Summer is the season to spend outdoors – whether for entertaining or just chillin’ with a cold refreshment. These activities always feel more enjoyable out on a comfortable deck or patio. But one element of our home that often falls low on the priority list is caring for outdoor furniture. It’s bad enough that dirt and debris cake onto deck and patio furniture. Add in the constant exposure to strong sun, wind, and rain, and you can easily see why your furniture doesn’t look so fresh and inviting anymore. The longer you leave tables and chairs in the elements, the worse they become. We’ve got some easy furniture facelift remedies that will help bring back the life in your favorite outdoor spot.
Restore Weather-Beaten Wood
Wood furniture is earthy, classic, and timeless from a point of style. But it definitely needs a caring touch. For moderately worn wood, a simple cleaning and a fresh coat of paint or stain can do the trick. But for truly weather-beaten wood that shows graying or a complete lack of protective finish, you’ve got to go the restoration route.
Find a wood restoration kit that has all the components you need for an easy DIY project. Usually wood restoration requires thorough cleaning with a stiff brush. Scrub every crack and crevice where dirt can gather. Rinse and let dry completely. Apply a teak brightener to even out and enhance the natural color. Let dry according to package instructions. Rinse and dry again. Finally, use the restoration kit cloth to apply teak oil. This prevents wood from drying out. Rub in the same direction as the wood grain. Let sit for four to six hours. You may want to apply several coats in total. Repeating the process once a year helps preserve your wood’s natural beauty.
Treat Metal Furniture with Car Wax
Metal furniture may need a lot of elbow grease to scrub, but with the right brush and a bucket of soapy water, there really is no secret here. After cleaning, our tip to making your next scrub down easier is to apply a thin coat of car wax to the metal. It creates a slick surface that makes it easier to remove bird poop and other sticky muck that needs to come off.
Proper Resin Care
Resin furniture is known for being easy to clean, but the outside elements can still leave them looking beat up over time. While there are plenty of market cleaners for resin, you can make your own with a gallon of warm water and three teaspoons of liquid dishwashing detergent. After rinsing well, take the extra step of making another gallon of warm water, about three-quarters of a cup of household bleach, and one teaspoon of dishwashing detergent. Tackle stains, mold, and mildew with a sponge or soft-bristled brush. Rinse and let dry.
If you want to change the color of your resin furniture, there are spray paints that are specially made for resin or plastic. Getting the right type of paint will ensure a professional look.
Finishing Touches
Once your furniture is clean and restored, you can add a few finishing touches. Add water-resistant cushions to seating for a pop of color. Set down an outdoor rug to add to the vibe. Bring in life with plenty of green potted plants. It only takes a handful of simple changes to spruce up your outdoor hangout.
And if you really want to get serious about preserving your outdoor furniture long-term, consider using a tarp with straps to cover and protect all furniture in the off season. Or if you have the space, store them in the basement.
Real Estate Term of the Week
Resin furniture: Moldable plastics used for furniture. Shapes, textures, and designs are possible for different resin furniture styles. Resin furniture is often molded into a wicker pattern that mimics true wicker, but the resin will be less susceptible to damage as there are no individual strands that can separate.