Caring For Your Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture can be the difference between a yard and a garden room. Your outdoor room is a special place to enjoy your garden as an escape for yourself or to share with friends and family. Comfortable, stylish furnishings compliment your home and garden style. To help you make the right choices and enjoy them for years to come, here are some guidelines for caring for your outdoor furniture.
Teak, Mahogany & Ipe
Teak and mahogany have long been prized for outdoor use not just for their beauty, but because they survive all that our seasons throw their way, aging gracefully, with very little maintenance. Ipe (pronounced "e-pay") is a new wood to the U.S. outdoor furniture scene, and is equally weather resistant. Teak furniture will last 50-75 years, untreated. It will not split, though it may check (the grain will split away at the ends). This is normal.
All of our teak wood and mahogany is plantation grown. This is important because hardwood forests are being destroyed by poachers. Plantation wood is grown as a renewable crop, in an environmentally responsible way. Local production encourages stability and further helps to preserve the ecology of our planet’s forests.
Leave teak and mahogany furniture outdoors, with no care. As it ages, the wood will mellow to a beautiful silver-gray color. To clean, use a mild soap and a soft bristle brush and rinse with clear water.
If you prefer to maintain the original color of the wood, you can use a timber treatment and sealer, or teak oil, in the beginning and end of the season. Teak that has already weathered can be rejuvenated with a special teak cleaner and protector. Before applying teak oil or preservative, wash the piece to remove loose soil and dust, and allow it to dry thoroughly.
Aluminum
Aluminum won’t rust or crack. Our furniture is powder-coated, a process in which paint pigment is electrostatically bonded onto the furniture. It has superior durability, and won’t peel or fade. The slings and slats are UV resistant so they offer years of comfort without fading, stretching or deteriorating. Aluminum furniture can be left outside all year, but will last longer and look its best if covered for the winter.
Easy to care for, simply clean with a solution of warm water and mild soap as necessary. Touch-up paint, which we can order for you from the manufacturer, can be used should you get any chips in your finish.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is a traditional material for outdoor furniture. We love the way it looks. It’s heavy, so the wind won’t blow it around. Modern advances in metal treatment and finishing result in wrought iron that is extraordinarily rust resistant and durable.
Easy to care for - simply clean with a solution of warm water and mild soap as necessary. Should the coating be damaged, sand off any rust and touch up with paint as soon as possible to avoid corrosion. Rustoleum paints match our finishes closely and we can order touch-up paint from the manufacturer.
All Seasons Wicker
Wicker furniture always looks so pretty and is very comfortable! The durable synthetic fibers of our wicker furniture withstand the harshest elements of nature so this furniture stays attractive and comfortable year after year. Take advantage of our extensive selection of cushion fabrics -- it’s easy to coordinate with both indoor and outdoor décor. Inner frames are rust-free and lightweight and the synthetic wicker resists sagging and stretching. Regular cleaning with mild detergent and warm water prevents mildew by washing out dirt particles that may become trapped. Cover or shelter over the winter.
Cedar
Cedar is a long-lasting wood. For best results, bring it inside for the winter and use wood preservative each spring. The wood will weather to a lovely gray as it ages. Cedar can also be stained to suit your garden style.
Concrete Benches & Tables
Protect all concrete pieces from touching the ground during freezing weather to prevent disintegration. Put spacers underneath your piece, such as a paving stone or wooden blocks. Cover concrete in the winter, or bring it inside. If neither is possible, at the very least, the top should be taken off and leaned against the legs, so snow can’t accumulate. You can clean your table top with mild soap and water and we sell an organic concrete cleaner to battle stains.
Umbrellas & Umbrella Stands
Bring these in for the winter. Store them where they will not freeze or get wet. They can be cleaned with a soapy solution of Ivory or Joy in lukewarm water, then rinsed thoroughly. Be sure to dry completely before storing.
Furniture Cushions
Your cushions are crafted from stain and weather-resistant fabrics but will absorb water if left out in the rain. They can be cleaned with a soapy solution of Ivory or Joy in lukewarm water, then rinsed thoroughly. Be sure to dry completely before storing. Even if you cover your furniture over the winter, it is best to bring the cushions in to a dry storage area to prevent mildew. Insect repellant and sunscreen can damage your cushion fabric and can be removed by wiping with a solution of mild laundry detergent and warm water.
Caring For Your
Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture can be
the difference between
a yard and a garden room!
Your outdoor room is a special place to enjoy your garden as an escape for yourself or to share with friends and family.
Comfortable, stylish furnishings
compliment your home and garden style. To help you make the right choices and enjoy them for years to come, here are some guidelines for caring for your outdoor furniture.