While the idea of relaxing in the sun on your new patio furniture may sound like a perfect way to spend an afternoon, many outdoor furniture items aren’t designed to be left out in the rain. The good thing about outdoor furniture is that it’s designed to withstand the elements. But are all types of outdoor furniture weatherproof? Can you leave all your outdoor furniture out in the rain without worry?
Most people believe that all outdoor furniture is weatherproof, but this isn’t actually the case. A lot of people make the mistake of leaving their patio furniture outside throughout the winter and then wondering why it rots and breaks over time. In order to preserve your outdoor furniture, you need to understand what makes some pieces weatherproof and others not so much.
Is Outdoor Furniture Weatherproof?
Is outdoor furniture weatherproof? Short answer – yes, but not all of them. The best way to tell if you got weatherproof furniture is by reading the manufacturer’s documentation carefully. It is standard procedure for brands to include the details on outdoor furniture’s level of waterproofing. So, what you have to do is check to make an educated decision on whether or not you’re getting the most durable furniture that meets your needs.
However, if you’re buying second-hand, you might not have a manufacturer’s guide to confirm the level of weatherproof your furniture is made of. You have the option to contact the brand manufacturers if they’re accessible or try identifying the material. But if you can’t reach them, whether or not your outdoor patio is explicitly described as weatherproof, it is best to take proper precautions during harsh weather, especially winter.
When the weather condition is bad, it’s safest to take your furniture inside. If you don’t have the space, read on to learn how to extend the life of outdoor furniture. A lot of outdoor furniture isn’t designed to be moved around easily, so the only option is usually to protect and maintain them outside. Before talking about how to care for your outdoor patio, you might be wondering “can outdoor furniture get rained on?”
Can Outdoor Furniture Get Rained On?
Yes, you can choose to leave outdoor furniture outside when it’s raining; after all, you can’t pull your large couch inside every time it rains. However, different materials react differently to water, and certain pieces of furniture will fare better in rainy conditions than others.
If you intend to leave your patio furniture outside all year, choose a durable material that will not absorb water. Furniture built from non-waterproof materials may begin to corrode, bloat, or develop mildew and mold.
What types of outdoor furniture can you leave outdoors in the rain? Aluminum serves as an anti-rust foundation for pieces of furniture, and plastic rattan is an excellent alternative. Natural rattan must be kept safe in the conservatory. Hardwood is beneficial, especially when properly treated. Teak is one of the finest and most popular timbers for year-round backyard use, and it weathers to a lovely silvery-gray tint.
Even if your outdoor furniture is weather-resistant, covering it in winter is a wise investment. Your patio is well protected from wind, trash, mosquitoes, bird feces, as well as rain, by properly-fitting chair and table covers. That said, even for pieces of outdoor furniture that are weatherproof, not all are equally water-resistant. Let’s look at the best types of outdoor furniture that can get rained on.
Best Types of Outdoor Furniture that can Get Rained On
As a result of their location, outdoor furniture will invariably get wet. Certain fabrics, however, perform better out in the rain than others, so keep the following in mind when deciding what to buy:
Quick-dry foam
Quick-dry foam is standard material in most current outdoor cushions, but double-check to be sure.
Polypropylene
Furniture made of this very hydrophobic material is virtually impervious to rain, water infiltration, and mildew. It still needs to be kept clean and well-maintained.
Aluminum
Aluminum is perfect for outdoor furniture production since it contains no iron and hence does not rust. However, if not utilized in thick enough struts, it might appear frail – and is hence frequently used in less expensive patio furniture alternatives.
Acrylic fabrics
Acrylic textiles are wonderful for patio furniture since they are smooth and attractive while also having the necessary rain-resistant characteristics.
Teak
Expensive but exquisite and of excellent quality, oil-infused teak is sourced from tropical rainforests and so naturally resistant to water incursion. It is fairly pricey, but it is a terrific investment because it can last long in any weather conditions.
Polyester fabrics
Polyester textiles not only look wonderful and are available in an infinite number of colors, but they are also highly durable in both mild and heavy rain showers. Polyester is also simple to clean.
Resin wicker
A more durable alternative to real rattan, these braided strands of synthetic material are more weather resistant and tougher than their organic counterparts.
Polystone
This synthetic material is exceptionally water-resistant and can be shaped and sanded perfectly flat, making it ideal for outdoor table tops. It also comes with a granite-like polish, implying a level of quality far above its price.
Top 7 Tips for Outdoor Furniture Weatherproofing
- Keep your outdoor furniture clean and dry by storing it in a garage or shed when not in use.
- If you do get your furniture wet, make sure to dry it off as soon as possible to prevent water damage.
- Apply a water-repellant sealant to your furniture to help protect it from the elements.
- Cover your furniture with a tarp or plastic sheeting when bad weather is forecasted.
- Bring cushions and pillows indoors when they’re not in use.
- Inspect your furniture regularly for signs of wear and tear, and repair or replace damaged pieces as needed.
- Choose wisely when selecting outdoor furniture, opting for pieces made from weather-resistant materials like teak, wicker, or aluminum.
What Outdoor Furniture is the Most Durable?
If you prefer wooden outdoor furniture, the most durable outdoor furniture you can get is likely to be hardwoods such as teak, eucalyptus, or acacia. On the other hand, if you prefer metal outdoor furniture or outdoor furniture made with a metal-base frame, the most durable outdoor furniture is made of rust-resistant aluminum.
