Winter-Proof Your Wooden Outdoor Furniture: Essential Care Tips

Winter-Proof Your Outdoor Furniture / Outdoor Patio Furniture: Essential Care Tips for All Materials!

Is your patio furniture / outdoor furniture prepared for the ravages of winter? Winter can damage not just wooden furniture but also materials like metal, plastic, and wicker. From there, each material is more or less prepared to handle the effects of rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. Keeping your investment outdoors is easier than you think—follow these rules, and beautiful furniture will be in the proper seasons to come!

Understanding Winter's Effects on Different Types of Outdoor Furniture

As we know, wood spreads and shrinks with dampness, but different materials reassure, too:

Wooden Furniture:

Wood, particularly untreated wood, can warp, split, or even rot when exposed to the winter elements.

Metal Furniture: 

Metal is heavy-duty, but if left unprotected, it can rust; freezing water causes expansion, leading to rust during winter.

Plastic Furniture: 

Like metal furniture, plastic is water-resistant but can become brittle under extreme thermal shocks, thus increasing its susceptibility to cracking.

Wicker and Rattan: 

If you enjoy wicker furniture, you know it makes a great lightweight addition to your patio, but these materials can break down quite rapidly when exposed to excess moisture and cold.

According to a few surveys, in the U.S., almost 30% of owners end up with damaged outdoor furniture because it was not adequately protected for winter. So, here is a comprehensive guide on preparing different types of furniture and special care tips related to wooden furniture.

Essential Winter-Proofing Tips for Your Outdoor Furniture / Patio Furniture

Here are some approaches for safeguarding different types of outdoor furniture, including wood, metal, and wicker.

Clean Your Patio Furniture Thoroughly

Wash each piece well before covering or storing it. This removes dirt, debris, and mold spores that could destroy stored furniture.

Wooden Furniture: 

Clean with a gentle soap solution that will not remove the natural oils from the wood. Make sure to rinse really well and dry completely before putting it away if not in use to avoid mold growth.

Metal Furniture: 

Wipe it with soap in water and dry it properly to avoid rusting. Spraying a layer of car wax will add shine and help keep moisture out.

Wicker/Rattan Furniture: 

Dust off and clean with a mild detergent solution. Avoid getting the wicker saturated, as this can break down the wicker over time.

Plastic Furniture: 

Just a solution of soap in water is sufficient. After rinsing, dry entirely; the remaining water can freeze and rupture.

Pro Tip: For teak and other hardwood furniture, you can find specialty cleaners that restore natural oils and color without damaging the surface.

Apply Protective Coatings for Extra Durability

Different winter elements require different coatings; therefore, your furniture is no exception.

Wooden Furniture: 

Apply a water-repellent sealant or natural oil (teak or linseed) to create a moisture-repellent finish.

Metal Furniture: 

To protect against moisture-induced rusting, use a rust-resistant spray or wax. This step is crucial if the metal has paint on it.

Plastic furniture: 

A few sprays of UV-protectant help inhibit brittleness, allowing plastic to ebb and flow with temperature variations.

Wicker and Rattan: 

Use transparent varnish or waterproof paint to provide a moisture barrier while allowing some flexibility to prevent cracking.

Stat Fact: Properly applied sealants can reduce weather-related damage by up to 40%, making this step a worthy investment.

Use Quality Outdoor Furniture Covers

However, covering your furnishings is the first line of action against snow, rain, and wind. Here's what to look for:

These are must-haves for all furniture types. They keep moisture from getting in but help condensation escape.

A well-fitting cover will not get blown away with the wind or hold moisture.

Wooden outdoor furniture can benefit from breathable canvas covers, while metal typically performs better with completely waterproof materials.

Tip for Crafters & Weavers Customers: Investing in fitted covers can extend the life of your outdoor furniture, especially in areas with extreme winter conditions.

Store Cushions and Fabrics Indoors

The softest bits of your garden furniture are usually the first to suffer – textiles and cushions. Here is how to freshen them and stave off mildew:

Clean and Dry:

Clean cushion slip covers and completely air dry them before storing them so that no mold or mildew develops on the fabric.

Use Storage Bags or Bins:

Pack cushions inside plastic bins or waterproof storage bags in dry, sheltered areas such as a garage or basement.

Avoid Cold Floors:

When cushions are stored on stone or concrete floors, keep them off the ground to prevent dampness from entering.

Stat Fact: Proper indoor storage of cushions can prevent mold growth by up to 60%, keeping them fresh and ready for next spring.

Consider Indoor Storage for Added Protection

If space permits, storing your outdoor furniture indoors is recommended for the best winter protection:

Wooden furniture: 

If you store wood furniture outside, the elements like heat and cold can warp it, so place it in a garage, basement, or shed.

Metal Furniture: 

Reduced exposure and no freezing temperatures can weaken joints. However, metal furniture is far less likely to rust indoors in fall/winter.

Plastic Furniture: 

Keeping plastic furniture inside avoids brittleness, resulting in cracking after repeated scale freezes.

Wicker and Rattan: 

Keeping wicker and rattan indoors helps moisture avoid degrading the fibers, allowing you to enjoy these gentle materials for many years.

Pro Tip: Elevate furniture pieces off the ground to prevent cold from seeping into the materials, especially in damp areas.

Check and Maintain Hardware

The freezing and thawing cycles of winter have a tendency to loosen screws and create minor damage that can compound itself. Check and adjust the hardware regularly:

Wooden furniture: 

Tighten screws and reinforce joints if needed. Identify potential weak spots that require more support.

Metal Furniture: 

Inspect it for rust, the first sign of corrosion, and apply an appropriate rust prohibitor. If you find any bolts loose, tighten them (So they do not shift).

Plastic furniture: 

Look for cracks or weakness around the screws or fastenings, as plastic can shrink in freezing weather.

A simple maintenance check will help your outdoor furniture stay in top condition even through winter.

Weatherproofing Specific Furniture Types

Although this guide is specifically for wooden outdoor furniture, here's a brief overview of how to maintain other materials over winter;

Wrought Iron:

Apply a rust-resistant finish and wrap yourself in human skin. It's sturdy yet can rust, so you'll want to bring it inside.

Aluminum is probably more rust-resistant:

But it will eventually corrode with salt or moisture exposure. Keep it indoors or cover it tightly.

Plastic Resin Wicker: 

The active ingredient in a continuous moisture-resistant basket, plastic resin wicker, can become very brittle with cold. Wrap it or put it in a cool, dry spot.

Answering Your Winter-Prep Questions

Let's tackle some common questions related to winter-proofing outdoor furniture:

Q: How do you weatherproof outdoor furniture?

A: Start by thoroughly cleaning, applying protective coatings specific to each material, and covering or storing furniture in a dry, sheltered place.

Q: Can you leave patio furniture out in winter?

A: Covering is essential to prevent moisture—and temperature-related damage, especially to wood, wicker, and metal furniture.

Q: What about cushions and textiles?

A: Always store them indoors to protect them from moisture. This keeps them fresh and mildew-free for next season.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Outdoor Furniture Protected

Winter can be hard on all types of outdoor furniture / Patio Furniture, including wooden, metal, plastic, and wicker. Whether you invest in an outdoor patio furniture cover, bring your wicker chairs indoors, or have to buy new pieces, these steps will help keep the winter elements — snow, rain, and freezing temperatures — away from damaging your outdoor living space. Your furniture will be in tip-top shape, so it is ready to go when spring rolls around.

Visit Crafters & Weavers for premium outdoor furniture that withstands every weather element. Here are several enduring and well-made pieces to create an outdoor space you'll love year-round.