Choosing and maintain your garden furniture with the help of this guide.Garden furniture is now a fashion item as the patio and garden increasingly become an additional functional space to the home.
Do some research before you buy a set of garden furniture.This will make it more likely that you’ll get the right furniture and it will last for time to come.Following are some important tips you need to consider before you buy.
The first choice is between fold away furniture and solid furniture that will stay outside over winter.If you want your garden furniture to be a permanent part of your garden for aesthetic reasons then it is recommended that you go for heavy furniture made from hardwood, aluminium or wrought iron with rust proofing.It is well worth spending the money on the heavier more durable materials as this will be much more cost effective in the long run.
Choosing the right type of material and construction is paramount.Take inspiration from your garden or patio area when choosing the material.Try to avoid materials that will upset the balance of your garden.
Because of it is lightweight, comfortable and beautiful, wood is the best material for garden furniture.Choose a tropical hardwood which is high in natural oil content like teak, iroko or courbaril.These woods are weather resistant and can be left outside throughout the year.
Joints should be mortice and tenon, be wary if they are just metal bolts as these have the potential to corrode.If any metal fittings are used in the construction make sure they are made from brass, stainless steel or aluminum which are corrosion resistant.
All teak garden furniture should be made from premium materials so that it there are no surface defects that could affect the integrity of the material.Additionally, Make sure your teak garden furniture is kiln dried to optimise moisture content and ensure shape is maintained and cracks are eliminated.
Teak garden furniture that is assembled using epoxy based glues tend to have the best performance and durability of all the types of joints as the epoxy resin used will not be affected by rain or frost.
If your teak garden furniture becomes dirty it is easy to clean with warm soapy water and a scrubbing brush which will enable you to restore the beautiful silver grey weathered look.
If required a pressure hose can be used at 60-80 bar [900-1200psi] at a distance of no less than 30cm.Scrub your teak furniture once a year will a small amount of bleach, this will stop algae from growing on the surface.
Wipe your table with a light detergent to remove any spills, or you could just let nature deal with it – such is the beauty of alfresco dining.
During periods of dry weather, the wood might start to crack slightly.Don’t worry about this, the wood will regain its moisture naturally overtime.
Teak oil or varnish won’t necessarily improve the lifespan of your garden furniture but it will improve the suface finish if applied when new.Teak oils vary so make sure you read the instructions first.Unless you want a very black finish, be sure to apply teak oil to dry wood only.
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