How to protect your furniture from the elements

With the UK besieged by rain in recent weeks and the cold snap of winter fast approaching, now is a great time to look at the best way to protect your outdoor furniture and keep it looking great for longer. 

 

Keep it covered 

No one wants to dedicate hours to garden furniture maintenance and cleaning if they don’t have to, so make life easier by investing in good quality furniture covers. Whilst some furniture sets – including our durable weather-resistant ranges – can be left out all year round, the added protection of a PVC-free furniture cover guarantees greater longevity, adding years to the lifespan of your furniture by preventing damage from UV rays, frost, and snow, or heavy rain. 

It also means you don’t have to spend ages cleaning your chairs and tables when you need them. Covering your furniture and parasol when they’re not in use, particularly during autumn and winter months, protects them from dirt, dust, fallen leaves, pollen and debris. This is ideal if you want to use your sofa or dining set at a moment’s notice when the weather picks up. Just whip off the cover and enjoy – no cleaning needed! 

Make sure you steer clear of PVC and vinyl covers though, as these are not breathable and are also likely to harden in low temperatures, eventually disintegrating. LifestyleGarden®’s premium furniture covers are made from lightweight ripstop polyester that stays flexible in low temperatures and creates a breathable membrane that transports condensation outside and prevents water, dust, and dirt from getting in at the same time. This is important to avoid the build-up of mould and mildew, which can wreak havoc with your furniture or parasol.  

 

Box clever 

For long periods of bad weather, it’s worth housing cushions and any other accessories in a sturdy cushion box. Whilst our Olefin® cushions are fast drying and a decent furniture cover will do the trick when it comes to keeping the rain off, a cushion box provides that next level of protection from harsh weather. It is also perfect for keeping textiles away from pests and curious wildlife that can cause damage. Choose a chic design that complements your outdoor aesthetic, such as our Bermuda cushion box in dark or light weave with its robust, rust-free aluminium frame and attractive handwoven finish. 

For long periods of bad weather, it’s worth housing cushions and any other accessories in a sturdy cushion box. Whilst our Olefin® cushions are fast drying and a decent furniture cover will do the trick when it comes to keeping the rain off, a cushion box provides that next level of protection from harsh weather. It is also perfect for keeping textiles away from pests and curious wildlife that can cause damage. Choose a chic design that complements your outdoor aesthetic, such as our Bermuda cushion box in dark or light weave with its robust, rust-free aluminium frame and attractive handwoven finish. 

 

Choose weather-resistant materials 

Ultimately, if you want to avoid the hassle of garden furniture repair, your best bet is to seek-out low-maintenance collections made from highly-durable materials that offer superior weather resistance. This means that not only will your furniture last longer, but you can also happily leave it outside all year without the fear of colours fading in the sunshine or the drop in temperature causing materials to crack or split. If left uncovered, it might need a quick wipe down with a gentle cloth and soapy water but that’s it. 

The beauty of hardwearing, sustainably-sourced materials, such as our rust-free aluminium, synthetic weave Petan®, and other unique innovations, including our tough yet supportive mesh Weather-net®, and virtually indestructible tabletop, Duraboard®, is that they enhance the finish of stylish furniture creations, keeping them looking newer for longer and require virtually no maintenance. 

 

Give it a touch up 

Should the worst happen and you spot stains on your cushions or parasol that might require more than a dab with soapy water, or if you just want to give upholstery a quick refresh, simply use a decent textile cleaner for outdoor furniture. With fabric restored and looking as good as new, you might want to save yourself time in the future by applying a good spray of our textile protector, which helps repel dirt, water and moisture, whilst keeping stains at bay and maintaining the original look of fabric. 

Another great trick for remedying any scratches or damage to the surface of coated aluminium furniture is to have a bottle of touch-up paint handy. Just make sure you select the right colour for your set. 

Finally, a bit of TLC for wooden outdoor furniture in the form of a quality Wood Sealer and Wood Protector will pay dividends when it comes to shoring up hardwood or teak furniture for the year ahead and protecting it from the elements. The Wood Sealer will nourish the timber and restore its natural colour, whilst the Wood Protector -  with its built-in mould and mildew inhibitor – helps prolong the finish, aids water run-off, and prevents stains from penetrating the wood.