5 November, 2019
As the seasons change and the temperatures cool down, you’re probably not spending much time lounging on your backyard patio. Rain, snow, and wind will eventually drive you inside, and then you’ll spend your evenings warming up by the fireplace rather than watching the summer sunsets outside.
Since your patio isn’t getting much use during the colder seasons, you may be wondering what to do with patio furniture in the winter. If you’ve invested in quality wood outdoor furniture, you’ll want to take the proper measures to preserve the quality. Harsh weather and moisture can damage your wood furniture if you don’t take the right precautions.
Learn what to do with patio furniture in winter and how to take care of wood furniture any time of year by checking out our tips below!
1. Keep furniture away from heat sources.
Exposure to sudden blasts of heat can warp or discolor your wood furniture. For this reason, store your patio tables and chairs away from heating vents and fireplaces.
2. Do not put hot drinks directly on furniture.
If you’ve decided to bring your patio furniture into your living space for the winter, remember not to place hot mugs of coffee or hot chocolate directly on the surface. Doing so will produce a ring that will be hard to remove. Use a coaster instead!
3. Keep the temperature steady.
Quick changes in temperature can warp your furniture and even crack the wood. Place your furniture in a temperature-controlled area where you can monitor the atmosphere. If you’re away for a trip, remember to keep the temperature steady to avoid damaging furniture.
4. Dust your furniture regularly.
Preserve the appearance of your furniture by dusting it with a damp cloth every few weeks. Treat the furniture as you would any other piece in your home, giving it a good cleaning any time you’re doing chores around the house.
5. Don’t put furniture in direct sunlight.
Even though the temperature may be cooler, your furniture can still be susceptible to sun damage. Don’t leave your wood furniture in areas that will leave them exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time or your wood may discolor.
6. Polish wood with lemon oil.
Give your patio furniture the care it deserves by wiping it with lemon oil on a regular basis. This will put moisture into the wood and revive its shine. Lemon oil can also act as UV protection for your wood, so be sure to coat the furniture in oil frequently if it is in an area with high sunlight.
7. Maintain humidity levels.
Dry heat will lead to cracked and dry furniture. Monitor the humidity in your home, keeping the moisture up to the 40-45 percent level. If your home is not at this level of humidity, consider purchasing a humidifier to place near your furniture.
Enjoy Your Furniture
Once the weather warms up, you can clean off your furniture and take it back outside for summer entertaining. By following these seven tips, you’ll be rewarded with years of enjoyment out of your wood furniture.
