SOLUTIONS: Get your patio furniture all decked out

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/07/2011 (5211 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Caring for patio furniture

— Before buying new patio furniture, consider turning other items — such as big empty spools that hold wires from construction sites — into furniture. Make benches out of found wood: large logs turned on end make good stools and seats for your deck or patio.

— When you shop for new patio furniture, check warranties, care instructions and maintenance guidelines. Be sure the furniture you choose is durable and that parts will be available when you need them.

— Teak will last a lifetime. The hardwood, teak tree is native to Southeast Asia and Africa and grows to be 30 metres tall. The only maintenance necessary for teak furniture is periodic cleaning with a soft bristle brush, then rinse the entire piece to remove dirt and any remaining solution.

For deeper cleaning and tackling stains use a teak cleaner. This will remove the silver-grey patina and restore the furniture’s original colour. Tip: For extra protection apply a teak sealer.

— Cedar wood is naturally resistant to weather and over time changes to a silvery grey weathered look that many people prefer. Unfinished northern white or western red cedar can be cleaned using a solution of 500 ml vinegar to 2.5 litres of water and 60 ml of liquid detergent. Scrub with a soft brush.

— Cedar may be stained, painted or left as is; there are a variety of stains suitable for finishing cedar patio furniture. Choose a deep penetrating stain in order to preserve the wood and retain its natural beauty. The stain should have mildew inhibitors and water-repellent additives. All penetrating stains go deep into the wood but do not form a surface barrier, this eliminates blistering and peeling (these stains are perfect for woods that have knots and coarse grain).

All of these factors make stain preferable over paint. Follow the manufacturer’s instruction for application. Reapply every two to three years.

— If choosing to paint outdoor cedar furniture, remember that all exterior paints will flake and peel over time. When this happens, scrape and apply new paint every other year in order to keep cedar furniture looking beautiful. Always follow the manufacturer’s direction when applying exterior paint.

Tip 1: Avoid using oil-based exterior paint on cedar patio furniture because it attracts dust and dirt.

Tip 2: For regular cleaning of finished cedar patio furniture, wipe with a damp cloth.

— Other choices for wood furniture are: cypress wood (resists insects and rot), Brazilian hardwood (heavy and durable) and pine (resists weather, decay and insects).

— Cast aluminum makes a great choice for patio furniture. It is lightweight and resists rust. Also, cast aluminum can be as beautiful as other patio furniture constructed from different materials and it is simpler to care for and maintain. Clean with soap and water.

— If the paint on aluminum furniture is in poor condition, rub it gently with a piece of fine sandpaper to smooth it out. Use car-wash polish to buff the furniture back to its original lustre.

— If the finish of wicker furniture becomes damaged, bring it back to life by using a permanent marker, nail polish or touch-up paint that matches the colour and blend away the exposed areas. To give the wicker a whole new look, spray-paint each piece with a can of outdoor spray paint (use a spray paint formulated for outdoor wood and wicker). Apply several coats on all sides of the furniture.

— All natural wickers tend to dry out if left in the sun. Therefore, keep natural wicker outdoor furniture in shady areas such as under trees, umbrellas, or on a shady side of the house.

— If you choose to completely repaint your wrought iron patio furniture, use a paint that is specifically formulated for metal. Be sure to rough up the metal with sandpaper so that the paint adheres.

— If wrought iron becomes stained, sand with a light sandpaper and apply touch-up paint. Apply thin coats of paint and allow paint to dry between coats.

— Plastic patio furniture is maintenance free and lightweight. To maintain, clean with dish soap and water. Plastic furniture is great for the family budget. Modern plastic furniture is made to look like real wood without the hassle of stain and paint.

Feedback from Victorious Manitoban:

Hi Reena:

Just read the possible solution to the iron-stained bone china.

I also have water heavy on the iron and it did as “Jesse” said, it stained my china. Through trials I have found that when using Iron Out, the best results were obtained. If there are any nicks in the china there is no help as the stain is permanent. To use Iron Out, I took a basin or pail and added warm water, (never hot). Then added a couple of spoonfuls of Iron Out, (always add the powder to the water, never the other way around). I dunked the china into it and waited about half an hour. Most pieces came clean although sometimes you have to play with the amount of Iron Out, depending on the severity of the staining.

I have also cleaned my Corelle this way and it looks just beautiful.

As the china mentioned in the article is probably old, I fear that an abrasive cloth may cause very fine scratches in the glaze and that could spell more trouble. Kind regards, Rina

Reena Nerbas is the author of the national bestselling Household Solutions series. Her website is www.householdsolutions.org You can contact her at Box 429, Blumenort, Man., ROA 0C0.