Properly preparing garden furniture for winter is the key to maintaining its good appearance and functionality for many years to come. The cold months are a true test of resilience for tables, chairs, and loungers. Moisture, frost, or snow can quickly negatively affect the quality of your favorite garden set. If you want to welcome spring with a terrace set in the same condition as the previous year, it’s worth taking care of its appropriate protection in the fall. In this guide, you will find practical tips on how to secure garden furniture step by step for winter and use them stress-free for the upcoming seasons!
Garden furniture is an investment that should last for many years. Unfortunately, failing to properly prepare for the winter months means that even the most beautiful set may need to be replaced after just a few seasons. Frost, snow, rain, and frequent temperature fluctuations negatively affect not only the appearance but also the structure of the furniture, causing:
That's why it's so important to properly protect garden furniture, so that once invested, it can bring joy to household members for many years.
Thorough cleaning is the first and most important step in the autumn care of garden furniture, regardless of the material from which it is made. Leaving dust, dirt, or food residues on the surface can cause unsightly stains and also create ideal conditions for mold and fungi to develop under the cover during winter. Each material requires an appropriate approach that not only removes dirt but also takes care of its durability.
Drying is a crucial step in preparing garden furniture for winter and should not be skipped. Furniture must be completely dry before being stored or covered because moisture trapped inside the materials during freezing months can lead to serious damage. When water freezes, it expands, causing wooden elements to crack and plastic parts to deform or break. Moisture also encourages mold and fungi growth, which not only affects appearance but can also weaken the structure of the furniture, shortening its lifespan. Therefore, after washing, it's a good idea to leave the furniture for several hours in a dry, ventilated place to make sure it's completely free of moisture before being properly protected for winter.
Maintenance and impregnation are essential steps that significantly extend the lifespan of garden furniture and maintain its attractive appearance over many seasons. Each material requires an individual approach that matches its properties and usage specifics.
Storing garden furniture is a key element in protecting it for the winter, which helps avoid many damages caused by adverse weather conditions. Ideally, if the furniture can be stored in a dry, well-ventilated place to protect it from moisture, frost, and dirt. The best places to store garden furniture are:
Securing accessories for garden furniture is just as important as maintaining the furniture itself, as they often determine the comfort and aesthetics of the relaxation area. Proper preparation of cushions, textiles, umbrellas, or metal accessories before winter helps prevent their damage.
It is not recommended to leave garden furniture outside all winter, even if it seems like a convenient solution. Every material reacts differently to moisture, frost, and changing temperatures, but none remain completely resistant.
Wooden furniture, especially made from native species like pine or spruce, quickly absorbs moisture and begins to crack and deform under the influence of frost. Exotic wood such as teak or eucalyptus offers better properties because it contains natural oils protecting against moisture, though it too will gray and lose its properties if it winters outside without impregnation and protection.
Metal furniture is more resistant to frost but is exposed to corrosion. Aluminum fares best because it does not rust, whereas powder-coated steel requires regular protection with a protective layer. If left in snow and rain, rust spots that are difficult to remove often appear in spring.
Technorattan withstands changing temperatures well and is inherently resistant, but its frame, which is usually made of steel, corrodes with long exposure to moisture. As a result, furniture loses stability and aesthetics, even if the weave itself looks impeccable.
Furniture made from plastic fares the worst in winter, as frost makes it brittle and prone to cracking. After one or two winters left outside, they may only be fit for replacement.
In summary, aluminum and exotic wood perform best in winter conditions, followed by technorattan and powder-coated metal, while plastic and softwood are the least resistant. However, even materials considered durable wearing outside all winter leads to faster wear. Therefore, it is always a better solution to store furniture in a dry, sheltered place.
Will technorattan withstand winter without a cover?
It will, but the frame may rust, it is best to store furniture in a dry place during winter.
How often should wooden furniture be impregnated?
At least once a year, preferably in autumn, before winter.
Can plastic furniture winter outside?
No, frost causes them to crack. We recommend storing them in a cellar or garage.
When to store garden furniture?
Garden furniture should be stored when the first autumn frosts occur and the weather becomes moist and unstable.
What is the best way to store garden furniture?
The best way to store garden furniture is to place them in a dry, ventilated room such as a garage, cellar or closed shed.
