No matter where you live, the furniture you have outside of your home will take a battering from the elements. This is especially true when you live in Australia. There will come a time when you need to consider replacing it as well. The signs that show it needs replacing will depend on the type of material it is made from, but if you know what to look for, you can spot the warning signs and start planning.
Below are some warning signs for different materials on their last legs that you will need to consider replacing and updating your outdoor furniture.
Wooden Furniture
Depending on the type of wood used for your outdoor furniture, it can be extraordinarily hard-wearing and last for a long time. Harder woods are an excellent choice, and if you protect the wood by using a stain or varnish, it can prolong their life significantly. If you live in a climate with lots of sun and moisture, this can affect wooden furniture and cause it to rot, and some types of furniture can be vulnerable to woodworm, termites, and beetles. If the wood is starting to rot or you have insects eating away at it, it is time to visit a trusted furniture store or buy outdoor dining set online as there are always plenty of options available. If the wood’s integrity is okay, you can get away with sanding down the wood and giving it a coat of varnish or staining it to protect it and keep it in excellent condition for a few more years.
Plastic Furniture
Plastic furniture is often cheap, and for that reason, it does not usually last for as long as other types of furniture. You can find that the sun and heat can cause the plastic to fade, making it seem unsightly. You can also find that plastic can become brittle with exposure to the elements, and it can collapse and potentially cause an injury if not replaced. If your plastic furniture is exposed to the elements always and starts to look tired and faded, it is time to replace it and get something longer lasting.
Metal Furniture
Metal furniture can last for a long time before you need to replace it, but it will take regular maintenance. You will need to look for signs of rust and as soon as you see any, treat the metal to get rid of the rust, seal it with a primer, and give it a coat of paint. It can then last for a couple more years before you need to repeat the process. However, there may come a time when the metal is too corroded, and you will need to look at replacing it rather than maintaining it.
Soft Furnishings
If your outdoor furniture has soft furnishings, it is an excellent idea to store these when not in use, which will prolong their lifespan. Store them in the house, garage, or garden shed, and bring them out when you need them, which will help to keep them looking in excellent condition for a long time to come.
When you do not have the budget to replace your outdoor furniture, there is plenty of information freely available on the internet to show you how to maintain and restore your garden furniture. Keep on top of the maintenance, and you can prolong its lifespan and have a comfortable environment area outside your home for many years to come.