Caring for Your Wooden Patio Furniture This Winter
Wooden Patio Furniture Requires Proper Care During Winter Months
Wood is the best material for outdoor furniture because unlike plastic, it can last for many years if and when it is taken care of properly. This guide will help you learn the ins and outs of proper wooden patio furniture care, so you can enjoy your furniture next summer, and for many summers after that.
First, Which Type of Wood Is Your Patio Furniture Made From?
Outdoor furniture can be made from either hardwood or softwood. Hardwood is much more expensive than softwood, so softwood is the most common variety found in wooden outdoor furniture. Hardwood is only used in the most expensive luxury patio furniture.
Because softwood can absorb moisture, it needs to be cleaned well before it is stored for winter and a fresh coat of finish or paint should be applied at the start of the season. Unlike softwood, furniture made from hardwood can withstand the harsh winter elements, so it doesn’t need to be taken inside.
Wood Patio Furniture Needs To Be Cleaned
The best way to clean both hardwood and softwood outdoor furniture is to wash it using a clean cloth and warm, soapy water. You don’t want to use anything abrasive on softwood or it may scar the surface of the wood. A soft-bristled brush can be used on hardwood, however.
Once you have completed the process of washing the furniture, you only need to dry it off with a clean towel – remember, do not let the water stand on the furniture.
When a Simple Wash Is Not Enough for Your Wood Patio Furniture
Sometimes over the summer months, wooden furniture can take a real beating from the sun and seasonal elements. If your furniture is made from hardwood and it is looking gray and weathered with cracks or deep grooves, then you will need to take a different approach to cleaning it.
In this case, you should use a power washer to force the embedded dirt out of the grains. Make sure you test the power washer on a part of the furniture that isn’t seen, so you can ensure that it will do the job. You can add a touch of liquid dish detergent in the power washer’s water reservoir to help remove the dirt if necessary.
Let the wet furniture sit overnight, so it can dry gradually. When the wood is dry, use lightweight sandpaper to sand down the surface. Next, rinse the wood dust away with a hose and let the wet furniture sit again overnight. Once dry, apply a coating of hardwood oil to restore the furniture to its former beauty.
Store Your Wood Patio Furniture in a Dry Place
With your wooden patio furniture nice and clean, you will need to remove it and store it somewhere safe and dry over the winter, especially if it is made from softwood. When next spring rolls around, your furniture will be ready and waiting to see the sun again. Don’t forget to clean it again and apply a fresh coating of sealant. This way, it will stay protected all summer long.
Log Furniture Place Has All Your Patio Furniture Needs Covered
Whether you’re looking for a log glider, a rocking loveseat, or a rustic picnic table, you’ll find it at Log Furniture Place. We use only locally sourced materials in all our products, and we hire the very best woodworkers, so you can expect only the finest-made wooden outdoor furniture when you purchase from us.
We think you’ll love the selection and prices of our natural wood products. After all, we work tirelessly to ensure your complete satisfaction, and we back up that commitment with a solid warranty. Contact us today if you have any questions regarding our process and/or customization options.