With the arrival of summer and warmer weather (at last!), many of us will be jumping at the chance to spend as much time in our outdoor space as we possibly can and put our new luxury outdoor furniture to work. Most outdoor furniture is built to sustain the twists and turns of the British summertime, but that doesn’t mean its bullet-proof. To make yours last season after season, check out our top tips for protecting your wood, iron or faux rattan garden furniture from the rain or whatever mother nature decides to throw at it.
Protecting wooden outdoor furniture from the rain
When it comes to wood furniture, we recommend looking for a hardwood for its density and hardiness. Our Exeter patio table and chairs crafted in acacia wood is a great choice for your garden as it’s rich in natural oils that help prevent rain and moisture from causing damage. However, acacia wood has been known to warp in extreme heat, so be sure to use the handy parasol hole on the hottest days to keep the wood and yourself protected from the sun. Oh, and if you have any furry friends, acacia wood is extremely scratch resistant, making it the perfect pick for pet and wildlife-friendly spaces. Eucalyptus wood furniture is also a great pick for similar reasons, as is teak wood. A teak garden table is also fantastic option for outdoor furniture due to its density and sturdiness, meaning you won’t need to anchor it down on windy days and it can be left outside in pretty much all weather conditions. We would however recommend using a cover once summer is over, so that when the sun does comes back out to play, your garden dining table is looking its best at your summer social gatherings.
Caring for metal garden furniture
If you prefer garden furniture with a contemporary vibe, iron, aluminum or metal garden furniture gives your garden that industrial edge. Iron is weighty and durable, however a weakness is that it can be susceptible to rust if regularly exposed to the rain. To prevent rust, we recommend covering during wet months and the winter. Apply WD-40 or opt for powder-coated iron furniture such as our Poole Outdoor Dining Table and matching seating. The powder coating creates a clever barrier preventing corrosion to the iron. For smaller spaces, a metal bistro set would be a fantastic addition as balcony or patio furniture – the lightweight nature means it should need to be stored away during windy weather.
Keep faux rattan outdoor furniture looking its best
As beautiful as natural rattan is, it can’t cope with our unpredictable and typical British weather conditions. Natural rattan can become brittle when exposed to heat or moisture, so it’s best to save it for your conservatory or indoor space. PE (Polyethylenerattan) rattan outdoor furniture is man-made and won’t degrade like natural rattan. Our PE rattan Torquay Rattan Cube Dining Set is the epitome of luxury, with showerproof padded cushions you wont need to worry about being caught in an unexpected shower. To prevent any staining, we recommend bringing the cushions inside and placing a cover over the faux rattan frame when it’s not in use to protect it from natural elements, including bird droppings that are stubborn to remove on fabric.
See our fabulous collection of garden furniture, including a wide selection of PE rattan sofa and dining sets.