In the UK, our weather patterns are very unpredictable from day-to-day, but we know that in the main we will not encounter the serious extremes found in other parts of the world, at least for any length of time. Unfortunately, that doesn’t help us when considering how to maintain our garden furniture. We invest significant sums of money in making our outdoor space as comfortable and inviting as possible, and this helps us extend our home in the better weather and enables us to enjoy the fresh air and improve our mental wellbeing when the weather allows us to. However, even the relatively mild weather we experience in the UK can have a serious impact on our garden furniture.
There are many different styles of outdoor furniture available, and many different products. It is now very common for most outdoor spaces to include furniture items such as table and chairs, benches and sofas and picnic tables. In many cases these items are made of wood, but they could also be aluminium or plastic. Each material has different appeal and different properties, and hence, offers more longevity in terms of weather damage and what maintenance is required. But let’s look at the different types of weather and how they can impact on garden furniture, whatever material it is:
- Sunshine – Extended UV rays can start to degrade the structure of any material and can contribute to colour fade. With wood, exposure to sunlight can remove any moisture from the material and over time the wood will lose its lustre and its natural appeal. Sunlight can also weaken materials and cause cracks over time.
- Rain – Moisture mainly comes from rain, rather than humidity, in the UK, but excessive moisture can lead to materials rotting and warping and growing mould. A wooden material could also swell and become deformed by being exposed to too much moisture, and certainly any paint or varnish will be affected and can start to peel off and fade.
- Frost – Cold weather can lead to cracks and structural damage and prolonged contact with frost can have similar affects to prolonged exposure to moisture. Where temperatures veer between hot and cold, materials can expand and contract accordingly, and this can also lead to damage.
- Wind – The affects of wind are mainly structural damage, as furniture items are knocked about by high winds and can become scratched and dented, or can be struck by other items in the garden. It is also possible for separate parts to work loose and become dangerous in certain sets of furniture, such as a sofa or table. Wind also carries dust and dirt particles, which can degrade outdoor items over time if left exposed.
How to protect outdoor furniture from the impact of weather
While aluminium and plastic are the most robust materials in terms of guarding against weather degradation, many people prefer the natural and traditional feel of wood, at least for some items of furniture. You can certainly varnish and stain wood to protect it, but this is a process that needs to be regularly repeated, and is not guaranteed to protect the furniture, particularly as the quality of such materials can vary. The best solution is to purchase made to measure garden furniture covers.
Protecting your garden furniture with good quality garden furniture covers means they are protected from the worst excesses of the UK weather, and therefore require minimal maintenance in the meantime. The life of your furniture is extended, meaning you can enjoy them for longer and as soon as you uncover them at the start of summer. So made to measure garden furniture covers not only protect your garden furniture, but protect your investment too, check out our range online and order from Bags & Covers Direct today.