What is the Cheapest Way to Protect Outdoor Furniture?
Outdoor furniture is a significant investment in making your patio, garden, or deck more comfortable and enjoyable. But with constant exposure to harsh weather conditions like sun, rain, wind, and snow, it's important to protect that investment. The good news is that you don't need to spend a fortune to shield your furniture from the elements. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most cost-effective ways to protect your outdoor furniture while keeping it looking fresh and extending its lifespan.
Why Protecting Outdoor Furniture is Important
Outdoor furniture is exposed to a wide variety of weather conditions, which can cause damage over time. UV rays can fade colors and weaken materials, while rain and humidity can lead to rust, mold, or mildew. Protecting your outdoor furniture is essential to prevent wear and tear and save on replacement costs.
Understanding the Materials of Your Outdoor Furniture
Before diving into the cheapest ways to protect your outdoor furniture, it’s important to understand what it’s made of. Different materials require different types of protection.
Wood: Wood can warp, crack, or fade if left unprotected. Teak and cedar are more resistant to the elements, but all wooden furniture can benefit from some protection.
Metal: Metal furniture can rust when exposed to moisture, especially steel and iron. Aluminum and stainless steel are more resistant to rust but can still benefit from protection.
Wicker: Wicker, whether natural or synthetic, is prone to fading in the sun and can become brittle if it’s constantly exposed to extreme temperatures.
Plastic: Plastic furniture may fade or become brittle over time when exposed to the elements, especially UV rays.
Use Furniture Covers
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to protect your outdoor furniture is by using furniture covers. These covers are specifically designed to shield your furniture from rain, snow, dust, and UV rays.
Affordable: You can find durable covers at affordable prices, and they last for several seasons if maintained properly.
Weatherproof: Most covers are made from water-resistant materials like polyester or vinyl, protecting your furniture from moisture.
Customizable: You can buy generic covers or find ones specifically designed for your type of furniture to ensure a snug fit.
Pro tip: If you’re on a tight budget, you can use tarps as a makeshift cover. They’re inexpensive and still offer good protection against rain and sun, though they might not be as aesthetically pleasing.
Store Furniture During Harsh Weather
Another highly effective and cheap way to protect your outdoor furniture is to store it indoors during extreme weather conditions.
Seasonal Storage: During the winter months, when you're less likely to use outdoor spaces, consider moving your furniture to a garage, shed, or basement to prevent damage from snow and ice.
Portable Solutions: If you don’t have room inside, look into collapsible furniture that can be easily stored. Foldable chairs and tables are easy to store when not in use.
This option costs you nothing if you have extra storage space, and it significantly extends the life of your furniture.
Apply Protective Sealants and Sprays
For furniture made of wood, metal, or wicker, applying a protective coating can go a long way in preventing damage from the elements.
Wood Sealant: Wood sealants are an inexpensive way to protect wooden furniture from moisture, UV rays, and cracking. You can apply these yourself with a paintbrush.
Rust-Resistant Spray: For metal furniture, applying a rust-resistant spray is an affordable option. It helps prevent rust from forming, especially in areas with high humidity or frequent rainfall.
UV Protection Spray: You can also purchase UV protection sprays that are suitable for wicker and plastic furniture. These sprays help reduce fading and brittleness caused by constant exposure to sunlight.
These treatments are cheap, quick to apply, and can be done seasonally to maintain long-lasting protection.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your outdoor furniture can prevent buildup that leads to wear and tear.
Cleaning Wooden Furniture: Wipe down wooden surfaces with a damp cloth and mild soap to prevent grime buildup. Sand and re-seal any areas showing signs of wear.
Prevent Rust: For metal furniture, inspect regularly for rust spots. If you find any, sand them down and apply touch-up paint or a rust-inhibiting primer.
Wash Cushions and Fabrics: Don’t forget to clean cushions and fabrics. Most can be washed in a washing machine or hand-washed to remove dirt and prevent mold.
Maintaining your furniture is one of the cheapest methods to extend its life. It also keeps it looking fresh and clean without the need for expensive repairs or replacements.
Use Outdoor Rugs and Mats
If you’re worried about the feet of your furniture sitting in water after rain or being exposed to hot concrete, outdoor rugs and mats are an affordable solution. They help by elevating furniture slightly off the ground, protecting the legs from moisture damage.
Budget-Friendly: Outdoor rugs come in a wide range of prices, and you can find affordable options that will still do the job.
Aesthetic Appeal: They not only protect your furniture but also add a stylish touch to your outdoor space.
Choose rugs made from water-resistant materials to ensure they last as long as possible.
Repurpose Old Materials as Protection
One of the best budget-friendly solutions is to use what you already have around the house. You can repurpose items to protect your outdoor furniture.
Old Blankets or Towels: Cover your furniture with old blankets or towels during storms or sunny days to protect from the elements. While not as durable as dedicated furniture covers, they can work in a pinch.
Plastic Tablecloths: A plastic tablecloth can serve as an impromptu furniture cover, especially for smaller items like chairs and side tables.
Reusing materials you already own is an eco-friendly and free way to protect your outdoor furniture.
Move Furniture to Shady Areas
Sun damage is one of the main causes of wear and tear on outdoor furniture, especially plastic and wicker. Moving your furniture to shaded areas can significantly reduce exposure to UV rays.
Under Trees or Awnings: If you have a large tree or an awning, position your furniture underneath it to limit exposure to direct sunlight.
Umbrellas: Outdoor umbrellas are an inexpensive option to provide shade to your furniture. They come in various sizes and styles, and you can easily move them around to protect different pieces of furniture.
This small adjustment can make a big difference in how long your outdoor furniture lasts.
Bring in Cushions and Fabrics
Cushions, pillows, and other fabric items are often the first things to show signs of wear and tear. One easy way to extend their lifespan is to bring them inside when they’re not in use.
Weather-Resistant Storage: Store cushions in a waterproof storage box or indoors during heavy rain or extreme heat to prevent fading and mold.
Quick Dry Fabrics: Invest in weather-resistant, quick-dry fabric for cushions. These materials are designed to withstand the elements better than standard outdoor fabrics.
By simply storing fabric items, you reduce the need for constant replacements, saving you money in the long run.
DIY Furniture Covers
If you enjoy DIY projects, making your own furniture covers can be a budget-friendly and fun way to protect your outdoor furniture. Here are some ideas:
Use Drop Cloths: Drop cloths, typically used for painting, can be an inexpensive material for DIY furniture covers. They’re durable, waterproof, and can be tailored to fit your furniture.
Sew Your Own Covers: If you have basic sewing skills, you can sew your own furniture covers using outdoor fabric. This allows you to customize the size and style to fit your needs while keeping costs low.
DIY solutions allow you to save money while creating covers that are tailored to your exact specifications.
Consider Secondhand Furniture Protection Options
When looking for affordable furniture protection, don't overlook secondhand options. Many people sell gently used furniture covers, storage containers, and even protective sprays for a fraction of the retail price.
Online Marketplaces: Check out platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace for secondhand outdoor furniture protection items.
Yard Sales: Local yard sales or flea markets are also great places to find inexpensive protective items for your furniture.
This is a budget-friendly option that can still offer high-quality protection.
Conclusion
Protecting your outdoor furniture doesn’t have to be expensive. By using a combination of budget-friendly solutions like covers, protective sprays, regular cleaning, and smart placement, you can keep your furniture looking great and extend its life without breaking the bank. Whether you're repurposing old materials, storing items during bad weather, or investing in affordable covers, these cost-effective strategies will help you get the most out of your outdoor furniture for years to come.
Related blog: Which outdoor furniture is the easiest to maintain?