Home » Misc » Can wrought iron furniture be left outside

Can wrought iron furniture be left outside


How to Protect Outdoor Furniture from Snow and Winter Damage with the Proper Patio Furniture Maintenance

You thoroughly enjoy being outside a lounging about on your lawn chairs or other pieces of furniture in your patio or yard in the spring, summer and even in the fall. However, in the winter with the snow, freezing rain and cold, your outdoor patio furniture might not hold up too well. That’s why it’s important to take the correct steps to protect your patio furniture. How do you protect this type of furniture? Let’s look at the various measures to take during the winter to prolong the life of your chairs, tables and other pieces.

Wood Patio Furniture

Wood patio furniture should have a protective sealant applied to it. This seals the wood from moisture year round, which is especially important during the winter months. In the winter, the moisture can freeze in the wood causing it to crack. When properly sealed, the snow and freezing rain cannot soak into the wood in the same manner as with raw wood. Covers keep the snow and ice from seeping into this furniture. However, the sealant should still be applied because wood can absorb moisture from the air.

The last thing you need is to spend hundreds of dollars on outdoor patio furniture only to see it break down after a couple of years. Most wood patio furniture is made from teak, which is naturally better at withstanding moisture and fluctuating temperatures. A little extra care, and you’ll see your patio furniture lasting for years to come.

Tango Teak Outdoor Sofa Set – $1,979.00

Recycled Plastic Outdoor Furniture

Plastic furniture doesn’t have the same problem with moisture as wood furniture does since it doesn’t absorb moisture. However, the frigid temperature in the winter tends to make plastic brittle enough for it to crack. One of the benefits of plastic furniture is that it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver. Additionally, most plastic furniture is easily stack-able. These great features of plastic patio furniture mean that it’s easier to store away if the weather gets really nasty.

Although outdoor furniture is designed to withstand extreme conditions, it is strongly advised to bring in your outdoor furniture when it snows. For all other conditions, try using furniture covers that protect your sectional and outdoor dining sets from the elements while allowing proper ventilation to prevent mildew. When these best practices are followed, outdoor furnishing can last for many years.

5 Piece Brasserie Arm Dining Set – $929.00

Wrought Iron Outdoor Furniture

Wrought iron patio furniture for the most part should not be left out in the weather during the winter. It can rust because of the snow or freezing rain. When rust happens, it weakens the metal and causes it to breakdown. Galvanized metal holds up better than regular metal, but over time it could also suffer from being out in the snow. It is best to bring this furniture in from outdoors in not only the winter, but also when it rains.

Maintenance is highly recommended if you want your wrought iron patio furniture to last for extended periods of time. It’s important to keep an eye on this type of patio furniture because it’s much harder to move around or into storage because of it’s weight. If you think it’s already too late for your wrought iron, don’t fret! We wrote an awesome step by step guide on how to refinish rusty old patio furniture!

Recco 3 Piece Bistro Set – $525.00

Cast Aluminum Patio Furniture

Cast aluminum patio furniture is one of the most durable and weather resistant pieces of patio furniture that you can buy. Cast aluminum is basically rust proof so you don’t need to worry too much about moisture. There are plenty of covers that are available that fit all sorts of different shapes and sizes of patio furniture. Another added benefit of cast aluminum is that it’s super lightweight. If you’re concerned about a big windstorm or crazy snow conditions, it should be easy to move this furniture into a place away from the elements. In our “Choosing the Best Material for Patio Furniture” guide, you can see that cast aluminum is top of the line when it comes to sub par weather conditions.

San Michelle Sectional Set – $4,165.00

Cushions

Many of the models of outdoor furniture use removable cushions. When not in use in the winter they should be stored indoors, in a shed, or a heavy-duty cushion storage box. The fabric can be easily damage by the freezing and thawing that occurs during the cold weather. Additionally, the stuffing in these cushions can mold and mildew. You should also bring these inside when it is raining. Covering them with a tarp or sheet of plastic will keep dust from accumulating on them.

If you’re willing to spend the extra money (we highly recommend this) then you should be purchasing patio furniture with cushions that are made with Sunbrella fabric. Sunbrella is the gold standard when it comes to outdoor fabric options. Their top of the line fabrics are marine rated and can handle rain, snow, UV rays, you name it! Investing in quality materials is the easiest way to extend the life of your outdoor patio furniture.

Urbana Cushion Storage Box – $599.00

Any patio furniture maintenance you perform on your outdoor furniture will prolong its life. Outdoor decor is an investment in your home, and as such you will want to protect yourself in the long term.

Below is a list of 4 Additional Resources that will supplement this post and give you ideas to help protect your outdoor furniture this winter.

