6 Ways to Weatherproof Your Outdoor Wicker Furniture

Wicker outdoor furniture can add personality to a yard or patio. Adorning an outdoor gathering area with this type of furniture can become costly over time. If the furniture is not taken care of properly, it can easily lose its luster and even become damaged. This situation can result in the furniture quickly becoming useless and turning into little more than an expensive eyesore. It is a good idea for a homeowner to take precautions to protect the furniture from the potentially damaging elements of weather so they can continue to enjoy their outdoor wicker furniture for many years. Learn how to weatherproof your outdoor wicker furniture below.

Clean outdoor wicker furniture regularly

Keeping outdoor wicker furniture clean is a good way to keep it safe from the harmful elements of the weather. It is not too difficult to keep outdoor furniture clean. Doityourself.com offers a few suggestions on how to do it.

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– Outdoor wicker furniture can be cleaned using the bristle brush attachment on either a portable or standard vacuum cleaner. This process will remove dust and dirt from the surface of the furniture.

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– At the end of the outdoor season outdoor wicker furniture should be cleaned with a solution of warm water and an oil-based soap that is suitable for wooden furniture or floors. It should be completely dry before it is put away.

Paint the outdoor wicker furniture

Painting outdoor wicker furniture is another way to protect it from damaging weather. There are types of paint that are specifically formulated for outdoor wicker furniture. The entire surface area of the furniture should be covered by the paint. This includes the top, bottom, underside, arms, and seats. Paint should be reapplied every three years. In order to waterproof the furniture, two coats of marine varnish should be applied after the painting is complete. Anyone who does not wish to change the natural color of the wicker furniture can eliminate the paint and just apply three coats of the marine varnish every two years.

Oil the outdoor wicker furniture

Applying tung oil will make outdoor wicker furniture resistant to water. Although tung oil will not protect the furniture against repeated deluges of water, it does a great job of keeping out dampness. This is helpful because when wicker becomes damp, the fibers will soften and stretch and the furniture will no longer be safe to sit on or otherwise use. Tung oil should be applied by using a soft cloth when the furniture is first put outside. It should be reapplied at the end of the season before it the furniture is put away.

Cover the outdoor wicker furniture

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Either pre-made or custom-fit wicker furniture covers can help to protect outdoor wicker furniture from damaging sun rays, heavy rains, or h3 winds. In order to fully protect outdoor wicker furniture, the covers should reach all the way to the floor and fully cover the legs of the furniture. This will help to prevent water from splashing up and damaging the furniture. If it is financially feasible having a retractable awning installed and extending it over the furniture on rainy days is also a great way to protect the furniture from damaging precipitation.

Store outdoor wicker furniture indoors during the offseason

In most parts of the United States there is enough change in climate throughout the year that there is a definite time when the weather does not permit outdoor socializing. During these months, it is a good idea to bring the outdoor wicker furniture inside for storage in order to protect it from the snow, frost, and ice that can invade in the winter. Even furniture that is well prepped with paint and varnish cannot always withstand these harsh elements. Homeowners should make some room in the garage, sunroom, or other area in the house where the outdoor furniture can safely sit during the winter months.

Buy waterproof furniture

This option might seem like a completely obvious choice, but it is often overlooked. Too often homeowners are so concerned with how to weatherproof their furniture that they forget that they can cut the issue off at the pass by simply buying furniture that is naturally waterproof. Some good choices for waterproof materials include polys and resins. These materials look strikingly similar to wicker but can withstand rain and other weather elements much more easily. Oil-based hardwood such as teak are also a good option for use for outdoor furniture.

There are several options available for homeowners to be able to maintain the beauty and durability of their outdoor furniture. Although some of the options require a little bit of forethought and work, in the end weatherproofing your furniture is well worth the effort.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor