While winters in south Louisiana are typically tame and short-lived, there are always a few days that can take a toll on our outdoor furniture. Our tables, chairs, cushions, and more are able to be enjoyed the majority of the year. Whether it's in an outdoor kitchen, around the pool, or on the deck, the wet, cold conditions of winter can take a toll on different materials and fabrics. Here are a few tips to help you extend the life of your patio furniture and keep it ready for spring.
Inspect Patio Furniture for Damage
After a long spring and summer, give all of your patio furniture a once over. This is an excellent opportunity to discover any unknown damage, common wear, and tear, or anything that jeopardizes the integrity of these items. Check the legs, check the flat surfaces, remove any cushions or other accessories, and keep an eye out for areas you may be able to touch up or repair.
Clean Your Patio Furniture
As we said earlier, the extremes of even a south Louisiana winter can shorten the lifespan and quality of your patio furniture. However, with a few preventative steps, you can achieve the opposite effect. Warm water, a soapy solution, and a rag can go a long way in knocking off the results of a long summer and stemming the effects of approaching winter. If it’s metal furniture, be sure to address any rusted areas. Fortunately, most wood and wicker furniture is sealed, so it stays protected. A quick wipe down removes any unsightly buildup.
Store Outdoor Cushions for Winter
Your cushions are one of the more vulnerable elements of your patio furniture. The sun (even during cold weather), rain, sleet, snow, and wind, can all deteriorate the fabric and overall performance of outdoor cushions. As mentioned above, make sure that they are clean. Then, store them in a safe, dry place. While in storage, be careful not to place them underneath anything heavy. If crushed, especially over a period of time, their shape and comfort can be compromised. Also, make sure not to place them near items that can stain or tear the fabric.
Acrylic fabric cushions are another option. These cushions can be left out year round. If necessary they can also be bleached for cleaning without causing damage to the fabric.
Furniture Covers
Furniture covers are available to protect your outdoor pieces from bad weather and the harsh conditions that winter brings. Treasure Garden makes generic covers for any furniture, along with Summer Classics and Brown Jordan that fit their collections.
These are only a few simple steps that can add years of enjoyment to your outdoor entertaining. The outdoor furniture experts at Casual Creations in Baton Rouge are here to help you find those perfect pieces for your patio, and because we’re local, we can easily handle all of your warranty and repair needs!
