Your backyard can become an inviting and stylish retreat with patio furniture from vintage wicker to rustic wrought iron. Choose from an extensive range of materials and styles for dining, lounging and entertainment spaces in your garden.
No matter whether your furniture is wooden or iron, regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent moisture damage to ensure its beauty all year round. Please refer to these cleaning and maintenance guidelines so your patio furniture remains beautiful year after season!
Size
Shoppers looking to create an inviting space for entertaining or relaxing should take into account the size of furniture they purchase when creating an ideal space for them. A larger patio table would likely make more people more comfortable sitting together than would its smaller counterpart, while larger tables can hold more chairs.
Shoppers looking for outdoor furniture should prioritize quality over affordability when making their selection. Specialty patio stores and department store chains both sell durable pieces designed to stand the test of time; such brands as EC Woods, Telescope Casual Furniture, King Casual Furniture and Homecrest Outdoor Living all provide this long-term furniture. Among others they provide styles like sling back chairs, rocking swivel chairs and higher bar sets, along with cushion fabrics from breathable polyester up to durable Sunbrella fabric cushions – an important consideration when making their selection.
Other tips when purchasing patio furniture include testing its weight and listening for its sound when you thump it; cheap furniture often makes a dull “tink” noise while higher quality pieces will produce a satisfying “thud.” Shoppers should look for furniture with warranties to protect against sudden weather changes and extend its life expectancy.
Material
Frame material determines how sturdy and long-lasting your furniture will be, with certain framing materials better equipped to withstand adverse weather conditions than others. Furthermore, frame materials play an integral part in matching outdoor decor and style perfectly; some materials require only mild soap and water cleaning while others may require more intense care or specialty products in order to remain looking their best.
Your weather condition will also play a factor when selecting patio furniture. If you live in an area with severe temperatures, metal or iron patio sets might be the better choice as they’re durable enough to endure all sorts of elements; while for milder climates an all-weather resin wicker set might provide better results.
Loll Design offers outdoor furniture made of recycled plastics crafted from milk jugs and other post-consumer plastic waste, such as recycled milk jugs. Their durable yet comfortable seating withstands weather better than many wood pieces while being more sustainable design conscious than many competitors. Furthermore, this brand adheres to fair trade practices, with all pieces made in America.
Other brands of patio furniture feature reclaimed teak, an elegant hardwood that can be left natural or treated with oil to preserve its honey hue or sanded and stained for a more modern aesthetic. Teak’s tough nature and durability makes it an excellent choice for commercial patio furniture applications.
Other types of patio furniture include wrought iron, aluminum and cast iron pieces that may or may not be rustproof. When selecting patio furniture made from metals that may rust easily such as bare metals, be sure to choose items coated with protective sealants such as powder coating. Some brands that sell store patio furniture use polyurethane coating or paint as additional layers of protection and enhance its aesthetic value.
Cleaning
Before storing patio furniture for winter, it is imperative that it is thoroughly cleaned. Moisture, stains, and dirt can become trapped within fabric and wood surfaces if left untouched; regular cleaning will prevent this from happening and extend its lifespan.
Plastic and hard resin furniture typically requires just a damp cloth for cleaning purposes; however, for heavily soiled pieces you may require more advanced solutions. Avoid using harsh cleaners that could scratch its surface. A gentle cleanser mixed with warm water could help eliminate deep-seated grime. Once finished, allow it to fully dry before storing away.
Furniture constructed of natural materials like wicker, teak or willow requires more extensive cleaning solutions. Avoid submerging porous weaves like rattan, bamboo and willow in water; instead use a sponge with mild soap to wipe surfaces clean instead. For stubborn stains try the Unger Professional 9″ Water Flow Wash Brush which provides powerful clean without scratching delicate surfaces; always conduct an initial test on an inconspicuous area prior to applying cleaners evenly across an entire piece of furniture.
To clean fabric patio furniture, first determine if its cushion covers can be taken apart and machine washed. If they can’t, pretreat any stains with a solution of 1/4 cup of gentle liquid soap per gallon of warm water before pre-washing them using this solution. After this step has been completed, allow air drying rather than placing them in the dryer.
Metal patio furniture should usually be cleaned using a combination of warm water, rag or sponge cleaning, and light cleaning solutions containing 2 oz. oxygenated bleach in 1 gallon of water as a light cleaning agent. After thorough cleaning is completed, it is advisable to apply a protective sealant coat over its frame and legs as soon as possible; for wood furniture however, only lightly oil it as too much can lead to splitting or cracking of its woodwork.
Winterization
Keeping patio furniture safe against harsh winter conditions requires cleaning, coating and storing it regularly. Though it might require extra time and effort, taking this proactive approach will prevent potential damage while helping ensure maximum longevity from your patio furniture over time.
Some types of outdoor patio furniture are capable of withstanding heat, sun and rain but have trouble in colder environments like ice and snow. Many opt to store their patio furniture during winter but often forget the importance of prepping it properly – doing so will prolong its life expectancy and make spring cleaning much simpler!
Cleaning patio furniture depends on its type and material composition; fabric cushions may require only gentle detergent in warm water to effectively maintain them; metal furniture requires degreaser treatment to eliminate rust accumulated over time and then treated with corrosion protectants to reduce further corrosion; natural fibers like rattan must be dried completely prior to storage, while painted wood should be protected with wax or tung oil treatment to keep from cracking or drying out over time.
Some homeowners may prefer not bringing their furniture indoors during colder weather months, especially if their location experiences frequent snow and ice accumulation. If this is the case for you, cover your furniture with a waterproof material such as tarpaulins or heavy-duty waterproof canvas to provide both protection from elements as well as some level of privacy.
If you are in search of patio furniture this autumn, Lewis has you covered! With chairs, tables and umbrellas from Tropitone to Hanamint and everything in between – be sure to visit today to find what will complement your patio best!