, you might want to consider UV protection treatments in either spray or wax form to ensure they don’t fade when exposed to continuous UV rays over a prolonged time.”
But given the UK’s windier weather, it’s best to add that extra layer of UV protection through the spray or wax.
-Ali Woodridge
Shade is King: The simplest and most effective way to combat UV damage is to provide shade for your furniture. Consider a retractable awning, a parasol, or strategically placed plants to offer respite from the sun’s rays.
Protective Covers: When not in use, invest in high-quality waterproof covers with built-in UV protection. These act as a physical barrier against the sun, preventing direct exposure and safeguarding your furniture.
UV-Treated Materials: Many modern furniture materials come with inherent UV protection. Look for options like weatherproof wicker or marine-grade teak which are naturally resistant to sun damage.
Treatment Solutions: For existing furniture, consider applying a UV-protective sealant or oil. These treatments create a barrier against UV rays and can prolong the life and vibrancy of your pieces. Reapplication may be necessary depending on the product and the amount of sun exposure your furniture receives.
High winds.
Fasten down furniture.
Whilst hardwood garden furniture can outstand the average UK wind speed, when it comes to stormy weather, Ali says it is a good idea to fasten down your furniture if you don’t have storage space, whether that be wood, rattan, or metal, to ensure it doesn’t blow away.
Weight it Down:
Sandbag Saviours: Sandbags are a classic and versatile solution. Fill sturdy bags with sand or gravel and strategically place them on the base of your furniture legs. You can even secure them with bungee cords for extra security.
Pot Power: Heavy plant pots filled with soil or stones can be used to weigh down lighter furniture pieces like chairs. This is a space-saving option, allowing you to add greenery to your patio while keeping your furniture secure.
Anchor it Down:
Stake it Out: For more permanent solutions, consider using furniture stakes specifically designed for anchoring down tables, chairs, and sun loungers. These stakes typically screw into the ground and have a mechanism to secure the furniture leg.
Screw it On: For heavier furniture pieces like wooden benches or pergolas, consider screwing them directly into a sturdy patio base. This offers the most secure fastening, but ensure the screws are suitable for both the furniture material and the patio surface.
Tie it Down:
Bungee Buddies: Bungee cords are a quick and easy solution for securing lighter furniture. Wrap the cord securely around the furniture frame and attach it to a fixed object like a fence post, railing, or a sturdy tree branch. Ensure the object you’re attaching to can withstand strong winds.
Strapping Solutions: Heavy-duty straps offer a more secure alternative to bungee cords. Look for straps with buckles or clips specifically designed for securing outdoor furniture. They come in various lengths, allowing you to customise the fastening to your furniture configuration.
Regularly clean.
Ali advises to regularly brush off any debris, especially in rattan or woven furniture, whereby dirt, twigs and leaves can get stuck in the grooves.
Furniture covers will also protect from leaves, dirt and garden debris that may be blown onto the furniture.
-Ali Woodridge
For further garden furniture care tips visit Gardenesque’s blog: https://www.gardenesque.com/blogs/the-garden-journal/caring-for-your-garden-furniture
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