Ah, summer... That magical time when your outdoor dining sets are the stars of your barbecues, evenings with friends and sunny brunches. But now, after being the faithful companions of your moments of relaxation, they deserve a little makeover, right? With autumn just around the corner, it's the perfect time to give them a proper maintenance and prepare them to face the whims of winter.
Whether your furniture is made of wood, metal or resin, don't panic! In this article, we'll reveal all the tips for pampering it after the summer and keeping it looking like new year after year. Here we go for a practical, fun and above all super useful guide!
Why maintain your garden furniture after summer?
So why bother maintaining your garden furniture after the summer? Because, quite simply, they did the job all summer, under the sun, the heat, sometimes even the unexpected little showers (we all know these weather surprises!). Result: even if your outdoor dining sets look sturdy, they have suffered the whims of the summer season.
The effect of sun and heat ? It's not just a tan for your furniture, it can also discolor the wood, weaken the resin and tarnish the metal. As for humidity and cool evenings, they can create micro-cracks in the wood and promote rust on the metal.
And if you say to yourself "I'll take care of it later", know that good maintenance now, before winter, is the assurance of finding your furniture ready to use in the spring, without unpleasant surprises or unforeseen investments. In addition, if you are in the process of fitting out your outdoor space, discover our article " What size garden table should you choose for your outdoor spaces? " , to optimize your decoration as best as possible!
In short, maintaining your garden furniture means preparing it to survive the winter and shine again when the good weather returns. It doesn't take much time, and your furniture will thank you!
Maintenance of wooden dining sets
Wood is a bit like the king of outdoor decoration . It brings warmth, authenticity and elegance to your garden or terrace. But after a whole summer under the rays of the sun and sometimes under the whims of the weather, your outdoor dining set deserves a little VIP care!
The effects of summer on wood: watch out for discoloration and cracks!
The sun can be a little too generous with wood: discoloration, cracks, and that feeling that the wood has lost its former shine. Moisture, on the other hand, slowly seeps in and can cause swelling or warping. In short, wood, as noble as it may be, needs a little love after the summer.
Tips for maintaining wood after the summer season:
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A deep cleaning : We start by removing dust, leaves and small dirt that has become encrusted with warm water and a mild soap. Avoid products that are too aggressive, your wood deserves better than that!
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Light Sanding : If your wood is starting to show some rough spots, a light sanding can work wonders. This helps smooth out the surface and prepare the wood for the next step.
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Applying protective oil : To bring your furniture back to life, apply a suitable oil (such as teak oil). This will nourish the wood, restore its shine and protect it for the winter. Bonus: it gives it back its warm and natural appearance!
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Storage or protection for the winter : If you are lucky enough to have a shelter, this is ideal. Otherwise, opt for well-fitting protective covers that will let the wood breathe without suffocating it.
A quick word on wood species:
Each wood has its own little peculiarities. For example, teak loves teak oil to stay beautiful, while acacia prefers water-based products. As for eucalyptus , it is rather resistant but a little regular maintenance will do it the greatest good.
Maintenance of metal dining sets
Metal is the modern, industrial touch that gives character to your outdoor spaces. Lightweight, elegant and often very resistant, metal dining sets are perfect for environments where temperature variations are part of the game. But after a whole summer braving UV rays and minor inclement weather, even metal needs its makeover.
The effects of summer on metal: rust and tarnish on the agenda
Let's not lie to ourselves, metal, although it is strong, is not invincible. Summer can make it lose some of its splendor. Rust is the number one enemy, especially if your furniture has not received anti-corrosion treatment. And then, there is this "dull" side that sets in over time, particularly on metals like iron or steel.
Tips for maintaining metal and saying goodbye to rust:
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A good surface cleaning : Start with a gentle cleaning with a non-abrasive sponge and soapy water. No need to scrub like a madman, the idea is to remove accumulated dirt and dust.
