How to maintain garden furniture in Autumn
It’s official; Autumn is here. For many, this means the end of a summer of BBQs and al-fresco dining, with our garden furniture taking centre stage for family gatherings and relaxing evenings in the warm air. While we can still enjoy our garden furniture as the days get shorter, it is time to start thinking about prepping your garden for the colder months.
Luckily, our teak garden furniture is designed to withstand all seasons thanks to its naturally high oil content; however, if you have other types of materials in your garden, there are some steps you should take before the temperature drops! Let’s take a look at how to prep your garden in Autumn.
Is it time to put my garden furniture away?
We’ve already explored how to care for your teak garden furniture in the winter; however, the Autumn months can still bring higher risks for your chosen garden furniture materials. As the weather changes, your furniture is exposed to more risks such as excess moisture (snow, rain, morning frost), temperature fluctuations and UV radiation. While teak is usually safe from weather influences, it is essential to keep an eye on any rust, mould, cracks or colour fading on your furniture. By starting your preparation in Autumn, you can ensure that your furniture is fully protected when the real cold weather starts!
What garden furniture materials need prepping in Autumn?
The type of material that your garden furniture is made out of will dictate how much maintenance is needed. From hardwoods such as teak to metal, rattan, plastic and other wood types, your Autumn care will depend on the material and their condition.
Wood garden furniture
Hardwoods such as teak already have a high oil content which naturally protects it against the weather. Grade A teak furniture, such as the garden sets sold at Teak Finesse, will withstand the demands of the colder months; however, it should be noted that covering your teak during the winter will help slow down the natural ageing process.
Other types of wood, such as pine, do not contain as high an oil content as teak, meaning it’s worthwhile to take the time to oil your furniture. Autumn is a great time to do this as the days tend to be dry with plenty of breeze. Without the addition of wood oil, cracks can develop as the temperatures drop as well as mould developing in the humidity.
Plastic garden furniture
Plastic furniture has always been a popular choice for those looking for affordable outdoor dining options. One of the biggest benefits of plastic furniture is that it does not rust; however, temperature changes can lead to plastic furniture cracking and harbouring dirt between cracks. Due to the lightweight nature of plastic outdoor furniture, we advise storing it indoors when not in use or using a cover to protect it during Autumn/Winter.
Rattan garden furniture
Another popular choice for outdoor furniture, rattan is incredibly hardwearing and looks great in a contemporary space. Modern rattan furniture is made from poly rattan, which is water-resistant and suitable for year-round use. It is worth noting that any metal fixings used to put the furniture together are susceptible to rust, so covering your rattan furniture during the colder months can prevent this. UV radiation can also cause this material to fade, another benefit of investing in a furniture cover!
Metal garden furniture
The obvious risk of having metal garden furniture is rust, which is increased during the colder months. Morning frost, rain and snow can all cause rust stains on metal furniture; however, there are types of metal that can withstand this. Stainless steel, aluminium and coated metal should not be at risk of rust. Iron garden furniture is more susceptible to rust, and it is advised to treat your furniture with a specialist care product if you plan on leaving it out over winter.
Your Autumn Garden Furniture To-Do List
Regardless of the type of material, there are several steps you cant take in Autumn to ensure your garden furniture stays in top condition.
- Remove any seat cushions from furniture when not in use to avoid moisture build-up underneath them.
- Before Winter sets in, wash and dry any removable cushion covers and store them indoors, away from direct sunlight or moisture.
- Clean garden furniture thoroughly before Winter sets in. Soap and water are usually enough to remove dirt and dust from the surface.
- Use a coarse brush to remove heavy stains such as bird droppings or food build-ups.
- Remove any leaves or debris resting on the top of garden furniture daily.
The end of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of enjoying your garden. Our teak furniture is designed to be used all year round, perfect for those Bonfire Night celebrations or enjoying a hot drink on a frosty morning. Take a look at our full teak garden furniture collection today and take advantage of great savings on products designed to last a lifetime.