How Do I Protect Outdoor Furniture?

Aby and her designer friend, Drew, answer readers’ questions on upholstery, design, and everything in between. Email them at hello@abysupholstery.com and follow them both on Instagram @abysupholstery & @drewalbo

Ines Asks: I bought outdoor furniture since we’ve been staying home so much recently, and I’ve found that already things have started to look faded, dingy, and dirty. What is the best way to protect outdoor furniture? Do they all need slipcovers? Should we bring them inside? Not sure what the best protocol is.

Yes and yes. Outdoor furniture is one of those things that people never know how to manage. Do we bring it inside? Do we leave it out all year? Do we cover it? For those of us in warmer and dryer climates, it’s a bit easier to manage, but when rainy seasons come, or we’re experiencing seasonal changes in weather like extra pollen or ash fall from fires, there are some protocols that we all need to take into consideration when we want to keep our furniture in prime condition.

WATERPROOF DOESN’T MEAN FOREVER

While a lot of outdoor furniture is created with waterproof sealants and whatnot, they are not indestructible. In fact, sometimes, those sorts of sealants and protectors are only there for accidental spills, and occasional rainfall, not longterm water soakage, or lasting snowfall. They’re not meant to be left out all season, unprotected, and without proper storage. Just like you wouldn’t leave your favorite chair outside, the same should also be considered for your outdoor furniture, it won’t last forever.

COVER, CONSEIL, PRESERVE!

Instead, consider covering your items, either with custom waterproof slipcovers or by storing them in storage units where they won’t get wet. Occasionally wiping down your items, especially when they appear dingy or dull will help the longevity of them and preserve them a lot. It’s totally okay if on occasion you find yourself leaving your cushions outside unprotected, but definitely bring them inside when you remember, let them dry out, and if you know the forecast calls for bad weather, take preventative action to preserve them.

LUXURY NOT NECESSITY.

Think of your outdoor furniture, just as precious as your inside furniture. They aren’t necessities that you cannot live without, but more, or, less, a luxury item that also needs proper care and love from time to time.

XO,

Aby Figueroa-Vera