As the weather is starting to take a turn, you might be wondering how certain types of garden furniture will fare being left to the mercy of the elements. Here’s a rundown of how different materials need to be treated year-round and what stands up to US weather the best.
Can aluminium garden furniture be left outside?
Aluminium is an extremely hardwearing material and is great for leaving outside, thanks to its rust-resistant properties. The only word of caution is that this fantastic material is quite lightweight, which is a real bonus when it comes to moving pieces around easily but can prove a pain if you live in an exposed, coastal or particularly blustery area because it could mean furniture items get blown around in strong winds. In this instance, it would be advisable to bring furniture inside if windy weather is on the horizon. If you have stacking chairs, you can put them together to add weight and cover them with a PVC-free cover while securing them with clip-on sandbags to prevent wind lift.
If strong winds are not a factor where you live, aluminium garden furniture can happily stay out year-round without any need for maintenance.
The aluminium LifestyleGarden® uses for its furniture is commonly used for boatbuilding and water-sensitive shore applications, making it the very best choice for products used outdoors. For added protection, all aluminium components and products are coated with Duracoat®, a polymer-based, multi-layer powder coating for effective protection from the weather. This exceptional coating also helps furniture retain its colour year after year.
Can hardwood furniture be left outside?
While not as robust and maintenance free as aluminium or synthetic weave furniture, hardwood furniture, including eucalyptus and teak, can still stay outside throughout autumn and winter. However, it’s worth noting that its appearance will change over time, with wood forming an aged silver patina. Some people love this look and feel it gives furniture more character but, if you prefer to retain the original golden tones of your wooden furniture, you will need to give it some TLC.
We would advise keeping wooden furniture covered when not in use – particularly during wet or frosty weather – and using a wood protector, which helps make wood water repellent and prevents stains. If the wood has been left out and become discoloured and grey, fear not because it can very easily be restored with our Eco Safe Wood Cleaner, followed by a wipe down with a decent Wood Sealer, which nourishes timber, maintains the wood’s natural colour and prolongs it for a long time, thanks to a UV-blocker.
Can plastic garden furniture be left outside?
Plastic outdoor furniture is a fantastic low-maintenance option. Unlike wood or metal, plastic furniture doesn’t rust, fade, or rot and requires no staining or painting. This makes it perfect for outdoor use, as it withstands the elements while retaining its appearance and functionality.
LifestyleGarden®’s Social Plastic® takes it a step further. Made entirely from recycled plastics collected through a circular recovery project, it’s a sustainable choice that’s both beautiful and practical.
Social Plastic® is completely water-resistant and maintenance-free, so you can leave it outside year-round with no worries. Simply wipe it with a gentle cloth to keep it looking as good as new.
With these tips, you should be able to enjoy your furniture and keep it looking fresher for years to come.
