Autumn can be one of the toughest seasons for garden furniture. Falling leaves, frequent rain, cooler temperatures and longer periods of damp weather can leave tables and chairs dirty, stained or covered in algae before winter has even arrived.
A little preparation at the beginning of autumn can make a considerable difference. Cleaning furniture, checking for damage and deciding which pieces need to be stored or covered helps protect surfaces and reduces the amount of maintenance required next spring.
This is particularly important for furniture that remains outside throughout the year. Different materials react differently to moisture and falling temperatures, so the best approach depends on whether your garden furniture is made from wood, aluminium, steel, plastic or rattan effect materials.
Autumn Conditions and Garden Furniture
Summer weather generally allows outdoor furniture to dry relatively quickly after rainfall. During autumn, lower temperatures, shorter days and reduced sunlight mean moisture can remain on surfaces for much longer.
Fallen leaves are another problem. A layer of wet leaves sitting on a table or chair can hold moisture against the surface and may eventually leave stains. Leaves and debris also collect around chair legs, beneath tables and between woven materials.
Furniture positioned in shaded areas can be particularly susceptible to green algae on garden furniture as surfaces remain damp for longer. Regularly brushing away leaves and debris can reduce the conditions in which algae develops.
Before the weather deteriorates further, inspect tables and chairs for loose fixings, damaged coatings, cracks or other areas that may become more vulnerable during prolonged wet weather.
Cleaning Furniture Before Winter
Start by removing cushions, parasols and other soft furnishings. Brush away leaves, cobwebs, soil and loose debris before washing the furniture.
For most outdoor furniture, warm water with a small amount of mild detergent provides a suitable starting point. Use a soft cloth, sponge or brush and pay particular attention to joints, legs, undersides and other areas where dirt can collect.
Avoid assuming that stronger cleaning products will produce better results. Harsh chemicals can damage finishes, affect colours and remove protective coatings. Pressure washers also need to be used cautiously as concentrated water pressure can damage timber, paint finishes and woven materials.
Once cleaned, rinse away any detergent and allow the furniture to dry thoroughly before covering or storing it.
Wooden Garden Furniture
Wood needs particular attention before prolonged wet and cold weather.
Remove dirt and organic matter using a suitable brush and mild cleaning solution. Avoid unnecessarily saturating the timber and give it plenty of time to dry afterwards.
Inspect the wood for splitting, raised grain, loose joints and areas where an existing finish has deteriorated. Depending on the type of timber and its existing treatment, an appropriate exterior oil, stain or sealant may provide additional protection.
Teak contains natural oils that make it particularly suitable for outdoor use, although its appearance will gradually change as the timber weathers. Regular maintenance of outdoor teak furniture can help preserve its appearance while also providing an opportunity to identify developing problems before winter.
Wooden furniture should never be covered while it is still damp. Trapping moisture beneath a cover can encourage mould and prevent the timber from drying naturally.
Aluminium Garden Furniture
Aluminium is a practical material for outdoor tables and chairs because it does not rust in the same way as steel and generally requires relatively little maintenance. These qualities make aluminium furniture suitable for gardens, terraces, cafés, pubs and hospitality seating areas.
Wash aluminium frames with warm soapy water and inspect joints, feet and fixings while cleaning. Dirt can accumulate around these areas and retain moisture if it is not removed.
Although the aluminium frame itself is resistant to rust, fixings and other components may be manufactured from different metals. These areas should be checked periodically for signs of deterioration.
Regular maintenance of outdoor aluminium furniture is relatively straightforward and can help tables and chairs remain presentable throughout repeated seasons of outdoor use.
Stackable aluminium chairs are particularly useful during autumn because surplus seating can be moved into a smaller storage area once it is no longer regularly required.
Steel Garden Furniture
Steel furniture can perform very well outdoors provided its protective finish remains intact.
Autumn is a good opportunity to look for scratches, chips, bubbling paint or small rust spots. Once bare steel is exposed to persistent moisture, corrosion can begin underneath the surrounding finish.
Clean the furniture and allow it to dry before treating affected areas with a suitable rust treatment, primer or exterior metal finish where required.
Pay particular attention to welds, joints and the bottom of chair and table legs. These areas can remain wet for longer and small areas of damage may be easy to overlook.
If steel furniture is stackable or easy to move, storing surplus pieces under cover can reduce their exposure to persistent rain during the months in which they are used less frequently.
Rattan Effect Furniture
Most modern outdoor rattan furniture uses synthetic woven material rather than natural rattan. Synthetic rattan is better suited to outdoor conditions, but it still benefits from regular cleaning during autumn.
Leaves and dirt can become trapped between the weave, so use a soft brush or vacuum attachment to remove loose debris before washing. Warm water and mild detergent can then be used to clean the surface.
Allow the furniture to dry properly, including the spaces between the woven material. Damp organic material left between the weave can encourage staining and algae growth.
Black woven designs remain a popular choice for gardens and hospitality terraces, with black rattan garden furniture combining an easy to coordinate finish with practical outdoor seating.
Natural rattan requires considerably greater protection from damp conditions and is generally better moved into a dry location rather than left exposed throughout autumn and winter.
