How Do I Care For My Garden Furniture?

By Author: Mike Smith
Total Articles: 102
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Garden furniture is available in a large variety of materials. From cast aluminium and teak to granite and woven, each material requires a different degree of maintenance.

Obviously the extent of the care required not only depends on the physical qualities of each material but also on the personal preference of the user. Some people do actually like their garden or patio furniture to look old and ‘weathered' rather than looking brand new. However, here are some very basic tips to keep the furniture in a good, clean condition.

Cast aluminium garden furniture requires very little maintenance. It can be left outside throughout the year and will not rust. If the table and chairs do become covered in leaves etc. then simply use a bucket of warm water and a soft sponge to remove any excess dirt. A power washer is not recommended as it can damage the paintwork if used too close to the surface. If the paintwork is damaged then simply use some propriety touch-up paint to cover any exposed areas. To give the metal an attractive sheen then some WD40 or metal furniture polish can be applied using a dry dust cloth.

Teak ...
... tables and chairs can be left untreated to weather such that they develop an elegant silvery grey colour. If this look is preferred then no care is required other than the removal of green algae and leaves etc. This can be carried out by using a stiff scrubbing brush and a bucket of warm water. The use of a power washer is generally not recommended as this can lift the grain of the wood ultimately damaging the furniture.

If the original brown colour of teak is preferred then a seasonal application of a water (not oil!) based teak protector is suggested. The teak protector acts as a type of ‘sun- cream' for furniture and it can help maintain the original brown colour of the teak for a longer period of time. If the teak is stained by fatty substances, oil or wine etc. or if it becomes rough to the touch then in most cases some fine sand paper should resolve these concerns. If the original ‘as-new' condition of the wood is favoured then a breathable cover and/ or indoor storage should also be considered.

Granite garden tables are popular because they require almost no care. The stone can be left outside throughout the year and just wiped down by using a bucket of warm water and soft sponge. If the granite fades over time then the application of extra virgin olive oil can nourish the stone and help to enhance its colour.

Plastic ‘all- weather wicker' seems to be the most fashionable garden furniture material available in the UK this season. This is partly because woven furniture requires a very minimal amount of care and because it can be left outside throughout the year. The woven tables and chairs can easily be cleaned by using a sponge and a bucket of warm water or even a power washer. If the woven table has a glass top then the use of some propriety glass cleaner to keep the glass looking good. Obviously, if the furniture is left outside all year then a protective cover should be used to prevent a build up a leaves and other garden waste on any surface areas.

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Teak Garden Furniture - Babylon Garden Furniture offers some of the best quality teak furniture for your garden. Check out the latest range of teak garden chairs and teak garden tables on our website and buy online to get heavy discounts.