Let's Take It Outside: Outdoor Furniture Buying Guide – Part 3
So you've got a spanking new outdoor space with outdoor quality furniture and cushions. Now what?
You have audited your existing outdoor pieces and learned to identify which ones you can save and which ones have to go, and you’ve brought in new pieces to help create your dream outdoor space, following our handy guide. In this final instalment, learn about proper care and maintenance to keep your outdoor furniture and cushions looking and performing like new.
Tip: When teak wood has turned silver-grey, fret not. It is easy to restore it to its original colour. First, wash the furniture with warm soapy water and a household scrubbing brush to remove all dirt. When the furniture is dry, you can then sand, remove the sawdust, then apply a good teak protector.
5 things to know before buying teak furniture
5 things to know before buying teak furniture
Outdoor fabric covers
Even covers made with Sunbrella fabrics need to be maintained and cleaned on a regular basis to keep its characteristics. For example, Sunbrella fabrics do not mould, but mould can grow on dirt that can accumulate on the cushion or upholstery cover. Proper cleaning significantly extends the life of the product. If covers are removable, take them off at least once a month and put them in the wash.
Even covers made with Sunbrella fabrics need to be maintained and cleaned on a regular basis to keep its characteristics. For example, Sunbrella fabrics do not mould, but mould can grow on dirt that can accumulate on the cushion or upholstery cover. Proper cleaning significantly extends the life of the product. If covers are removable, take them off at least once a month and put them in the wash.
Tip: Fully upholstered outdoor sofas can be hosed down every now and then, an efficient way of removing most of the dirt. A hard brush can then be used for removing more persistent stains. This only works if your sofa is built for the outdoors, including the foam.
Let’s Take It Outside: Outdoor Furniture Buying Guide - Part 2
Let’s Take It Outside: Outdoor Furniture Buying Guide - Part 2
Stainless steel and powder-coated aluminium furniture
Multiple-coated metal furniture are essentially maintenance free, specially in urban settings. Some oxidation will occur if your home is located by the sea. But as long as the oxidised layer is only on the surface, it will not affect the integrity of your furniture. You can easily deal with this chemical reaction with a rust remover.
Tip: The hinges, screws and other joined parts should be inspected and tightened on a regular basis, so breakage and accidents can be avoided.
TELL US
What other guides would you like to read about? Do you have any furniture buying and maintenance tips to share? Let us know in the Comments section.
Multiple-coated metal furniture are essentially maintenance free, specially in urban settings. Some oxidation will occur if your home is located by the sea. But as long as the oxidised layer is only on the surface, it will not affect the integrity of your furniture. You can easily deal with this chemical reaction with a rust remover.
Tip: The hinges, screws and other joined parts should be inspected and tightened on a regular basis, so breakage and accidents can be avoided.
TELL US
What other guides would you like to read about? Do you have any furniture buying and maintenance tips to share? Let us know in the Comments section.
A favourite choice for outdoor furniture, teak (and other hardwood) last for years when properly made. Wood is however a natural product and should be treated on a regular basis to extend its life and performance. Depending on the environment and climate conditions, the wood should be oiled two or three times a year. Remember to gently sand away the remains of the original oil layer or other dirt residue before oiling.