How to Keep Outdoor Furniture Looking Just Like New All Year Round

Homeowners are spending more time at home and transforming their outdoor spaces with outdoor furniture. According to an industry trends report, consumers in the U.S. spent more than $15 billion on outdoor furniture in 2020, a figure that’s projected to grow through 2027. We talked to experts to get their tips and ideas for protecting your outdoor furniture against the elements and maintaining it in even the harshest climates. Learn how below!

Protective Strategies for Common Furniture Materials

Anchor outdoor furniture

If you live in an area prone to high winds, carefully secure your outdoor furniture. Stack and tie down chairs when not in use, keep umbrellas closed or bring them inside and ensure cushions are tied to the furniture. Once everything is anchored, cover it with tarps or custom covers if you won’t use it for a while. You could also consider weatherproof outdoor furniture.

Protect cushion fabric with a spray-on sun and water shield

Some outdoor furniture cushions, pillows and umbrellas are made with sun- and water-repellent fabric. If yours aren’t, get Scotchgard Sun and Water Shield and add that protection yourself. This spray dries without odor, repels water and prevents yellowing and fading.

Jackie Hirschhaut, executive director of the International Casual Furnishings Association, says if you leave your outdoor furniture frames out year-round, you should always bring the cushions indoors during the off-season.

Use covers

Wondering how to protect outdoor furniture? Well, you see, covers protect your outdoor furniture from damaging UV rays and precipitation. UV protection for furniture is critical.

When choosing outdoor furniture covers, Hirschhaut says they should fit comfortably over each piece. Take measurements so the cover isn’t too tight or loose. And avoid a cover that seals the furniture underneath. “It’s important for air to get in underneath to prevent mold or mildew,” Hirschhaut says.

Paul Knapp, a landscape designer in the Greater Chicago Area, recommends specialty sites like Coverstore or Outer for quality outdoor furniture covers in custom sizes.

Seal wooden outdoor furniture with polyurethane

It’s essential to seal wooden outdoor furniture with a coat of polyurethane. “Polyurethane will help protect your wood from the sun and bring out its natural beauty,” Knapp says, adding that polyurethane with UV blockers are best for the job.

Keep it in the shade

All outdoor furniture benefits from sun protection. “Consider putting it under an umbrella or a more permanent shaded structure,” says Larry Greene, president of Worthington Design & Remodeling, in Indianapolis. “This will expand the set’s life and lower the risk of sun, wind, or rain damage.”

Apply paste wax to metal and aluminum outdoor furniture

The best way to protect metal and aluminum outdoor furniture is with a coating of paste wax, says Alex Varela, general manager of Dallas Maids. “Just like you use sunscreen to protect your skin, think of wax as sunscreen for your outdoor furniture,” he says.

If your metal or aluminum furniture is corroding or rusting, remove it first, apply primer and paint and then add paste wax. Here are some tips for painting outdoor furniture. Varela recommends applying a rust neutralizer for metals prone to rust, such as wrought iron.

Apply a protectant to plastic furniture

Over time, the sun can severely fade plastic outdoor furniture. “Applying a coat of outdoor furniture protector can keep the sun’s rays from fading your furniture,” Knapp says. The spray acts like sunscreen and helps prevent fading and cracking.

Off-season outdoor furniture storage

Varela says that unless you live in a mild climate and use your outdoor furniture year-round, don’t store it outside during winter. “Exposing your furniture to constant water changes [continually getting wet and drying] is not a good idea,” Varela adds.

Joe Raboine, outdoor living expert and vice president of design for Oldcastle APG Inc. recommends cleaning furniture and applying major UV protection before storing it. “Moisture and dirt left on outdoor items can cause mold or mildew to grow in the winter months,” he says. “Mold can grow and spread quickly, leaving your furniture in bad shape by the time you are ready to use it again. Pieces made from wicker, wrought iron, mesh, or plastic can be cleaned with a simple dish soap and water solution.”

According to Gayla Sessa of Missouri Table and Chair, a pressure washer is an excellent tool for cleaning sturdy, rugged outdoor furniture. However, use caution the first time you try it. Too much pressure can damage your furniture.

While at it, check out these awesome pallet furniture ideas!

Seasonal maintenance tips for patio furniture durability

• Spring: This season is all about softly ‘waking’ your furniture up with a deep cleanse. Don’t forget to make sure you inspect your furniture for any possible damage. Remember to keep it up with some paint touchups, wherever needed. Also, wash all the coverings and cushions to get them ready for use.
• Summer: This is usually the season when your furniture is used profusely, so your job is to protect it while you do the same. Apply UV-blocking sprays and add umbrellas for shade.
• Autumn: This is usually the time when you get set to store your furniture safely. Therefore, it’s all about these checks: Fix loose screws, repaint chips, or oil joints before storing. Also, clean it again before you cover the furniture up.
• Winter: Most people don’t use their patio furniture in winter, so it’s the time for rest, but hey, that doesn’t mean you forget it. Make sure it’s elevated from the ground so it doesn’t absorb moisture. If possible, store it inside. But keep periodic checks.

FAQ

What’s the best way to protect outdoor furniture from rain?

Waterproof furniture covers are one of the best ways to protect outdoor furniture from rain. This will ensure that your beloved furniture items remain protected. To avoid rust and erosion, you can also store items in a shed or garage during heavy rains.

If you don’t have that space, you can also go with water-repellent sealant on wood or rust-resistant spray on metal, making it one of the best ways to work towards patio furniture protection.

How do you keep the sun from damaging outdoor furniture?

The easiest way to keep your outdoor furniture safe from sun damage is to cover it with shaded areas, umbrellas, or UV-resistant covers. Regularly wearing protective sprays will add a layer to keep your precious furniture safe.

How often should I clean my outdoor furniture?

You should thoroughly clean furniture every two weeks and sanitize it thoroughly once a month. Depending on the material and the exposure, remember to review these with various protective treatments every three months.

About the Experts

• Gayla Sessa of Missouri Table and Chair is a furniture expert who loves discussing furniture care.
• Jackie Hirschhaut is the senior advisor of the International Casual Furnishings Association. Her furniture-related knowledge is immaculate.
• Paul Knapp is a premier landscape designer in Davenport, Iowa. His creativity brings his clients’ design dreams to life.
• Larry Greene is the well-known president of Worthington Design & Remodeling in Indianapolis.
• Alex Varela is the general manager of Dallas Maids. They believe in the power of a clean and healthy home.
• Joe Raboine is the vice president of design at Oldcastle APG, an outdoor living expert dedicated to helping people live well outside.

Sources:

• Global Marketing Insight: “Outdoor Furniture Market – By Product, By Material, By Pricing, By End Use, By Distribution Channel, Forecast 2025 – 2034”
• Architectural Digest: “5 Spiffy Ways to Weatherproof Outdoor Furniture”