Advice
RHS Help & Advice
Maintaining garden furniture
If space is available at the back of the garage or in a garden shed, store garden furniture for the winter. Tilting furniture and keeping the feet off wet ground will help if it is left out over winter. Alternatively heavy-duty waterproof covers will keep out the worst of the winter weather.
Hardwood furniture is the most durable, but treated softwood such as pine is cheaper and more readily available. To keep it in good condition wash down surfaces regularly with a suitable cleaning product and treat with a wood stain or paint when necessary. This is best done in dry weather in the autumn. Pay particular attention to horizontal surfaces and areas that collect water or are in contact with damp soil. Many wood staining products suitable for garden furniture come in a range of colours.
Metal garden furniture needs to be cleaned and checked for rust. This can appear in plastic coated metal furniture when there are cracks in the plastic. Treat with rust preventing paint after removing loose material. Joints and fixings may need oiling to allow free movement.
Plastic furniture is easy to maintain. Clean regularly, especially pale coloured furniture. Furniture left out over winter or exposed to strong sunshine, can become brittle over time.