  1. How to Keep Outdoor Furniture from Blowing Away
  2. How to Waterproof Your Awning
  3. Don’t Leave Your Furniture Out in the Cold: Using Outdoor Furniture Indoors
  4. How a Little Simple Maintenance Will Keep Your Outdoor Furniture Strong Indefinitely

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 9th, 2012 at 4:52 pm and is filed under How-To. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

We Talked to the Experts: Our Guide for Patio Furniture that Can Be Left Outside During the Winter

Furniture

While form and function are major selling points for patio furniture during the warmer months, once the temperatures start dropping, homeowners begin to ask: Do I have patio furniture that can be left outside in the winter? The answer can mean the difference between enjoying your furniture for another year or facing a big expense come spring. We talked to the experts to get the lowdown on the best patio material for cold climates and tips on how to ensure your patio furniture makes it through the winter. Here’s the drift:

Can I Leave My Patio Furniture Outside?

First the good news: The overwhelming majority of patio furniture can be left outside in most parts of the country. But you’ll need to know exactly what type of furniture you’re working with, says Megan Pierce-Dozier, with outdoor furniture leader Kingsley Bate.

“It depends on the material,” says to Pierce-Dozier, one of the experts who agrees both the body material and frame can make or break your outdoor furniture during the winter. While the materials that cover a chaise chair may be waterproof, for example, the frame may not. 

Can you leave wicker furniture outdoors?

When it comes to all-weather wicker furniture,  the best patio material for cold climates is wicker made from polyethylene that has a weather-resistant frame. The majority of wicker outdoor furniture is constructed from two kinds of synthetic plastics: polyethylene and PVC. Polyethylene resin wicker is resistant to the effects of UV rays, water, and snow, making it a great example of patio furniture that can be left outside during the winter.

For added durability, look for polyethylene resin wicker that has been dyed all the way through rather than painted, as this material is more durable and will retain its color in harsh climates. Conversely, PVC resin wicker is not one of the best patio materials for cold climates, as it’s prone to corroding and chipping when exposed to weather, and it’s toxic to the environment.

Pay attention to frame material

Whether or not your furniture can be left outside will also depend on the frame’s material. Iron-based frames will rust when exposed to precipitation and should be avoided. In order to leave wicker furniture outside, you’ll want to ensure your frame is made from all-weather hardware, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or galvanized steel. Since aluminum is a lightweight material, people living in windy climates should make sure any aluminum frames are reinforced with all-weather steel, so that it doesn’t get blown around. 

What About Teak Patio Furniture?

Of all the hardwoods, teak is the hardest and most durable. It is one of the only woods in the world that has a natural oil content, which acts as a water repellent and keeps it from cracking and warping. That means that with few exceptions, a backyard that is outfitted in teak is full of patio furniture that can be left outside during the winter.

“Go right ahead and leave it out; it looks great with a few inches of snow,” says Charles Hessler, Executive Vice President of Barlow Tyrie. With a home base in New Jersey, the veteran patio furniture brand knows a thing or two about what will outlast cold temperatures.“Teak is an all-weather material and is used extensively in marine applications. As long as the product is made using first-grade teak and uses all-weather hardware, there shouldn’t be an issue leaving it out,” Hessler says. “It can be an expensive material to use – but there is just nothing better.”

So, how do you determine if your patio furniture is made from first-grade teak?  Grade A teak is timber taken from the center of the log and is the highest quality teak wood. Look for a uniform, golden brown color along with a close grain structure and oily surface.

One caveat: While teak your teak pieces fall into the category of patio furniture that can be left outside during the winter, they typically weather out to a soft, silver-gray color. “A yearly scrub up with our teak cleaner and a soft scrub brush in the spring will bring the teak —almost— back to looking new and clean,” says Hessler. In short, if you want patio furniture that can be left outside during the winter, first-grade teak is the way to go. Beware of chemically treated teak, easily identified by its slightly darker color than the trademark golden brown color of the real stuff.

Is Metal Furniture Safe Outside During the Winter?

While precipitation and metal don’t sound like the best mix, our experts say aluminum and some steel pieces are surprisingly durable options for patio furniture that can be left outside during the winter. Aluminum is a great material choice for outdoor furniture because it doesn’t rust. While aluminum technically does oxidize when exposed to the elements, this oxidation process does not cause the material to expand and weaken like steel. If you are looking for patio furniture that can be left outside during the winter, aluminum is one of the best patio materials for cold climates.  

 

Outdoor furniture brands have also figured out ways of reinforcing steel to make it a durable, high-quality material choice for outdoor furniture. Steel is also environmentally friendly, has a strong bearing capacity, and provides a modern aesthetic. Stainless steel, powder-coated reinforced steel, and hot-dip galvanized steel are great options when it comes to patio furniture that can be left outside during the winter. 

A Note on Furniture Covers

While outdoor furniture is designed to withstand the elements, it doesn’t hurt to double down during the colder months with a furniture cover. 

