Protecting Your Garden Furniture: Why It Matters

Garden furniture is an integral part of our gardens, especially in the upcoming summer months, so making every effort to protect them matters. Not only are you protecting the aesthetic appeal of your pieces and your garden, but you’re also protecting the investment you made when you bought them. 

But what threats are your outdoor dining sets and garden sofas against, and how can you make every effort to protect them? Read our guide to protecting your garden and patio furniture, and explore why it really does matter, if you do. 

Importance of protecting garden furniture

We know that protecting our garden furniture is important and that it matters. But the question many people ask is ‘Why?’.

Aesthetic value

Protecting your garden furniture not only maintains the aesthetic value of the furniture but also enhances the aesthetic value and appeal of your garden. Discoloration, rust and decay can make your outdoor daybeds and sun loungers look unattractive, and as such, take away the attention from the rest of the beauty in your garden space.

Longevity

Protecting your garden furniture also extends its lifespan. Different materials respond differently to weather conditions, such as wood rotting and metal rusting. As such, they'll need to be protected accordingly to keep them going and to last you for summers to come.

Cost-effectiveness

Protecting your garden furniture protects your initial investment and prevents the need to frequently replace your sets. If your garden furniture is protected effectively, you will not need to repair or replace your pieces, and as such, you will save a considerable amount of money. 

3 common threats to garden furniture

Garden furniture is up against a lot in our outdoor spaces. Even in the most picture-perfect garden, you cannot control nature. 

1. Weather conditions

Weather conditions can have varying, yet catastrophic, effects on your garden furniture. For example, UV rays and heat are known to cause colour fading and weakening of materials, whereas rain and humidity promote rust, oxidisation, mould and mildew. Snow and ice, if that’s something common in your area, can also cause extreme cracking and further structural damage. 

2. Pests

Another threat to your garden furniture is pests. Insects and rodents are known for damaging outdoor cushions and wood, due to their burying and chewing instincts, whereas birds and other animals are almost guaranteed to leave droppings on your garden furniture which can stain and corrode. 

3. Environmental factors

Environmental factors can also play havoc with your garden furniture. Dust and pollution often accumulate on uncovered furniture, but other organic materials such as fallen leaves, grass clippings and tree sap can cause staining, and decay on your furniture. 

5 ways to protect your garden furniture 

So you now know why protecting your garden furniture matters and what it is up against, but how do you go about protecting your pieces? 

1. Covers

One of the best and easiest ways to protect your garden furniture is to use outdoor furniture covers - even weatherproof furniture benefits from covers. There are different types of covers available, depending on your needs, furniture and threats - such as waterproof, UV-resistant and durable covers. 

However, furniture covers only work if they fit. If your furniture covers are not secure, they still pose a risk of facing the elements or pests crawling in. Ensure your covers fit snuggly and they themselves are cleaned regularly, to effectively protect your garden furniture. 

2. Storage solutions

Storing your garden furniture away in sheds, garages, or other sheltered areas is another great way to protect your pieces. Try to store your furniture in a secure space, which is protected from damp, pests and the elements - otherwise, you may find storage quite pointless. 

Foldable and stackable garden furniture options are often the easiest pieces to store and can take up little precious room in your shed or garage. 

3. Maintenance Routines

Keeping up with a regular maintenance routine is paramount to protecting your garden furniture. This includes knowing how to clean your garden furniture and garden cushions, especially when the furniture is in use and uncovered, applying protective finishes on wood and metal when needed and fixing any repairs once noticed. 

Like with anything, maintaining your garden furniture will keep it looking new and prevent you from needing to replace or repair it as often. 

4. Seasonal Care

Your garden furniture will rely on different types of care throughout the seasons. During the spring and summer months, when you may find your furniture more in use, make sure to take additional precautions to protect against heat and UV ray damage and follow easy garden furniture cleaning tips, to keep care manageable.

In the Winter, prepare your out-of-use garden furniture for storage. Whether you hire storage space for the colder months or clear a space in your garage, keeping your garden furniture covered and out of the elements in the colder months will protect it immensely. 

5. Recycling and upcycling

If your garden furniture is beyond care and repair, why not find new ways to repurpose or rejuvenate it? Whilst ragged garden furniture can make your entire garden look in disrepair, upcycling is a popular trend that will get guests talking - and save you investing in brand-new pieces. 

For the perfect aesthetic appeal and long-lasting garden furniture, explore Alexander Francis’ luxury collections today. Read our blog for more gardening advice, or get in touch with our experts today for advice on finding the ideal pieces.