Just because there are rainy days sprinkled into the year's warmer months doesn't mean you have to worry about your outdoor pub tables or other outdoor furniture. Especially if you follow a few easy care and cleaning guidelines, which will help your furniture withstand years of exposure to nature's elements.
Materials
Outdoor pub tables and stools, Adirondack chairs, benches, and other outdoor furniture are available in a variety of weather resistant materials. Wrought iron is treated to withstand moisture and aluminum is a worry free outdoor metal that will not rust. Natural wicker and vinyl wicker both naturally resist the effects of weathering. Recycled plastics are engineered to sit out in the sun and rain. And wood, well, wood lives outside.
Oil or Water Finishes
Typically, oil based products last longer, but they are usually harder to clean up and more toxic to you and the environment. Water based products are generally easier to use and clean up, but require more frequent applications.
Climate
If you live in a wet climate, look for a product with a mold inhibitor. If you live in a hot climate, look for UV protection, which most good finishes have. A yearly application is recommended.
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Paint
You can certainly paint your furniture if you so desire. Be sure to use a good primer on clean, bare wood before applying the finish coat. On any exterior finish, paint offers the best form of protection. However, if it is not cared for, paint will eventually peel and become unsightly compared to a wipe on finish. In fact, most outdoor paints will last only 1-3 years before they need to be renewed.
No Finish
If you don't intend to renew the finish on your outdoor furniture, the wood will turn a silvery grey color. Once the exterior of the wood is grey, the rate of wood deterioration slows tremendously. The surface weathering actually prevents UV light from penetrating deeper into the wood. The natural properties of the woods used in outdoor pub tables and other outdoor furniture will effectively protect it from decay, rot and insect infestation.
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Cleaning
No matter what finish your outdoor furniture has, it is important to clean outdoor furniture at least once a year.
A pressure washer makes cleaning easy. Otherwise, you can clean your furniture with a soft brush and a good wood cleaner available at most hardware stores. Be sure to rinse well and allow to dry thoroughly before applying any finish.
A mild soap and water bath once every other week is a good and inexpensive way to maintain your outdoor furniture. Just use a pan of warm, sudsy water and a cloth. Follow up with a pan of clear water and rinse the soap.
Spills should be wiped up as soon as they happen on your outdoor furniture, especially carbonated beverage spills, which can be very hard on clear finishes and paint if left sitting.
Winter Storage
It is always best to shelter your outdoor in a garage or shed for the winter. If you do not have a place to store your furniture and you want to cover it, just remember to make sure the furniture is dry before doing so. Plastic tarps can leak and promote mold growth, so be vigilant and cover with care.
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