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As the outdoor season in Southwestern Ontario begins to wind up – unless you adopt the Scandinavian philosophy of continuing to fully enjoy the out-of-doors as it turns from brisk to cold - you will be starting to think about your fall chores. One of the typical early chores, at my house anyway, is to begin taking down and storing away patio umbrellas and awnings, while there is a stretch of dry weather, so as to avoid storing away damp/wet awnings and risking mildew or mould growth. And when Thanksgiving is long over and all the leaves raked, cottage owners begin the task of turning off water and boarding up their cottages for another season, unless they are fortunate enough to own year-round places. Along with whatever this outdoor wrap-up entails for you, comes storing away our outdoor furniture for the winter to protect it from the ice and snow for which our harsh winters in this area are known. If you’ve purchased outdoor furniture with us, then you already know you have an investment worth protecting! The extra time and care you take in preparing your outdoor furniture for the first snowfall makes a difference in how long your furniture lasts and for how long it looks like new.
There are a few basic guidelines as follows, which apply with most outdoor furniture.
Type of Material
First begin with knowing exactly what type of material you have, so you know what to do with your outdoor furniture in the winter, or what minimum you can get away with in terms of winter protection. The rest of the checklist will then follow appropriately. However, when it comes to storage decisions, there are options! So read on and let us fill you in on storing or using outdoor furniture in the winter….
A Good Cleaning
A consistent schedule of cleaning the surface will help remove dirt, grime and other surface build-up, that can help keep your furniture looking new. Start by vacuuming the furniture using a soft brush attachment to remove dirt and debris, particularly important with rattan whose grooves can easily pick up surface debris, and with teak furniture. Cleaning with a non-abrasive soap (we recommend Dawn dish soap) and water is all that is necessary for most types of outdoor furniture. Make sure to remove any soap residue, and allow the furniture to air dry completely before covering.
Check for Any Maintenance Required
Regular inspection and prompt repair prevent small problems from becoming big ones – check for any loose bolts and tighten. Check cushions for any rips or tears, and any cleaning required before storing for winter, so your cushions are ready in the spring whenever the weather turns.
Sustainable teak is the most durable type of wood, well-known for its resistance to the elements, as it’s one of the only types of wood that has a natural oil that repels water, making it perfect for outdoor furniture. But it requires care for you to protect your investment, and when cared for, can often be passed from one generation to the next. Various impregnation treatments specifically for teak need to be applied regularly to preserve its appearance, depending on whether you wish your teak to maintain its golden hue or patina to a silvery grey.
Cover It Up
Top quality outdoor furniture is designed to resist the elements, but that doesn’t mean you should leave your investment constantly exposed, especially during seasons when your furniture isn’t in use, and most particularly in our winter, as its lifespan will be much shorter. Snow, ice, cold and moisture wear on furniture and shorten its lifespan leading to the need for more maintenance. So, while the synthetic rattan and powder-coated aluminum lines we carry at Cottage Culture are designed to withstand the elements, we continue to recommend using furniture covers overtop to preserve the newness and longevity. Both rattan and aluminum furniture are more portable than furniture made from heavy cast iron, or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) - a dense, high-quality plastic, and so more manageable for moving into storage after covering.
Do make sure your sustainable teak furniture is dry following the appropriate impregnation treatment before you cover it for winter storage, otherwise it runs a high risk of developing mould. It is best to prevent your cover or tarp from resting firmly against flat surfaces such as tabletops, by allowing for air circulation (e.g. by placing a bucket on top of the table before covering it) thereby ensuring better ventilation than having the cover flat against the tabletop.
New at Cottage Culture this year, POLYWOOD®,
is a high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
line of outdoor furniture, especially interesting for people who haven’t the time, or don’t wish to deal with the ongoing requirements of protecting/storing their outdoor furniture. This POLYWOOD® furniture is low-maintenance, cleaning easily with soap and water, and you never need to paint, stain, or waterproof it, plus it boasts a 20-year warranty, saving you both time and money. This is weatherproof patio furniture, built to handle the harshest conditions from hot sun and salt spray to heavy winds and even blizzards! So, you don’t have to cover or store it for the winter – simply enjoy using it – just brush off snow and ice, and enjoy it in the winter too, if you are so inclined!