“You just want to make sure your furniture is thoroughly cleaned and dried before putting the cover on,” says Megan Pierce-Dozier, with Kingsley Bate.

Don’t want the headache of moving all your outdoor furniture inside for the winter? With the right furniture, you don’t have to. Ultimately, choosing high-quality materials is the best strategy for buying patio furniture that can be left outside during the winter. Keep it in mind as invest in patio furniture. 

what can be left for the winter

Main page /

Blog /

Good to know /

Storage on the terrace: what can be left for the winter

What can be stored without heat, in frost, blizzard without any additional protection? In other words, what exactly can be left on the open terrace or in the gazebo for the winter and not regret it in the spring?

Garden furniture made of familiar materials

There are three types of garden furniture:

- all season,

- waterproof,

- non-waterproof.

Everything is clear with the first one: it can stand anywhere in the garden in any weather and not lose its qualities. Usually it is stone or forged furniture. She has practically no expiration date. The only thing to remember when buying such furniture is its quality. Suspiciously cheap copies are most likely made of low-quality materials or compounds. Consequently, she will not be able to live for decades on your country hacienda: a bad stone will crumble into crumbs, and the metal will corrode and warp.

Plastic and wood furniture with moisture protection factors are usually coated with special compounds and paints. They prolong the service life of products, retain their appearance and tactile properties. Such products are stored in a dry place, often in cases, so before leaving it on the terrace, study the manufacturer's recommendations.

The last point will seem strange to someone, but there are a lot of such furniture on sale. It is made of inexpensive plastic, wood, withstands low humidity, but it is better to hide it from showers under a canopy. Manufacturers warn that this furniture is not designed to be permanently outdoors. For the winter, she is removed to a warm place, since she cannot survive temperature changes without loss.

WPC benches and tables

Furniture made from composite timber can be used in the garden at any time of the year. It is not necessary to remove or cover it. Unless you are going to sit on the bench in autumn and winter. In this case, you can use covers or just blankets made of film and recline them as needed.

WPC timber is sold in the form of moldings, so it is easy to use for the manufacture of benches and tables according to individual sizes. To create a landscape design masterpiece, you need to choose a base (forged or welded) and fix the timber. For tables and small sofas, designers choose the GOODECK picket fence. It has a neutral chocolate brown tint, a pleasant to the touch surface. The same material (fence) is used to decorate garden chests-shops designed to store tools and other necessary things.

Furniture made from WPC is stored outdoors in any weather, as the composition is designed specifically for outdoor use. Read about the properties of WPC here.

Barbecues and stoves

It is better to put portable stoves and braziers under a canopy for the winter and / or additionally cover them with a cover or plastic film. This rule works for barbecues with thin walls, even forged ones. If you leave the brazier on the terrace, put a film or rug under the legs so that melt water or ordinary moisture flowing from the brazier does not stain the board. It will be problematic to remove rusty or coal stains from an ordinary wooden terrace - it absorbs water. Much easier with composite decking.

GOODECK – more than just a terrace.

Author: GOODECK

How to store your garden furniture in winter - company news FINGARDEN

Find out how to store your garden furniture in winter. Brief tips for caring for garden furniture made of different materials. Reading time ~ 3 minutes!

Garden furniture is something that is bought not for a year or two, but at least for a decade. In order for it to be durable, it is important not only to choose high-quality models when buying, but also to provide them with proper care, and most importantly, winter storage. How to do this depends on the type of items and the materials used to make them.

Plastic furniture

Simple, lightweight and practical plastic garden furniture is most popular due to its low cost and durability. Even beautiful headsets are quite inexpensive. Their important advantage is also unpretentiousness in operation and storage.

Plastic is not "afraid" of exposure to moisture in any form. It does not collapse due to contact with soil and most types of household chemicals. The only influence of nature that can worsen the appearance of such furniture is exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which is why colored products “burn out”.

Storage of plastic garden furniture is also easy. By and large, it can simply be left on the street, wrapped in a film to protect it from dirt. True, if the temperature drops below ten degrees below zero, the furniture is still recommended to be removed into the room, since the plastic becomes more brittle.

Aluminum furniture

Aluminum furniture combines all the advantages of plastic furniture, such as minimum weight, practicality, durability, and almost zero reaction to moisture. In addition, it is much more durable, and does not react in any way to a drop in temperature, even significantly below zero. Therefore, it is not necessary to create any special conditions for its storage.

But this applies to products made entirely of aluminum. If they contain elements of wood, fabric inserts or other less unpretentious materials in the design, it is better to clean the furniture for the winter in a dry place.

The same should be done with metal forged furniture.

Wood furniture

Completely wooden headsets need special care, both in summer and in winter. It is important to protect them from moisture as much as possible.

Learn more