Buying Outdoor Furniture that Will Endure the Test of Time
A key factor when buying furniture for your commercial projects is durability against the harsh Australian climate conditions.
Selecting the best Outdoor Furniture for your project also involves guiding your customers on maintaining the furniture elements for years. Proper maintenance is essential to ensure your outdoor furnishings stay in top condition.
At Level Furniture Solutions, we understand that providing high-quality furniture is a priority and furniture that is easy to maintain as well.
The Best Tip to Preserve Your Outdoor Furniture: Sheltering from the Elements
When selecting outdoor furniture for commercial projects, such as hotels, cafes, and restaurants, it’s crucial to consider how to protect these investments from the elements. Adding covers to your outdoor furniture can significantly enhance its longevity and appearance, which is essential for maintaining a professional and welcoming environment for clients and guests. Here’s why using covers is beneficial:
Protection from Weather Conditions
Outdoor furniture is constantly exposed to various weather conditions, including rain, snow, sun, and wind. These elements can cause significant wear and tear over time. Using covers provides a shield against:
- Rain and Snow: Prevents moisture from seeping into the furniture, which can lead to rotting, rusting, or mould growth.
- Sunlight: Reduces the harmful effects of UV rays, which can cause fading and weakening of materials like canvas, painted metal, and timber.
- Wind: Protects furniture from dirt, dust, and debris that can cause surface abrasions and scratches.
Enhanced Longevity
By protecting your furniture from harsh elements, covers help maintain its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. This translates into a longer lifespan for your furniture, ensuring that it remains in good condition for years to come.
Cost-Effective Maintenance
Investing in high-quality covers is a cost-effective way to reduce maintenance and replacement costs. Covers are typically more affordable than repairing or replacing damaged furniture. They also reduce the frequency of deep cleaning required to keep your furniture looking pristine.
Reducing Cleaning Efforts
Covers also significantly reduce the need for frequent cleaning, especially from seasonal debris such as leaves, insects, and spider webs. This is particularly beneficial during certain seasons when these elements are more prevalent. By keeping these nuisances at bay, covers save time and effort, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your business.
Ease of Use
Modern furniture covers are designed for convenience. They are easy to put on and take off, making it simple to protect your furniture quickly. Many covers are also designed to fit snugly, ensuring they stay in place even in windy conditions.
Aesthetic Preservation
Covers help maintain the original look of your furniture by preventing fading and discolouration. This is particularly important for commercial settings where the appearance of your outdoor area plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining customers.
Outdoor Timber Furniture Care
Timber furniture, while resilient, can naturally expand and contract due to changes in humidity and temperature. This can lead to splitting and fading when exposed to outdoor elements. It’s essential to recognise this as a natural occurrence, not a fault. Here are some tips to maintain and prolong the life of your outdoor timber furniture:
Regular Cleaning
Keep your timber furniture clean by regularly wiping it down with a soft cloth and mild soapy water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or pressure washers, as these can damage the wood’s surface. Rinse thoroughly and allow the furniture to dry completely.
Sealing and Staining
To protect your timber furniture from the elements, apply a sealant or stain every 6-12 months. This helps to prevent moisture from penetrating the wood, reducing the risk of splitting and warping. Choose a high-quality outdoor wood sealant that offers UV protection to prevent fading from sunlight exposure.
Sanding and Refinishing
If your furniture begins to show signs of wear, such as rough surfaces or faded colour, consider sanding it down and applying a fresh coat of stain or sealant. Sanding helps to remove the damaged outer layer, restoring the wood’s natural beauty.
Covering and Storage
When not in use, cover your timber furniture with waterproof covers to protect it from rain and direct sunlight. During extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, it’s best to store the furniture indoors or in a sheltered area to prevent damage.
Placement
Place your timber furniture in a shaded area to minimise direct sun exposure, which can cause fading and drying. Avoid placing it directly on soil or grass to prevent moisture absorption from the ground. Instead, use a solid surface like a patio or deck.
