When it comes to preparing your garden for the winter, a main area of your garden that’ll need a little extra TLC throughout the colder months is your outdoor furniture. In order to maintain outdoor furniture and keep it looking as great as the day you bought it, different furniture materials will require different types of care, especially when the temperatures drop and the harsher elements set in.

When purchasing garden furniture, it really does pay to opt for quality and hard-wearing materials. Luxurious garden furniture will last you throughout even the iciest of weathers, providing you with long-lasting and stylish furniture that you can use and enjoy every season.

So, here’s a few tips to looking after your garden furniture, and enjoying your outdoor space, whatever the weather!

Metal Furniture

Metal furniture is perfect for those who want easy furniture that requires little care and treatment.

Cleaning

Wipe metal furniture over with a damp cloth, and go over hard-wearing areas with beeswax each Spring season in order to give the metal finish a little extra protection. If you find any rust patches – rub down and apply a rust prevention paint before metal deteriorates.

Rattan Furniture

Rattan furniture should be ideally kept in a dry place, and shouldn’t be exposed to too much wet weather! If the furniture does get wet, ensure you dry it off as soon as possible – this will stop the moisture from sinking into the natural material.

Cleaning

Clean the surface with a soft cloth, using the bubbles skinned off the top of some washing up liquid mixed with water. Use a toothbrush to or a soft bristle brush to get into any fiddly areas, and always dry thoroughly using a clean cloth.

If you discover any splits or cracks in the wood, apply boiled linseed oil to the area in order to put moisture back into the material. Consider applying a coat of lacquer to seal the wood for next year.

Wooden Furniture

Hardwood furniture, such as that made from teak, is extremely durable, and perfect for those homes that leave furniture outdoors throughout the colder seasons.

Cleaning

Most quality wooden furniture should not need to be regularly oiled, as the wood should retain its natural oils for many years. However, if you do start to oil, you will need to carry on as the wood will become reliant upon this treatment. Over time, teak furniture will naturally weather, although it can be enhanced by applying a teak sealant before the harsh season.

If you leave wooden furniture outside over the winter, you may need to regularly clean it of dirt and moss, especially nearer to the spring time.

Canvas Furniture/Covers

If your furniture comes with canvas additions, be sure to remove these before the harsh winter sets in. Canvas, like rattan does not bode well when wet – so for long-lasting and stylish garden chair cushions, remove and store in a dry place throughout the winter.

Cleaning

Remove canvas seat covers and bring parasols indoors during the autumn and winter. Use a hard-bristled brush to remove dirt from fabrics, and be sure to check the label for cleaning guides. Some canvas types can be machine washed, although many water-proofed canvases cannot so always check before cleaning.

Here at Verdon Grey, we are passionate about garden furniture, and promise to offer furniture that will not only last, but provide timeless design and style to your outdoor space. All our furniture pieces are crafted from the highest quality materials, and built-to-last, whatever the season. So, for more information, or to speak to one of our professional and helpful team – please do not hesitate to contact us on 01284 812 000 today!