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Treat rust (if it appears) : If small spots of rust appear, don't panic! A little steel wool or a wire brush will do the trick to remove them. Then, apply an anti-rust treatment to prevent it from coming back.
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Apply a protective varnish : To give new life to your metal furniture and protect it from the elements, apply a varnish or special metal paint. This will give your furniture a new lease of life while protecting it from the elements.
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Store or protect your furniture during the winter : Metal loves the outdoors, but not too much in winter. If you can't bring your furniture inside, opt for protective covers that are waterproof but still allow the metal to breathe.
Special features of aluminum and wrought iron:
- Aluminum : Good news, it doesn't rust! But it can tarnish over time, so a wipe with a soft cloth and special metal cleaner will restore its shine.
- Wrought iron : More rustic and traditional, it needs a little more attention, especially with regular anti-corrosion treatment to keep this look so authentic.
Maintenance of resin dining sets
Resin is a bit like the superhero of your garden: light, resistant, and what's more, it fears almost nothing! Whether in the form of woven or injected resin, your resin dining sets have probably held up well all summer. But be careful, even a superhero deserves a little freshening up after battling the sun, UV rays and dust!
The effects of summer on resin: UV and dirt
Although resin is ultra-resistant, it is not completely safe from UV rays. Over time, it can start to yellow or become slightly fragile. And let's face it, after a few meals outdoors, a good cleaning wouldn't hurt.
Tips for maintaining your resin furniture:
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Gentle cleaning : No harsh products here, just a good old mixture of warm water and mild soap. Use a non-abrasive sponge to avoid scratching the surface. If your dining set is woven, a worn toothbrush works wonders to reach into the nooks and crannies.
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Anti-UV treatment : To prevent your resin furniture from fading in the sun's rays, apply an anti-UV protective spray. It's simple, quick, and it extends the life of your furniture while preserving its shine.
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Check joints and fasteners : Over time, resin can loosen or become brittle. Check fasteners and joints to make sure everything is secure. If necessary, tighten screws or replace damaged parts.
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Store or cover your furniture : Even though resin is durable, a little protection during the winter won't hurt. If you have the space, store your furniture indoors. Otherwise, opt for covers that will allow air to circulate while keeping your furniture protected from the elements.
Braided resin vs injected resin: what are the differences?
- Braided resin : Very elegant, it has this natural look that blends perfectly with a chic exterior. However, it can fray over time, hence the importance of good regular maintenance.
- Injected resin : Smoother and more modern, it is easier to maintain. A simple cleaning and a little protection are generally enough to guarantee it a long life.
Tips for protecting your furniture during winter
Summer is over, and with it the barbecues and al fresco dining. But your outdoor dining sets deserve to be well protected to get through the winter without any problems and come back in top shape in the spring! Here are some simple but effective tips to help them get through the cold months.
1. Sheltered storage: the best option
If you have space in a garage, shed or even basement, this is by far the best solution. Storing your furniture indoors protects it from moisture, frost and bad weather. A little tip: before storing it, make sure it is clean and dry to avoid mold or stains.
2. Choose suitable protective covers
Not enough space to fit everything in? No worries, a good protective cover can do wonders. But be careful, not all covers are equal! Choose waterproof but breathable covers to avoid condensation that could damage your furniture. Make sure they fit well to prevent wind from blowing in.
3. Raise your furniture
If your furniture has to stay outside during the winter, consider raising it slightly by placing shims under the feet. This will prevent it from remaining in direct contact with the damp ground, which could promote rust (for metal) or rot (for wood).
4. Avoid shelters that are too humid
Be careful, if you store your furniture in a garden shed, make sure that the place is well ventilated and dry . A shed that is too humid can be worse than leaving your furniture outside, especially for the wood which risks swelling and warping.
5. Cleaning before winter, not just in spring
We often think about cleaning our furniture before the arrival of the good weather, but it is just as important to do it before winter . Removing dirt, dead leaves and residue from the previous season helps prevent damage during the cold season. Maintenance now will make your task much easier in the spring.
The Furniture Trends team.