Preventing Pest Infestation
Inspect your timber furniture regularly for signs of pest infestation, such as holes or sawdust. Treat any infestations promptly with appropriate wood preservatives or insecticides. Keeping the furniture clean and sealed also helps to deter pests.
Reapplying Protective Finishes
Regularly check the condition of the protective finishes on your timber furniture. Reapply them as necessary to maintain their protective qualities. This is especially important for furniture exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Cleaning Guidelines for Different Materials
Different outdoor furniture materials require varying cleaning methods to stay in pristine condition.
Furniture made from polyester, synthetic wicker, and aluminium can be washed down with warm soapy water and left to dry naturally. This straightforward approach keeps these materials looking their best.
Upholstered pieces require extra attention. Clean the entire surface from seam to seam to prevent water rings and stains. Avoid harsh scrubbing, hard bristle brushes, or abrasive cleaning methods, as these can damage the upholstery.
Sunlight and Weather Considerations
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can have adverse effects on outdoor furniture, potentially causing warping or splitting, especially under extreme heat.
Sun Protection
Avoid leaving your furniture uncovered in direct sunlight for extended periods. This simple precaution goes a long way in preserving its structural integrity.
Weather Awareness
While outdoor furnishing is designed to handle outdoor conditions, it’s best to avoid leaving it outside during periods of inclement weather, such as storms or extremely hot weather.
Bring it Inside
When severe weather is expected, or in a low customer season, consider bringing your outdoor furniture indoors or to a sheltered area. This extra step ensures its safety and longevity.
Level Furniture Solutions – Creating Lasting Comfort Outdoors
Taking good care of your outdoor furniture, whether it’s outdoor dining tables, dining chairs, sun lounges, high tables, or stools, is crucial to ensuring it remains a centrepiece of comfort and style in your outdoor spaces. At Level Furniture Solutions, our furniture is specially considered and designed for the Australian climate and conditions. Made from durable materials like aluminium and treated timber, our pieces are built to withstand the elements.
To help you maintain your investment, we provide comprehensive care and maintenance guides with every purchase. These guides are also available for download on our website, offering easy access to the best practices for keeping your furniture in top condition. Follow these guidelines to ensure your outdoor furniture remains beautiful and functional for years to come.
At Level Furniture Solutions, we take pride in providing durable and stylish outdoor furniture for your commercial needs. Follow these maintenance guidelines, and your outdoor furniture will continue to create inviting and comfortable outdoor spaces for your customers to enjoy.
Our trade customers also ask:
Using covers for outdoor furniture protects against weather conditions such as rain, snow, sun, and wind, which can cause significant wear and tear. Covers help maintain the furniture’s structural integrity and appearance, extending its lifespan. They also reduce cleaning efforts, protect against dirt and debris, and preserve the original look of the furniture, making it a cost-effective way to ensure the furniture remains in top condition.
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Regularly clean timber furniture with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, avoiding harsh chemicals or pressure washers. Apply a sealant or stain every 6-12 months to protect against moisture and UV rays. Sand and refinish the furniture if it shows signs of wear. Cover or store the furniture during extreme weather, place it in shaded areas to minimise sun exposure, and avoid placing it directly on soil or grass to prevent moisture absorption. Regularly inspect for pest infestations and treat them promptly.
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Avoid leaving outdoor furniture uncovered in direct sunlight for extended periods to prevent fading and damage. Use waterproof covers when the furniture is not in use, and consider bringing it indoors or to a sheltered area during severe weather. Regularly check and reapply protective finishes to maintain their effectiveness. For materials like aluminium, synthetic wicker, and polyester, wash with warm soapy water and allow to dry naturally.
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For furniture made from polyester, synthetic wicker, and aluminium, wash with warm soapy water and let it dry naturally. Upholstered pieces require careful cleaning from seam to seam to avoid water rings and stains. Avoid harsh scrubbing, hard bristle brushes, or abrasive cleaning methods to prevent damage to the upholstery. Regular maintenance and gentle cleaning help keep the furniture looking its best.