However, keep in mind that the options above are likely to be more expensive than their low-budget but lower-quality alternatives. Of course, for ultimate lifespan and peace of mind, you can’t beat protecting your outdoor furniture with a protective cover during bad weather, so search for options that can stack, fold, or offer space-saving design.
If you intend to leave your outdoor furniture in place during the winter, then getting a protective cover to keep the worst of the rain and snow off your garden furniture for extended periods of time is your safest option. The durability of your outdoor furniture depends on the material it is made with. As long as your outdoor patio is designed with the best materials that can resist harsh weather, it is sure to last longer.
What are the Best Materials for Durable Outdoor Furniture?
There are numerous materials to choose from, but not all will last the test of time. Outdoor furniture that appears to be a good deal may turn out to be a total waste of money when it comes apart or looks scruffy after a short period of time. It’s also possible that low-cost outdoor furniture isn’t intended to be left outside all year.
When picking your outdoor furniture, you have to consider how much maintenance you can handle. Check labels and ask salespeople questions. If they cannot guarantee the product’s longevity in all weather conditions, it may be a good indicator that regular maintenance (such as stain removal or moving it inside during poor weather or need to wipe off after rain) will be required to keep the patio in good shape for years to come.
Wooden Material
Wood can last for a long time when left outside, but it may be required to treat it with a moisture protection stain to avoid water penetration, which can lead to expansion and cracking. Look for marine-grade timbers, such as teak, which are well-known for outdoor durability. The beauty of teak is that it does not require staining or sealing because it creates its own natural oils that maintain the wood in good condition. Untreated teak will eventually turn grey, which is a popular patina. If you want the honey color that teak takes when wet, it will need to be sealed on a regular basis. But beware: sealing reduces the natural oil production of the wood, increasing reliance on manual oil application.
Metal Material
Powder-coated aluminum is an excellent material choice for outdoor patios. It is lightweight, durable, and not difficult to move around. While it can rust at joints, certain producers, such as Fermob, use an extra anti-corrosion layer to prevent rust from forming. Look for UV-resistant paint finishes to keep colors looking vibrant and saturated.
Synthetic Wicker & Rattan
For sofas, armchairs, loungers, and dining chairs, natural wicker or rattan is frequently woven onto aluminum frames. Natural rattan is a grass fiber that isn’t meant to be left outside all year since it is sensitive to mold and mildew growth and will eventually decay and degrade. Synthetic fibers that look like natural wicker and rattan but are waterproof and don’t fade are an excellent alternative for long-lasting outdoor furniture. Because of quality differences, some synthetic wicker is more durable than others.
How the fibers of synthetic wicker furniture are weaved and joined has a significant impact on whether or not the furniture will last longer. Sitting on a chair with a popped-out woven end can be excruciating! When weaving the strings, most producers will conserve materials by gluing the ends together. The glue might eventually fail and the ends separate. Unfortunately, due to weave tension, it is not always possible to bind these ends back together.
Manufacturers who prioritize quality at all phases of production, such as Osier Belle, will sacrifice some material so that the seams overlap and are soldered to the furniture frame. These minor nuances can make all the difference between a piece of furniture lasting many years or only a few seasons.
Can You Waterproof Your Outdoor Furniture Fabric?
In the spring and fall, all of your outdoor furniture should be carefully cleaned so that it can be stowed away for the winter. Even if you plan to use your furniture beneath a fixed veranda gazebo during the colder months, clean your furniture.
Depending on the type of fabric and your care or warranty instructions, you can treat it with fabric waterproofing spray after cleaning to extend its life.
You’ll need a spray that’s specifically developed for outdoor use and that’s appropriate for your fabric type. In general, because the waterproofing formulae are comparable, you can get the same sprays that are used on sailboat textiles.
Before spraying your furniture fabric, make sure it’s a dry, still day, and that you’re wearing safety gloves and goggles so that no spray gets on your hands or, worse, in your eyes. We’re dealing with some dangerous compounds here, so take precautions.
When waterproofing your furniture, here’s what to keep in mind:
Check for holes in the fabric (or that you’ve patched them) and that the cloth is entirely dry if you’ve spot-cleaned any stains.
Use a vacuum to remove any heavy dirt residues from the seams so that the spray can reach and protect any locations where water can accumulate.
Move the furniture away from any pot plants or the garden, possibly onto the driveway, and keep your pets away from the spraying area. If you read the label, you’ll discover that many of these waterproofing sprays are made with dangerous chemicals.
Spray your furniture fabric well according to the coverage requirements in the instructions. Again, ensure that the spray gets into the seams and any buttons to ensure optimum water resistance.
Before reusing your furniture, make sure they are thoroughly dry. If it begins to rain while the furniture is still drying, transfer it to a dry but well-ventilated room, such as the garage, with the door left open.
What Outdoor Furniture is Best?
You can rely on either wooden, metal, or synthetic outdoor furniture – what matters most is the quality of the production. However, even the best waterproof furniture can lose its quality over time, so it’s critical to clean, dry, and spray your furniture fabrics at least two times a year to keep your furniture cushions from becoming coated in mildew or fading in the sun.
If you take the time to choose the right textiles from the onset and care for them properly over time, your investment in water-resistant outdoor furniture will be money well spent.
