Caring Tips For Your Patio Furniture

Because outdoor furniture is, well, outdoors, there will be many occasions to repair that outdoor furniture. The heat of the summer, the freezing temperatures of winter and the erosion caused by rain will all end up affecting all of the furniture that you use outdoors. Sooner or later you will need to find a way to repair outdoor furniture in order to maintain the comfort and the attractiveness of your yard.

Repair and Maintenance of Wood Furniture

Some minor repairs can be made to the dings and scratches that occur with normal use. If a good quality, penetrating stain was originally used on the wooden furniture, then a light sanding with fine grain sandpaper should be enough to smooth out those light damages. For heavier damages, the more complicated actions of extensive sanding, staining and refinishing may be necessary. In some cases, wooden furniture may need to be taken apart and parts of the furniture will need to be glued with wood glue or replaced with other wooden parts.

The need for repairs on your wood furniture can often be avoided if furniture is covered or moved under a shelter when it isn’t in use.

Repair and Maintenance of Metal Furniture

Lawn chairs with metal frames can be fixed up with some simple repairs. A few examples of these simple repairs involve the use of an automotive cleaner or polishing compound, paint touch-ups or the replacement of fasteners. Rust, mold or mildew may also affect metal furniture. Rust removers are commonly sold. After using a heavy wire wheel for sanding to remove the rust or mildew, the rust remover can also be applied. To prevent mold or mildew from growing back, a bleach/water solution should be used. The entire metal frame should then be primed with a rust resistant primer and then repainted. More extensive repairs may involve the replacement of parts which may be ordered online or fashioned out of other materials.

Once again, keeping this outdoor furniture protected during inclement weather or when not in use is a good idea. There are many people who use their outdoor furniture as part of their landscaping design, so constant attention to minor damages will be needed for appropriate maintenance.

Repair and Maintenance of Plastic Furniture

Plastic outdoor furniture provides homeowners with an inexpensive and hardy alternative to other outdoor furniture. When this furniture begins to show signs of wear, some homeowners may choose to simply replace the furniture. However, even plastic furniture can be repaired and improved in order to update the look of the furniture. Simple sanding will remove and smooth out scratches. A mild detergent and a handy garden hose can be used to wash off marks and scuffs. In cases where a whole new look is desired, plastic chairs can be treated and then painted with an outdoor paint.

Plastic furniture is probably the easiest to maintain. A light cover can protect the plastic from the wear that occurs because of the elements. Otherwise, using the furniture correctly should lead to years and years of comfortable use.

Other Types of Furniture or Combination Furniture

You may find that your outdoor furniture is built from a combination of materials or is made out of something less common than wood, metal or plastic. If this is the case, then you might have to get more creative in your repairs. In many cases, you will be able to find replacement parts and instructions for repairs on the Internet. These resources can help you with any necessary repairs.