Why learn how to take care of outdoor furniture? You spent hours agonizing over the perfect style, color choice, and materials. You take pride in your home and love inviting visitors to take a comfortable seat. Taking care of your outdoor furniture extends its useful lifespan and maximizes your investment.

Learn how to take care of your outdoor fabrics and wooden furniture from Eastern Atlantic Carpentry, your quality custom furniture carpenter in Emerald Isle. To get you started, here are five best practices for caring for your outdoor furniture.

1. Pre-Treat Your Furniture

This is our top tip. Pre-treating any furniture that goes into your outdoor space will extend its lifespan.

You can easily pre-treat wood, stone, and rattan to preserve the original surface. You can also find protectants for plastic and metal furniture and fabrics you’ll use outside.

The proper varnish is particularly important with porous materials. It seals the surface, waterproofing it, protecting it from staining, and preventing it from drying out. It also has built-in UV protectant that prevents fading.

It’s also wise to check how often you should reapply for the treatment over the next few years for optimal results.

2. Clean Off the Debris

Remove the dust and debris regularly before it becomes ingrained in the furniture. Wipe away dust using a soft paintbrush or duster at least once a week. You can also use the soft-bristled brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner to suck up dirt and dust from the nooks.

3. Wash with Natural Soap

You may need to spot-clean now and again with tepid, soapy water. Use only natural soap or a detergent without chemicals as the substances may react with the finish on the furniture or fabrics and cause damage.

4. Manage the Moisture

Knowing how to deal with moisture is another crucial step in learning how to take care of outdoor furniture. Rain, moisture from washing, and humidity all take a toll on your outdoor furniture. If you don’t air out the furniture and allow it to properly dry after it gets wet, you create the perfect conditions for mildew.

If you live in an area with frequent rainfall, placing the items under some form of cover, like a gazebo or porch, is an excellent idea.

5. Consider Using Covers

Using covers when your furniture is not in use is a great way to combine all these tips. Just be sure that the furniture and surfaces are completely dry when you put them on. When removing the covers, let them air dry before you stow them away.

Are all these steps necessary? Maybe not entirely, but implementing a few of them allows you to enjoy your new purchase for much longer. This becomes especially important when you learn more about the value of modern wood furniture.

Now that you know how to take care of outdoor furniture, why not look at our current range or discuss a custom project you have in mind? Contact Eastern Atlantic Carpentry at (252) 262-6600 or through our website for high-quality carpentry in Emerald Isle, CA, or the surrounding area.