Over-Winter Storage
In our area, given the heavy snow, ice and extreme cold that winter tends to bring, the gold standard would be to store your outdoor furniture in a dry, protected area such as a shed, garage, basement, attic, large closet, or under a covered patio, during harsh weather conditions or when not in use. We recommend storing your furniture off the ground to prevent moisture or pests from damaging it.
If storing outside is the only option, use a waterproof furniture cover or tarp to protect it from the elements. Make sure the cover fits properly and covers all of the furniture.
However, if dedicated sole-purpose indoor storage is not feasible, you might consider repurposing outdoor furniture for winter use. For example, a sturdy picnic table can be used as a potting bench for indoor gardening projects, or patio chairs can serve as additional seating for indoor gatherings. This not only makes practical use of the furniture but also ensures it is kept in good condition while still being functional during the colder months.
Transition your Outdoor Furniture for Use Indoors
Much of the beautiful outdoor furniture at Cottage Culture could easily suit indoor décor, making the storage decision easy – just transition your outdoor furniture indoors for the winter season. If there is some extra space which exists, or can be created in your home, why not opt for this solution to your outdoor furniture storage needs?
Scandinavian-design outdoor furniture doesn’t always look as such, which means it’s very versatile and stylish. These features, in turn, mean you can gain year-round use for your investment in your outdoor furniture, rather than using it for only a fraction of a year, and spice up your indoor space at the same time. These benefits are in addition to creating additional seating to accommodate friends and family who will gather indoors with you over the holiday season and chilly winter months. How to achieve a coordinated look, you ask?
Decorating with this trend in the dead of winter without it feeling out-of-place is also easier than it appears. No longer just for patio use, all-weather wicker and rattan are taking over as a stylish and trendy material for home accents. Whether on furniture, lighting or tabletop accessories, this tropical looking material can bring a warm ambience to any room. As for why you should consider this trend, look no further that a few designers: Brooklyn-based interior designer Eliza Gran loves it for its ability to "feel both contemporary and vintage at the same time"; Dolley Frearson, co-founder of High Fashion Home says it feels "very organic, unstructured, and has a hand-made look that people are loving right now"; and Ben Marshall, Creative Director of Hudson Valley Lighting, similarly explains that the material allows people to feel more grounded and connected with nature, which has been a huge trend of late.
Let's also not forget sustainable natural teak, which can move indoors equally well, as can a number of the powder-coated aluminum pieces with their deep and comfortable cushions, and clean, architectural lines. Teak, wicker and rattan enhance a wide variety of styles including Bohemian, Coastal, Retro, British Colonial and other traditional styles, as well as Scandinavian of course! They add visual interest in neutral spaces without adding colour, and their casual, inviting feel is ideal for living spaces where comfort is key.
It's also completely possible to transform these pieces into a cozy, wintry scene come cold weather with some expert tricks - just lean in to Scandinavian style, juxtaposing materials and layering in cozy textures. As Kelly Mason, Manager of Creative and Content at Lulu and Georgia notes, rattan has a “very natural fit” in Scandinavian design, especially when it comes to the colder months. “A rattan chair with a sheepskin throw looks perfectly cozy by a roaring fire,” she says. You could also incorporate an element of upholstering, with a deeper colour cushion, such as slate or charcoal. Chunky knit throws and pillows, and cool-toned woods will also add to the Scandinavian feel. Mixing materials such as leather and metal with rattan will add depth and warmth to your setting. In one model living room for example, you will find two large rattan chairs, along with a leather sofa and a marble coffee table. This approach creates more interesting indoor spaces than the use of matching pieces does. Picture adding in a few candles, a crackling fire in the fireplace, and a steaming mug of some delicious beverage, and you’re all set!
In conclusion, winterizing outdoor furniture involves a combination of cleaning, protection, and storage strategies tailored to the type of furniture and available space. Whether you choose to cover and store your furniture, move it indoors, or find alternative uses, taking these steps will help safeguard your investment and ensure that your furniture is ready to welcome the next season with a fresh start.
