Don't Let Your Deck Furniture Deteriorate! 5 Key Safeguards

After investing in quality deck furniture, the last thing you want is for it to deteriorate prematurely from exposure to sun, rain, and other elements. Fortunately, with deliberate care and protection, your outdoor wood furnishings can maintain their beauty and function for years of enjoyable use.

Follow these best practices and your outdoor oasis will stay stylish and inviting for the long haul.

Choose Durable Outdoor-Rated Wood

The foundation of long-lasting deck decor is using properly prepared wood that withstands humidity, moisture, and ultraviolet rays. Pressure-treated lumber undergoes a chemical bath, driving preservatives deep into the grain to resist rot and insects. This makes it ideal for the changeable climate of outdoor spaces.

Naturally weather-resistant species like teak, eucalyptus, shorea, and high-grade cedar also have enduring lifespans, although they carry premium price tags. Their dense cellular structure and natural oils repel water while retaining strength and stability.

Pressure-Treated Pine

The most budget-friendly option, pressure-treated pine has preservatives to prevent fungal decay and insect infestation. The treatment also helps it retain shape when exposed to moisture and temperature shifts that can warp untreated softwoods.

While cheaper than exotic hardwoods, it requires extra protection with stains and water sealants for maximum durability. The preservatives can also leach out over time, so maintaining the finish is key.

Teak

Teak's high oil content makes it virtually waterproof and impervious to sun, frost, and humidity. Its trademark golden hue patinas gracefully to a silvery grey. While expensive, a teak set can serve for decades with minimal care needed--no staining or sealing required.

If a lovely weathered look is desired, unfinished teak may be the lowest-maintenance choice. Oiled teak maintains the warm honey color but needs reapplication every season.

Apply Protective Finishes

The right finishes fortify wood's moisture and UV resistance--crucial for outdoor longevity. First treat new furniture with a preservative to prevent insect and fungal damage. Transparent wood sealers also inhibit moisture absorption while allowing the grain to show.

For colored wood, semi-transparent stains add waterproofing while displaying some grain. Paints and solid stains provide extra weather defense if you prefer a opaque painted look with consistent color across boards.

Always check label to confirm suitability for outdoor use. Marine-grade finishes designed for boating and Spar varnish for sun exposure provide superior UV and water protection.

Sealants

Penetrating sealants soak into wood pores rather than leave a surface film. This allows the wood to breathe while preventing moisture infiltration that causes swelling and splits. Some contain water-repellent oils for added protection.

When weight and texture are ideal, oil-based varieties offer the most complete sealing. For rougher wood, thicker liquid polymeric sealants fill in texture while shielding from moisture. All seal all sides for full coverage.

Stains and Varnishes

Specially-formulated UV-resistant stains and varnishes shield wood surfaces while allowing the beauty of the grain to show. New water-based versions offer quick drying and easy soap-and-water cleanup yet deliver strong sunblock and longevity.

Refresh faded stain every year or two to keep the vibrant color. Clear varnish like marine polyurethane every few years to maintain the protective top barrier. Light sanding between recoatings ensures proper adhesion.

Ensure Proper Placement

Even durable wood needs added protection from relentless sun and driving rain. Strategically place furnishings in sheltered spots or use accessories to create shade and refuge.

An umbrella, pergola, or garden plantings can shield pieces when lounging outdoors. Breathable furniture covers provide a fast safeguard after use. And lifting furnishings onto platforms prevents water damage from lawns and porous decking.

Create Shade

Filtered sunlight helps wood last longer while keeping your patio pleasantly cool. Extend deck roofing over seating areas or install retractable awnings for adjustable shade. Outdoor curtains around a dining space offer stylish shelter from daytime UV exposure.

Position furnishings near existing constructions like privacy walls, house eaves, and storage sheds to capitalize on existing shade. Deciduous trees lose leaves in winter to allow winter sun while providing dappled shade in summer.

Allow Airflow

While shade and shelter are helpful outdoors, ample airflow around furniture is vital for longevity. Stagnant moisture from rain, sprinklers, or humidity stimulates mold, warping and rotting wood from the inside.

Check that furnishings have open constructed frames to allow breezes underneath. Never place directly on grass or damp ground. Use freestanding racks to lift furniture a few inches improve airflow underneath.

Practice Regular Maintenance

Diligent care is key to enjoying beautiful deck furniture for years. A basic routine of frequent quick cleans, seasonal deep cleaning, checking for damage, and protective renewals reduces wear.

Address tears in mesh or cushions right away. Spot treat spills and stains before they set. Sand then reapply protective finish to any compromised areas that expose bare wood. A bit of periodic attention prevents extensive repairs down the road..

Routine Cleaning

About once a month, clean wood furniture using a soft cloth, mild soap and warm water. Pay special attention to textured carvings which can trap dirt in crevices. Rinse well and allow to fully air dry. This prevents buildup of pollen, mold or mildew.

For smoother teak-oil finishes, specialized teak cleaners help lift residue while maintaining the coveted honey glow. Bleach and abrasives can damage so avoid harsh chemicals.

Addressing Damage

Check frequently for splinters, cracks, loose joints, or hardware. Addressing damage right away is easier than letting water and pests take hold. Fill cracks with wood putty tinted to match the stain. Replace loose fasteners to keep furnishings sturdy.

For surface scratches or stains, light sanding opens wood pores for maximum absorption of new stain. Match the existing color for an even appearance after resealing.

Off-Season Storage

The effort of proper storage pays off in years of extra use from patio furniture. For cold winter climates, bringing pieces fully indoors keeps them from weather extremes and plow piles.

Clean thoroughly at end of season first so stored grime doesn't become permanently embedded. Empty and clean cushions then store indoors over winter so they're fresh for spring redeployment.

Preparing for Storage

Before storing furniture, clean thoroughly with wood cleaner and water, carefully dry, and perform a full inspection. Use touch-up markers on minor nicks. Address any splintered wood, cracks, stains or damage promptly so they don't worsen in storage.

Check hardware that joints and moving parts function smoothly after a season of use. Tighten or replace any loose fasteners for extra stability while stored.

If possible, disassemble larger items. Pad rails and fold down tables nest efficiently for compact storage. Pad corners too to prevent dings.

Use breathable furniture covers over clean dry pieces, securing with ties to prevent dust and pests while allowing airflow. Absorbent desiccants prevent condensation buildup under covers during temperature fluctuations.

Don't let your beautiful backyard furniture investment go to waste. With deliberate materials selection upfront then consistent care and maintenance, your deck seating can stay gorgeous for years of barbeques and poolside relaxing.

Apply these best practices for protecting outdoor wood furniture from temperamental weather and seasonal storage. Follow this guide and you'll enjoy stylish, inviting decor that endures year after year.