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Enhance durability by selecting furniture made from weather-resistant materials such as aluminium, treated timber, and UV-resistant plastics. Use protective covers to shield furniture from the elements, and ensure proper maintenance with regular cleaning, sealing, and refinishing. Store or cover furniture during extreme weather conditions, and place it in shaded areas to reduce sun exposure. Follow specific care guidelines provided by the manufacturer to keep the furniture in optimal condition.
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High-quality covers protect furniture from rain, snow, sun, and wind, reducing wear and tear and extending the furniture’s lifespan. They are cost-effective compared to frequent repairs or replacements and reduce the need for deep cleaning. Covers are easy to use, designed to fit snugly, and help maintain the original look of the furniture by preventing fading and discolouration. They are especially beneficial in commercial settings where maintaining a professional and welcoming environment is crucial.
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Ensure longevity by using protective covers, performing regular cleaning and maintenance, and reapplying protective finishes as needed. Store furniture indoors or in sheltered areas during extreme weather, and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Follow manufacturer guidelines for specific care instructions and consider the climate conditions when selecting furniture materials. Regular inspections and prompt treatment of any damage or pest infestations also help maintain the furniture’s condition.
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Regularly clean timber furniture with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, avoiding harsh chemicals or pressure washers. Apply a sealant or stain every 6-12 months to protect against moisture and UV rays. Sand and refinish the furniture if it shows signs of wear. Cover or store the furniture during extreme weather, place it in shaded areas to minimise sun exposure, and avoid placing it directly on soil or grass to prevent moisture absorption. Regularly inspect for pest infestations and treat them promptly.
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Plastic outdoor furniture should be cleaned regularly with warm soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or brushes that can scratch the surface. Rinse thoroughly and allow the furniture to dry naturally. To prevent fading and brittleness, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Cover or store plastic furniture when not in use to protect it from the elements and extend its lifespan.
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Aluminium furniture is durable and resistant to rust, but it still requires regular maintenance. Clean aluminium furniture with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, then rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft towel. To prevent oxidation and maintain its appearance, apply a protective wax or polish designed for aluminium surfaces. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or steel wool, which can scratch the surface. Cover or store the furniture during extreme weather to protect it from the elements.
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Regularly inspect outdoor furniture for signs of pest infestations, such as holes, sawdust, or webbing. Clean the furniture thoroughly and treat any infestations promptly with appropriate wood preservatives or insecticides. Keep the furniture clean and sealed to deter pests. For added protection, consider using covers to shield the furniture from pests and environmental factors.
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If your timber furniture shows signs of wear, such as rough surfaces or faded colour, start by sanding it down to remove the damaged outer layer. Use a fine-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish. After sanding, apply a high-quality outdoor wood sealant or stain that offers UV protection to restore the wood’s natural beauty and protect it from future damage. Allow the sealant or stain to dry completely before using the furniture.
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Clean synthetic wicker furniture with a soft brush or vacuum to remove dust and debris. Wash with warm soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse thoroughly and let it dry naturally. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or brushes that can damage the material. To prevent fading and brittleness, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and cover or store the furniture when not in use.
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Clean upholstered outdoor furniture by vacuuming the surface to remove dust and debris. Use a mild soap solution and a soft brush to clean the entire surface from seam to seam, preventing water rings and stains. Avoid harsh scrubbing or abrasive cleaning methods. Allow the upholstery to dry completely before use. Consider using protective covers to shield the furniture from dirt and weather elements, and bring cushions indoors during inclement weather to prolong their lifespan.
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Regularly reapplying protective finishes on outdoor timber furniture is crucial to maintaining its protective qualities against moisture, UV rays, and general wear. This helps prevent the wood from splitting, warping, and fading. By keeping the finish in good condition, you ensure the furniture’s longevity and preserve its natural beauty, even when exposed to harsh outdoor conditions.
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To prevent outdoor furniture from absorbing moisture from the ground, avoid placing it directly on soil or grass. Instead, place the furniture on a solid surface like a patio, deck, or pavers. This helps reduce the risk of moisture-related damage, such as rotting or warping, and ensures better durability and longevity for your outdoor furniture.
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