How Prepare Outdoor Patio Furniture for Winter

Winter is not so much terrible. There are just things that cannot withstand the freezing cold however. An outdoor patio furniture for instance, some of the materials just are not suitable for this season. Additionally, we should never take for granted that there are other elements that ruin patio furniture during winter. Some elements of winter are the worse enemy of the furniture and not the season itself.

Outdoor furniture are generally made for outdoor style and comfort during summer. They are manufactured without winter protection in mind. Additionally, there some cases in which we would tend to use them on winter. So, if you want your patio furniture to last longer and be looking gorgeous for the next summer, you should make the effort to prepare them and protect them against the harsh winter.

Wood Patio Furniture
Some types of wood such as oak are resilient to the harsh winter. It is tempting to just leave them outside in the harrowing winter temperature. But ideally, they should be treated well and stored under a shade or cover.

Moisture is the main element that is worst for  wood. It can accumulate through dirt or anything leading to decay. Moreover, the freezing temperature will dry and crack the wood.

If you choose to store your furniture, it is advisable to clean and dry the pieces thoroughly. You can buy wood cleaning agents but you can make your own as well. Mixing two parts of mild detergent and one part bleach in a bucket of warm water would suffice to do the job.

Making your wood furniture look new can be done after winter but it is better to do it just before storing. It is an additional measure of protection and getting them ready to be brought out early in the spring or summer. After your furniture is thoroughly cleaned and dried you can apply stain to look new  and finish it with water resistant coating. Ask your local hardware for the right wood staining and finishing products.

Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Patio Furniture
Cast iron or wrought iron made patio furniture possess their own natural beauty that is a good complement for patio and garden setup. These common types of Patio Furniture are basically made of iron that rusts in a wet, moist, or humid environment. They may have some protective coating but that cannot guarantee full protection. Tiny rust may appear eventually and that would surely get big.

The best you can do for these types is to store them away into your garage or indoor and keep them dry. If you cannot take them to storage, you can cover them securely and tightly so that no moisture can get in. Just take into account that your cover is waterproof.

Before the first snowfall, clean your furniture and apply sealant to further the protection. Thoroughly clean the surface removing dirt and rust. Completely dry your furniture before applying the protective coating. There are several types of sealant you can use such as rust inhibiting paints and protective finish. Ask your local hardware store as each has different methods of application.


Aluminum Patio Furniture
Aluminum made patio furniture is popular for its versatility and durability. This type does not have immediate problems with moisture because it does not rust. However, you still do have to take care of them to preserve shine and beauty.

Though aluminum is rust-resistant, they can get corroded. This metal will also oxidize making its surface rough. If your aluminum has colors, it will get faded eventually.

Because they are not as delicate as iron made furniture, you can just provide them a waterproof cover. As an added measure, clean the surface thoroughly and apply a coat of car wax or silicon spray.