Get Ready for Summer With Cottage Culture
If you've cleaned your older outdoor patio furniture and they are still looking like they are past their prime, it could be time to start shopping for an upgrade. Cottage Culture is here to help you pick out new patio furniture that will match your vision and style! We offer a wide variety of high-quality patio furniture and decor that will exude comfort, quality, and character.
Browse our patio furniture and decor online or visit our showroom in beautiful Hensall, Ontario to see our extensive collection of outdoor furniture, patio umbrellas, outdoor rugs, firepits, and so much more! You'll love dreaming up your perfect backyard while you browse all that we have to offer through our family-owned local business!
Living in the beautiful country of Canada we are lucky enough to experience the ever-changing seasons. These changes certainly keep us busy preparing for each one individually so we can fully enjoy the benefits of each season! As we start our preparations for winter our thoughts turn towards storing our patio furniture and how best to protect our investment. We have put together some helpful information and tips on how best to store your patio furniture over the winter months so it will be ready to use when the seasons change again!
Buying outdoor furniture can often be a relatively big investment and with both the budget and environment in mind it’s important that your furniture lasts for many years. Taking the time to take care of your outdoor furniture will lengthen the life of your furniture. If you keep your outdoor furniture clean, store it indoors in the winter and maintain routine maintenance you will have your furniture for years to come!
To help best protect our patio furniture, it helps to understand how the winter weather damages it. The main component is moisture. Moisture will get into cracks and even fine pores of the furniture freeze and then expand causing sometimes irreversible damage to the furniture. Also, moisture if left on the furniture before covering it for the winter months will lead to mold and mildew again causing damage to the furniture.
Snow is another factor to consider when storing your patio furniture. Snow is heavy! It may look light and fluffy when it is falling from the sky but when it accumulates snow is dense and heavy. This weight will cause your furniture to warp or break under the pressure.
One of the first things to consider is whether you would like to store your furniture indoors or leave the furniture outdoors with covers for protection. There are many different options for storage, a corner in your garage or basement is a great option. No extra space available? Try storage rentals, there are many different places that offer protected, dry areas to store your items for a rental fee. These fees vary and it is best to call around to get the best price. If you do choose to pursue the storage route, it is still recommended to cover your patio furniture with tarps or fitted covers to protect the furniture from dust and animals.
If you choose to leave your patio on the deck with covers, it is best to invest in a high-quality cover. There are many different things to consider when purchasing an outdoor cover for your furniture, the first being size. To find out what size of cover you require you must first find the dimensions of your patio furniture.
Sofas and chairs – To obtain the dimensions of your sofas and chairs measure the height from the ground to the top of the chair back this will give you the height. Next, determine the length (which is also called the depth of the furniture) by measuring the distance from the front to the back of the piece of furniture. You also require a measurement of the width, this is determined by measuring your piece of furniture side-to-side. The last measurement that you require is the arm height which is the found by measuring from the ground to the top of the arm rest.
Dining Sets – To obtain the dimensions of your outdoor dining set first measure the height of your dining chair by measuring the distance from the ground to the top of the back of the dining chair. Next, place all of the dining chairs around your table pushing them up to the table. Determine the length and width of the dining set when all pushed together by measuring from chair backs opposite each other. If your table is round you need only to measure the diameter of the set.
Now that you have the size of the cover your need, it is time to consider the material of the cover. Covers are generally made of polyester and vinyl or a combination of the two. Polyester alone is water resistant and will allow moisture to penetrate the fabric in hard soaking rains or if snow is left on the cover over time and “melts” through the fabric. If you are thinking of purchasing a polyester cover for outdoors consider polyester reinforced by waterproof PVC. PVC is essentially a thin layer of plastic with a fabric covering making it waterproof.
Cottage Culture has a variety of different sizes and shapes of covers available for your patio furniture. Whether you require a cover for a single chair, dining set or large patio grouping Cottage Culture has you covered! (pun intended) Call or stop in and ask our knowledgeable staff for assistance in choosing the perfect cover for your patio furniture.
