How To Protect Your Outdoor Furniture In Extreme Climates

In Wagga our weather ranges from one extreme to the other. From hot, dry summers to freezing wet winters. Senior Writer for Houzz Australia, Georgia Madden, speaks to the experts on how to protect your outdoor furniture from damage and get it back to looking its best, below.

In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home and design questions. Here, Terry Lin, co-founder and chief design officer at outdoor furniture company Outer, reveals the best way to protect your alfresco setting in extreme weather.

How Do Weather Extremes Affect Outdoor Furniture?

Outdoor furniture is meant to live outside, so many people believe it’s completely weather-proof – unfortunately, this is not entirely the case. Humid and wet weather conditions like La Niña can be detrimental to outdoor furniture as moisture encourages the growth of mould and mildew, and can produce rust, watermarks and stains that are difficult to get rid of.

How Do Different Outdoor Furniture Materials Fare?

Quality is more important than material when it comes to how outdoor furniture performs in weather extremes, and it varies considerably. For example, aluminium, synthetic resin wicker and hardwoods such as teak, which contain natural oils that prevent it from rot, can all endure wet conditions, as long as they are crafted from high-quality materials and taken care of properly.

It’s important to note that not all wood is created equally, which affects its performance in bad weather. It is common to find furniture on the market made with a chipboard structure and covered in laminate or veneer [to mimic the look of solid wood], which is susceptible to peeling, swelling and rotting. Furniture crafted from a solid hardwood with a high oil content, such as teak, is highly durable and moisture-resistant.

How Should You Protect Your Outdoor Timber Furniture If Heavy Rains Are On The Way?

The best way to protect your outdoor furniture from rain is, quite simply, to keep it out of the rain. When you know wet weather is on the way, store your cushions and fabric items inside, try to put your furniture under shelter, and cover it up. I recommend using weatherproof covers to protect it from rain, dirt and debris.

Aluminium furniture is weather-resistant, meaning it will never rust, decay or loosen. Similarly, faux rattan can withstand wet weather conditions if left outside. However, natural rattan, which is made from the fibres of a plant related to palm trees, is not weather-resistant and, if exposed to wet weather, can grow mould or mildew in the weaves.

What Should You Do If Your Timber Furniture Has Been Left Outside In Heavy Rain?

For wooden furniture, clean it with a damp cloth and a mixture of lukewarm water and household soap. Then wipe it down with a clean cloth to remove any excess moisture and let it air dry in a warm, dry place. If it’s teak, I personally recommend Starbrite’s premium teak cleaner to restore the hardwood to its original beauty. Natural rattan furniture should be wiped down with mild soapy water, then dried with a cloth to prevent any stains or water damage.

What If Outdoor Fabric-Covered Cushions Have Been Rained On?

For cushions and fabrics, don’t leave them in their soaked state as this will encourage mildew and mould growth, especially if they’re made from cheaper materials. Separate the cushions from the fabric covers, clean them with a soft-bristle brush in a mixture of mild soap or gentle detergent in lukewarm water, then rinse thoroughly with cold water and allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated room. Alternatively, choose cushions that are machine washable (Outer’s, for example, can be washed on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent).

Do Temperature Extremes Affect Outdoor Furniture?

Weather extremes can certainly have a negative impact on outdoor furniture, depending on the quality and what it’s made from. For example, most metals will retain heat from the sun, making them uncomfortable to sit on. An exception is aluminium – it’s a naturally strong material that is resistant to wet weather and doesn’t overheat in summer.

Temperature extremes can also cause materials to expand and contract, which can damage furniture frames. Our teak frames are joined with teak dowels that expand and contract at the same rate as the teak frame to avoid cracking, which is commonly caused by metal screws and nails.

What’s The Best Way To Protect Outdoor Furniture That You Need To Leave Outside In Winter?

Cover it up! Invest in waterproof cushions and cushion covers, and tuck it under some shelter if you can.

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