Guest Blogger: Protecting Your Backyard Furniture From Weather Damage

Guest Blogger #682, Entry #1615, September 19, 2012

When it comes to the outdoor furnishings you use to decorate your backyard, you might not be quite as worried about potential damage as you are with your indoor furnishings. After all, outdoor pieces are made to be resilient, with tougher materials designed to stand up to the wear and tear precipitated by the elements. But considering how expensive these furnishings can be, you probably don’t want to have to replace them every couple of years. And if you don’t take steps to preserve them that’s exactly what will occur thanks to constant exposure. So whether you live in an area that features seasonal rain and snow or you have sunny climes year-round, there are several steps you can take to ensure that your pricy backyard furniture lasts as long as the items you have indoors. Here are just a few tips for extending the life of your backyard furnishings.

How do you protect your outdoor furniture?

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Keep furniture out of the harsh elements

The easiest way to protect these items from exposure to the elements is not to expose them in the first place. You might be scratching your head over this one. How can you use them outdoors without subjecting them to the glaring rays of the sun, the erosive nature of the wind and rain, or the damage that comes with snow, sleet, and winter weather? In truth, you cannot keep them entirely out of the elements. But you can get them safely tucked away when they’re not in use.

For example, those that experience rough winter weather likely won’t be spending much time using the backyard during these frosty months. So you can make some space in your garage or shed to hide your outdoor furniture away until warmer temperatures return. Or if you happen to enjoy a temperate climate all year you might just pull your furnishings out for events. And if you don’t want to bother with the hassle of hauling couches, chairs, tables, and umbrellas in and out of storage, simply purchase covers that will protect them from the worst of the weather.

Maintenance of your backyard furniture

Of course, most people are not willing to put in this level of time and effort when it comes to outdoor furnishings, in which case you can opt to do infrequent treatments as a means of preserving the good condition of your backyard furniture. For example, you might just remove the cushions from couches and chairs during the winter and leave the heavy frames outside. Or you might treat furnishings to an annual inspection and protection routine by which you spray fabrics with waterproofing products and check frames for damage (like nicks in the paint that could lead to rust or dried wood that will crack and splinter) so that you can do repairs and touchups (paint, varnish, and other weatherproofing).

Keep your backyard furniture looking beautiful

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In truth, you don’t have to devote the same attention to your outdoor furniture that you do to the items you use every day inside your home. These items are manufactured to be tougher so that you can leave them exposed to the elements without having to worry that they’ll fall apart like tissue paper in the first seasonal storm. That said, you should take steps to extend the longevity of these spendy purchases, and considering that just a little time and effort can go a long way, there’s no reason not to.

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