Garden furniture often receives plenty of attention in spring and almost none once the evenings draw in. By then, fallen leaves have gathered beneath the table, cushions are being carried indoors damp and the parasol is still open because there might be one more sunny afternoon.
A little preparation before persistent wet and freezing weather arrives can prevent staining, trapped moisture and avoidable wear. However, not every outdoor material needs the same treatment, so begin with the instructions for your particular garden furniture.
“Outdoor furniture” does not always mean that every part of the set should remain outside throughout winter.
Choose a dry day for the final clean
Cleaning furniture and immediately covering it while wet is worse than leaving it uncovered for another day.
Remove leaves and loose debris first, paying attention to joints, the underside of tables and the space beneath woven sections. Use the cleaning method recommended for the material and avoid pressure washers unless the manufacturer explicitly approves them. High-pressure water can damage finishes and drive moisture into gaps.
Allow the set to dry fully. Move the pieces into sunlight or a ventilated sheltered position if possible, and check the undersides before fitting covers.
This is also a useful moment to inspect for loose fixings, damaged feet, lifting finish or areas where water collects.
Store cushions indoors
Even when cushion fabric is described as shower-resistant, prolonged damp conditions are another matter. Outdoor cushions should generally be clean and thoroughly dry before they are stored.
Choose a dry, ventilated indoor location. Do not seal damp cushions inside plastic bags; trapped moisture and poor airflow create ideal conditions for mildew and unpleasant smells.
Brush away loose dirt and treat marks according to the care label. Removable covers are not necessarily machine washable, so check before removing them.
Storage boxes can be useful during the summer, but confirm that yours is intended for winter cushion storage and remains dry inside. Inspect it after heavy rain rather than assuming the contents are protected.
Use the right cover
A properly fitted cover protects furniture from bird mess, leaves and persistent dirt. It should not sit in large folds where rainwater can pool.
Compare suitable garden furniture covers and use the size recommended for the set. Fasten the cover securely so that wind cannot turn it into a sail or rub it repeatedly against the furniture.
Ventilation matters. Where the cover design permits it, allow air to circulate rather than wrapping everything in an airtight sheet. Check beneath the cover periodically, especially after storms, and remove any water that has collected on top.
A cover is protection, not permission to forget the furniture until April.
Caring for metal garden furniture
Aluminium is valued because it does not rust in the same way as ordinary steel, but its coating can still be marked or damaged. Clean it gently and inspect chips or scratches according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Steel furniture needs particular attention if its protective coating has been compromised. Do not apply random paint or treatment before checking what finish has been used. The correct repair product may be specified by the manufacturer.
Keep metal feet out of standing water and make sure drainage holes are clear. If lightweight chairs are staying outside, secure or shelter them before strong winds.
Caring for wooden garden furniture
Outdoor timber changes colour as it ages, and some woods naturally weather to a silver-grey shade. Whether this is acceptable or needs treatment depends on the species and the appearance you want.
Never assume that all timber needs the same general-purpose oil. Use only a product approved for the wood and existing finish.
Clean away leaves before they break down against the surface, and keep legs away from persistently waterlogged ground. If the furniture is stored inside, choose a dry, ventilated building rather than an extremely hot room that creates a dramatic change in conditions.
Caring for woven and rattan-effect furniture
Synthetic garden weave is often relatively low maintenance, but dirt still gathers between strands. Remove it gently with a soft brush or suitable vacuum attachment before wiping according to the instructions.
Do not scrub with an abrasive pad or force a pressure-washer nozzle into the weave. Inspect the frame beneath as well as the visible surface.
Natural rattan is different from outdoor synthetic weave and may not be designed for prolonged exposure to rain. If you are unsure which material you own, confirm it before deciding on winter storage.
Glass and ceramic tabletops
Remove loose grit before wiping a glass top so it does not scratch the surface. Check whether the tabletop can remain outside in freezing conditions and whether it should be lifted from the frame for storage.
Do not place hot water on a very cold glass surface in an attempt to melt frost. Sudden temperature changes can place stress on the material.
Ceramic and stone-effect tops also have model-specific guidance. Pay close attention to edges, joints and any openings where water could freeze.
Close and store the parasol
A parasol should not be left open unattended, particularly as autumn winds become less predictable.
Clean and dry the canopy according to its instructions, close it carefully and use its protective cover if supplied. Many parasols are best stored in a dry, sheltered place during winter. Remove the pole from the table if recommended rather than allowing wind to place pressure on both items.
A heavy base reduces movement but does not make an open parasol storm-proof. Browse suitable garden parasols and bases with the size and storage requirements in mind.
Check the set during winter
Every few weeks, take a quick look outside. Clear leaves, empty pooled water and check that covers remain secured. After strong winds, inspect the set before simply pulling the cover back into place.
If you are choosing new garden tables and chairs, think about winter before buying. Ask where cushions will go, whether the chairs stack and whether there is room to store or cover the entire set.
The furniture that suits your garden in July should also be manageable in January.