With the size and type of material decided now it is time for the manual labor! Your outdoor furniture must be cleaned before you put it away for the season. Depending on the material of outdoor furniture this can be done in different ways:
Wicker- Vacuum your wicker furniture removing all the dust and dirt. Next, wipe down the furniture with a rag and soapy water. We recommend using Dawn dish soap as we find this best remove dirt and any oily grime that may be on your furniture. After going over your wicker piece of furniture with a rag use an old toothbrush to reach in the crevasses of the wicker making sure to get in all of those tight spaces! Now the hard part is done, just let your wicker furniture completely dry before covering or storing it. Any amount of moisture left on the furniture will promote mold and mildew growth.
Wood – Wood is the most vulnerable material as it naturally contains moisture. Just using a cover will not protect your wood furniture as wood continually draws moisture from the air. After cleaning your wood furniture, it is recommended to use a sealant that has moisture-resistant characteristics. Again, make sure your wood furniture is completely dry before covering or storing.
Teak – Storing teak furniture is different than storing wood furniture as teak naturally contains components to prevent mold and mildew. Teak will naturally patina to a grey colour. If you are wishing to maintain the honey-brown colour of new teak you will need to seal your teak furniture. We recommend to use a marine-grade sealer. Always apply the sealer on clean, dry teak. Depending on how dry your climate is the sealer will need to be reapplied every 6-12 months. For some great tips on maintaining teak furniture visit https://teakwarehouse.com/care/a-grade-teak-furniture-care/.
Plastic – Plastic has no issues with moisture. The most harmful winter element to plastic furniture are the cold temperatures. Cold weather will make plastic brittle over time allowing the plastic to crack. To give your plastic furniture longevity it is recommended to bring it indoors over the winter months. If you choose to leave your plastic furniture outdoors and your outdoor furniture is stackable, place the covered stack of furniture in an area that will not easily be bumped or hit.
Metal – Metal furniture is heavy and bulky making it hard to move therefore it is usually stored outdoors for the winter. Before covering your metal furniture for the winter be sure to give the furniture a thorough wash with soapy water followed by a scrub with a brush and quick rinse. Once the furniture is cleaned inspect it for any signs of rust. If you find any troublesome areas treat them with a rust-neutralizing primer. Although not required, it is recommended to apply a coat of wax to your metal furniture for added protection against the winter elements before covering it for the winter.
Outdoor cushions need to be stored away for the winter as well. The main winter determent to outdoor cushions are rodents. Wherever you choose to store your outdoor cushions be sure to take into account these pesky creatures. Consider placing a few Bounce dryer sheets amongst your cushions as the smell will deter the rodents. The first step in preparing your patio cushions for winter storage is to give them a good look over and spot clean any areas of concern with hot soapy water (again we recommend Dawn dish soap for best results) followed by a quick rinse as not to leave any soap on the cushions. Once your outdoor cushions are 100% dry they can easily be stored indoors in Rubbermaid containers or outdoors in a storage box. The Grasse storage box is large enough to fit all of your cushions keeping them all in one place! When you are looking for storage containers look for ones made of aluminum which is a rust-free material and will not leave marks on your cushions.
The most important tip is to make sure your outdoor furniture is completely dry before covering it up and storing it for the winter months. Wood furniture in particular must be dry and treated with a sealant to prevent mold and mildew.
It is best to prevent the cover from resting against flat surfaces of your furniture, such as table tops. Place a bucket or similar sized object on the table before placing the cover over top, this allows ventilation.
Furniture in any material can theoretically be kept outside, even in the winter, bit its lifespan will be much shorter. Snow, ice, cold and moisture wear on furniture and shorten its lifespan.
When you are cleaning your outdoor furniture prior to putting it away for the season take the short bit of extra time to give the piece of furniture a “once over.” Are there any screws missing or that might need to be tightened? Check metal furniture for signs of rust. If you see any signs of mold or mildew while cleaning treat them with bleach just be careful not to get it on your clothes!
While it may take a day or two to properly winterize and store your patio furniture for the winter, trust me it is worth taking the time. Keeping your outdoor furniture clean and regular maintenance will prolong the life of your furniture and your investment. These few steps will give you peace of mind over the long winter months when the snow and wind are howling that your furniture is safe and will be ready for you when the warm weather comes again!
