How to Take Care of Outdoor Furniture During Fall & Winter

So you’ve decided to upgrade your patio furniture for autumn — congrats! Updating your decor choices, both indoors and outdoors, is a great way to welcome in the coming cooler months as well as encourage entertaining for the upcoming holidays.

Your mind is likely reeling with ideas for how to decorate, which color palettes to use, and how many people you’re aiming to entertain. What you might not have spent much time thinking about, though, is not only what types of materials would be aesthetically appealing but also what materials would last the longest in your area’s typical weather conditions. When you begin the patio furniture buying process knowing exactly what to expect, you are much more likely to make a smart purchase that will last you for years.

5 Materials That Stand Up Against Autumn Weather

This, of course, is where we step in. Below, we have compiled a list of the most practical patio furniture materials for the fall season to help you make the best decision that will both complement your patio aesthetically but also give you years of use (and therefore likely saving you a bit of money)! We’ll also help set you up with some tips to help you maintain your patio furniture and keep it in great condition not just for the season, but for years to come.

1. Cast Aluminum

Cast aluminum patio furniture is a popular choice for outdoor furniture due to the natural durability and elegance this material offers. Naturally resistant to rust, cast aluminum furniture will last for quite a long time, so you can be sure you are getting a good value with your purchase. Cast aluminum is also very light, making it easy to move around your yard or relocate when you move house. That being said, this quality makes this type of furniture sometimes impractical if you live in an area that experiences high winds, which is common in the fall.

How to Care for Cast Aluminum Furniture:

Similar to how you should be caring for iron, check for scratches periodically as that exposed and untreated area can become even more damaged if not tended to. You can even apply baby oil to areas of the furniture to avoid dirt buildup in the crevices. Similar to any basic care of your outdoor furniture, remember that the best way to keep it in great condition for an extended amount of time is to store it away during intense storms or when it’s very humid.

2. Natural Cedar

If you are looking for patio furniture that is naturally resistant to insects and rot and looks quite a bit nicer than plastic, you can’t go wrong with natural cedar wood. This material is popular for outdoor furniture due to how simple it is to customize — you can either choose to leave the wood natural or paint or stain it to your liking. That being said, know that there are still some care practices that are necessary in order to keep your natural cedar patio furniture looking its best.

How to Care for Cedar Furniture:

Cedar is a porous wood, which means it can stain easier and runs the risk of discoloration over time. We recommend that during storms or extended amounts of time outside without use you store the furniture under a cover to keep it in the best possible shape. You can also use a bleach/water solution to rub out any staining that might occur.

3. Plastic & Resin

Plastic or plastic resin chairs can be found in the patio section of just about any store you frequent or browse online. They’re usually the least expensive option, as well as the easiest to clean and maintain. That being said, plastic patio furniture tends to have the shortest lifespan of any furniture listed in this article. If you live in a hot climate, be aware that you will likely be switching out your furniture every couple of years — especially if it stays out in the sun all day.

If you live in an area that is cooler or rainier during the fall, you’re in luck: plastic patio furniture is not likely to be especially weathered from the extra moisture. However, it would be wise to consider weighing down any light-weight outdoor furniture, such as plastic, to ensure that it doesn’t get swept away with a gust of wind.

How to Care for Plastic Furniture:

Use a very light brush and soap/water mixture to clean the furniture when it gets dirty. If you notice that mold has grown on your furniture or if you have accidentally missed a spot multiple times in a row, you can use Goo Gone and that will help remove the mold or mildew.

4. Teak Wood

Teak wood is a beautiful, natural, and durable choice of material for your patio furniture. In fact, teak wood might just be the most low-maintenance furniture that you can buy. This type of patio furniture is naturally weather resistant to all kinds of weather conditions, which means that it is the perfect option for almost any yard in the country. Teak wood comes in a wide range of natural hues. You can find teak wood furniture either treated with teak oil or sanded down.

How to Care For Teak Wood Furniture:

When teak wood is left unattended and uncared for, it runs the risk of having mildew backup which can then stain the wood. By simply dusting off the teak wood about once a week, you can bring down that risk quite a bit. You can also purchase teak wood cleaner at any hardware store that you can use for tougher stains.

5. Wrought Iron

Wrought iron patio furniture is known for being an expensive option in outdoor patios, especially when compared to a lot of the other options that we are discussing in this article. But there are a number of benefits of wrought iron that you should consider when selecting a material for your patio or outdoor furniture.

Wrought iron patio furniture is the preferred furniture material for many due to its durability. Customers also appreciate that wrought iron furniture is often styled rather elegantly, and it adds an upscale touch to any yard or deck. This material is also weather proof, so if you experience harsher falls and winters, this could be the furniture material for you. While it might cost you a bit more up front, it could ultimately end up saving you money down the road if you care for it properly and treat it like the investment that it is.

How to Care For Wrought Iron Furniture:

The best way to avoid any issues with the quality of your iron furniture is to clean it periodically with soap and water. Make sure that when you wipe it down you let it dry completely and there aren’t any crevices that the liquid can be stuck in. If left wet, the iron could rust and rot. Also check for any scratches on the iron as when it is left bare it can also begin to rot.

Choosing the furniture that goes on your patio or your yard requires more than just a good eye for style. It’s about knowing what kind weather your furniture needs to endure and how to maintain it to ensure that you get the most out of your patio furniture as well as your money. Knowing exactly what kind of maintenance you should expect to be doing is the first step to making the most educated decision while shopping. Remember, your furniture can look good and last you longer than you thought it could. It’s all about understanding the upkeep.