Relaxing in your garden may be
wonderful during the summer months. As winter comes around, the harsh weather
can be hard on outdoor furniture. With
the right care and maintenance, you can make sure your furniture survives the
cold season and is ready to enjoy come summer. Whether your furniture is metal,
wood, plastic or rattan, this maintenance guide
will help you look after your outdoor furniture.
Wooden Furniture
Wooden garden furniture should be
treated with a protective sealant to ensure that the wood is sealed against
moisture damage all year round. The cold and wet weather during the winter
months can cause moisture to soak deep into and freeze in the wood, resulting
in cracking.
In addition, make sure to buy a
rainproof cover to put over your items, because treated wood is still able to
absorb moisture from the air.
Plastic Furniture
While you may think that plastic
furniture is the ideal solution, it can still be a problem during winter. Very
cold temperatures can make plastic brittle, causing it to crack when used. Even
though outdoor furniture is designed to withstand harsh conditions, you should
bring your plastic patio furniture indoors if it snows.
Use furniture covers as these will
protect your plastic furniture from the elements while ensuring adequate ventilation
so that mildew does not develop.
Metal Furniture
It is best to avoid leaving your
metal patio furniture outdoors during the colder months as it can rust. If your
patio furniture starts to rust, the metal will weaken and break down. Although
galvanized metal does survive better than regular metal, in the long run, this
too will suffer in harsh weather. You should bring metal furniture indoors
whenever it rains and especially during the winter months.
Rattan Furniture
Rattan sofas, tables and chairs
are comfortable, stylish and a great way to give your patio a facelift. High
quality synthetic rattan furniture need not be covered during winter, as the
high-grade polyethylene weave is resistant to frost and rain. However, it is still
good practice to cover it, since this will keep it looking good.
Poor quality synthetic rattan
furniture will certainly need to be covered
when the weather turns cold because the colour will only have been applied to the
outer part of the weave and the material is more likely to break and split in a
hard frost.
You should never use cane or
natural rattan furniture designed for use in conservatories in your garden
either during the winter or the summer. If this type of furniture is placed on
a moist surface like grass, its legs will swell and split. Even when kept in a
garden room, you need to think about humidity levels caused by plants. Even
this source of moisture can cause the natural material to start to warp and
mould to develop.
Cushions and Covers
Most outdoor furniture comes with removable
cushions that will not stand up well to winter weather conditions. They can
easily be damaged by the freeze and thaw of winter. Mildew and mould may start
to form. It is best to store cushions and covers indoors, in a storage box or
in your shed when not in use.
If you're ready to choose some
stylish new garden furniture to give your outdoor space a brand-new look visit Rattan Direct and
explore your options.
Disclosure: Collaborative post
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