Plastic Garden Furniture
Plastic tables and chairs are relatively straightforward to maintain and can usually be cleaned using warm water, mild detergent and a sponge or soft brush.
Avoid routinely using strong bleach or abrasive cleaners, particularly on coloured furniture, as these may affect the surface or finish. Stubborn marks should be treated using a cleaning product suitable for the particular type of plastic.
Plastic furniture should also be checked for cracks or damaged sections before colder weather arrives. Some plastics can become more brittle at low temperatures, particularly where the material is already ageing or damaged.
Stacking designs make storage considerably easier, with stacking chairs allowing multiple seats to occupy a relatively small amount of floor space in a garage, shed or commercial storage area.
Cushions and Soft Furnishings
Even cushions intended for outdoor use benefit from being brought inside during extended periods of wet autumn weather.
Remove cushions and seat pads before covering or storing furniture. Clean them according to their care instructions and make sure they are completely dry before putting them away.
A dry, ventilated storage area is preferable to sealing slightly damp cushions inside plastic bags or containers. Trapped moisture can result in mould, mildew and unpleasant odours.
Parasols should also be cleaned and thoroughly dried before being folded and stored. Leaving a damp parasol tightly closed for several months can cause staining and mildew to develop within the fabric.
Furniture Covers
A suitable furniture cover can provide useful protection where indoor storage is unavailable, but covering furniture correctly is important.
Choose a cover that fits securely while still allowing some ventilation. A completely sealed sheet can trap condensation underneath and leave the furniture damp for extended periods.
Furniture should be completely dry before the cover is fitted. Check covers periodically throughout autumn and winter, particularly following strong winds or heavy rain, and avoid allowing water to pool on top.
Where possible, leave enough space beneath the cover for air to circulate rather than wrapping furniture as tightly as possible.
Pick a Sheltered Position
Furniture that remains outdoors can often be given additional protection simply by moving it to a better position.
A sheltered patio, covered terrace, pergola or area close to a building may receive less direct rain than an exposed section of the garden. Avoid low areas where water regularly pools following heavy rainfall.
Keeping furniture away from overhanging trees can reduce the amount of wet leaves, bird mess and other organic debris collecting on surfaces.
Lightweight furniture should also be positioned securely before autumn storms arrive. Stacking chairs that are no longer needed can be moved into storage rather than leaving individual chairs exposed to strong winds.
Storing Garden Furniture
A garage, shed, outbuilding or other dry covered space provides the greatest protection for furniture that will not be used during autumn and winter.
Always clean and dry furniture before storage. Putting dirty or damp furniture away for several months can result in mould, staining and corrosion.
Stack chairs carefully where their design allows it and fold tables or chairs designed for compact storage. Furniture should not be packed so tightly that air cannot circulate it.
Where furniture has to remain outside, keeping it away from persistently wet ground and using a suitable breathable cover can reduce its exposure. Taking a few extra precautions when storing garden furniture over winter can also make spring cleaning considerably easier.
Keeping Outdoor Seating In Use
Preparing garden furniture for autumn does not necessarily mean putting everything away.
Many households continue to use patios and gardens during milder autumn days, while cafés, pubs, restaurants and hotels may keep terraces and outdoor seating areas operating throughout much of the year.
Rather than storing everything, consider reducing the amount of furniture left outside. Keep the tables and chairs you regularly use accessible and move surplus pieces into storage.
Stacking and folding furniture is particularly practical for this approach because seating can quickly be brought out during good weather and stored again afterwards. Complete commercial outdoor furniture sets can also make it easier to create defined seating areas on patios, terraces and other outdoor spaces.
Autumn Garden Furniture Checklist
Before colder winter weather arrives:
- Remove fallen leaves and loose debris regularly
- Clean tables and chairs using products suitable for their material
- Allow furniture to dry thoroughly before covering or storing
- Check wooden furniture for splits and deteriorating finishes
- Inspect steel furniture for chips and early signs of rust
- Remove dirt trapped within rattan effect weaves
- Check joints, feet and fixings for damage
- Store cushions, parasols and other textiles somewhere dry
- Stack or fold furniture that is no longer required
- Move remaining furniture to a more sheltered position where possible
- Use breathable, correctly fitting furniture covers
- Check covers and furniture after periods of heavy rain or strong winds
Completing these jobs during autumn reduces the amount of work required once colder winter conditions arrive.
Garden Furniture Through Autumn and Winter
British autumn weather can be wet and unpredictable, but garden furniture does not need to deteriorate simply because summer has finished. Keeping surfaces clean, preventing moisture from becoming trapped and dealing with small areas of damage early can significantly reduce seasonal wear.
Frost, freezing temperatures and snow can affect garden furniture differently depending on its material, condition and location. Furniture left outside should therefore continue to be checked periodically rather than being covered in autumn and forgotten until spring.
BE Furniture Sales supplies commercial outdoor furniture for homes, cafés, pubs, restaurants, hotels and other venues throughout the UK. Combining furniture suited to outdoor use with sensible seasonal maintenance helps keep tables and chairs clean, functional and ready for use for many seasons to come.
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