If you are wondering if you can leave your patio furniture outside for the winter, you have a few options. You can leave it in the open on your patio if it is made of aluminum or wicker, but you should also consider storing it indoors during the winter. Plastic and low-grade plastic will be affected by cold air, so it is best to store patio furniture indoors. Manufacturers can provide specific guidelines. If you have a grill, make sure to clean it thoroughly before storing. Also, disconnect the gas line or propane tank from the patio furniture.
Aluminum patio furniture
Unlike many materials, aluminum doesn’t rust. This means your furniture won’t develop stains or legs that rust over time. Plus, aluminum’s natural reaction to oxygen produces an oxide coating that protects it from corrosion and rust. That means aluminum patio furniture can stay outdoors year-round. It is even better than wood. For these reasons, you’ll want to consider investing in aluminum patio furniture.
Cast aluminum is lightweight and durable. It won’t rust or discolor when left outside, and it cools down quickly once the sun goes down. It also does not absorb the sun’s heat like other metals do. Aluminum patio furniture is inexpensive and easy to maintain. Cast aluminum furniture is also weatherproof, so it is perfect for outdoor spaces. You can place it in any location you like. And don’t worry if it gets wet – aluminum is one of the most rust-resistant materials.
Most aluminum furniture is powder coated to prevent rust. It can be left outside during the winter. However, if left outside all winter, it could start to rust. If this happens, you can try to remove the rust with a wire brush. Otherwise, you can use an exterior spray paint designed for wrought iron and cover it with a quality tarp until springtime. If you’d rather leave your patio furniture inside during the colder months, you can also use a tarp to protect it.
Wicker furniture
If you’re considering buying a new wicker set for your outdoor living space, you should make sure it’s weather-resistant. Although wicker is a natural material, prolonged exposure to damp conditions can damage the material and affect its structural integrity. Moisture can also cause mold to grow, which can make your furniture unpleasant to use and look at. Mold spores are present in almost any type of environment and are attracted to moist surfaces. Soaking organic wicker in rainwater can allow these to grow and cause odors and mold to develop.
If you’re not interested in caring for your natural rattan wicker pieces, consider a synthetic resin wicker option. These types of materials are more durable than natural wicker and can withstand the effects of moisture, rain, and sun. Wicker furniture is a classic option for outdoor living, but if you want your rattan wicker pieces to last for years, you’ll need to take the appropriate precautions to prevent the damage.
The best way to protect your wicker patio furniture from the elements is to choose a high-quality product that is resistant to rot and mold. Purchasing grade A teak furniture is a better option than synthetic wicker, which will rot in cold weather. If you live in a place with harsh winters, however, you should cover wicker patio furniture with a waterproof cover and keep it indoors.
Teak wood
Although teak wood furniture can be left outside all year long, storing it in a garage or outhouse during the colder months is a good idea. This way, you won’t need to worry about rotting and warping, which can happen with other types of furniture. However, keep in mind that teak will be more dirty and may require more cleaning and maintenance than other types of furniture.
If you don’t want to replace your outdoor furniture every six to twelve months, you can use teak sealers to preserve them. These are usually water-like in viscosity and contain UV blockers and mildew retardants. They are easy to apply but must be applied regularly. It’s best to follow the directions on the bottle. Teak sealers smell like chemicals for a few weeks after they are applied, so make sure to avoid putting them in direct sunlight for at least the first couple of months.
Over time, teak wood patio furniture can develop small cracks. This happens because the wood absorbs moisture and expands and contracts with the weather. However, the small cracks won’t affect the durability of the furniture. Eventually, these checkers will fade away and the teak will be a golden brown color. Once the furniture is aged, it can also be stored indoors under a roof. During the winter months, you can still use it outdoors, provided you protect it from the sun.
Stainless steel
If you are worried about rust on your steel patio furniture, don’t be. If the rust is surface-level, you can usually get rid of it by washing it with a pressure washer. However, you may have to repaint it if it has a large surface area. Here are some tips for protecting your steel furniture from rust. Read on to learn how to protect your stainless steel patio furniture.
Stainless steel is a heavy metal, only slightly lighter than cast iron. But unlike cast iron, it won’t dent or blow away. It can get hot, so you should plan to use a cloth that will dry quickly. You can also apply liquid auto wax on your stainless steel furniture to protect its finish. Stainless steel is also powder-coated to prevent rusting. This type of finish is recommended for coastal areas.
The main advantage of steel outdoor furniture is durability. Unlike other materials, steel doesn’t expand and contract. Even in extreme weather conditions, it won’t be harmed by decay and insects. In addition, steel is more resistant to rust than aluminum, so it won’t chip or dent. The rust-resistant material can also be used for durable outdoor furniture. If you have a beach home, you can place your steel patio furniture by the water’s edge, so it won’t get damaged by the waves.
Glass
If you’re thinking of leaving your glass patio furniture outside, there are a few things you should know first. Although glass is extremely lightweight, it can easily break when exposed to rain or sun. That being said, you should not worry too much. The special type of glass that is used to make outdoor glass furniture is much stronger than ordinary glass. The same holds true for patio tables. Tempered glass is far stronger than regular glass, and can withstand outdoor wear and tear better.
Generally, glass patio furniture can be left outside, though you should store it during the winter. This is a matter of location. Alternatively, you can purchase protective covers that can protect your furniture from the elements. The covers can save you the hassle of moving your furniture indoors when you have a winter storm. While these are a great alternative, you should always keep in mind that you must take care of any tempered glass furniture if you plan to leave it outside.
As for cleaning, glass patio tables can get very slimy when left outside, so it is best to replace them with plastic ones when they need to be replaced. During the summer, they are also susceptible to being shattered by hail or high-speed winds. However, if you do not want to deal with the trouble of cleaning them, you can replace glass patio tables and chairs with plastic ones instead. The glass tables and chairs are also prone to breaking under extreme conditions, so it is best to change them frequently.
Plastic
Many types of plastic patio furniture can be left outdoors during winter, but not all of them are suited for this kind of weather. Plastic is resistant to water, rust, and cracking. This makes plastic patio furniture an excellent choice for long-term outdoor use. Plastic patio furniture is generally lightweight, so be sure to consider the type of wind that it might experience before purchasing it. However, some plastic patio furniture brands are particularly resistant to weather conditions, so they may be the best option for those who prefer their furniture to be kept outdoors year-round.
The most common type of plastic used in outdoor furniture is polyethylene. For furniture intended for the outdoors, you need to opt for high-density polyethylene, as it’s more weather-resistant and durable than its cheaper counterparts. Other types of plastic include polypropylene, which is lighter and resistant to chemicals and heat. Another type of plastic is polycarbonate, which is tough and resistant to scratches. Acrylic, which is clear and odorless, is a cheaper alternative to polyethylene, but it’s less durable and susceptible to cracking and peeling.
To avoid damaging plastic patio furniture, it’s important to regularly clean it. For plastic and synthetic patio furniture, you can use disinfectants, but you may need to use a brush to clean areas that are hard to reach. Metal furniture, such as tables and chairs, should be cleaned with a solution of water and ammonia. Wooden patio furniture can be cleaned using baking soda, water, and vinegar, but be sure to check for rust.