Swagger up your patios!

One of the best things about summer is that you get to spend most of the time outdoors, doing a number of fun activities with your family and friends. Be it swimming or lounging near the pool, a barbecue with friends etc. But, while doing all of this, we tend to forget about the furniture that we place on patios or beside the pool that helps us in entertaining. Our outdoor furniture too needs the same kind of love and care that our indoor furniture get. And with summer becoming harsh every year, extra amount of care needs to be given to them. Given below are a few ideas that will help you protect those lovely pieces of furniture and make them look brand new.

1. Cushion Protection
If you’re one of those people who love cushions all over the place especially outdoors, this tip is for you! Similar to how your outdoor furniture needs protection, the cushions too need it. They are not invincible to the summer rays that hit them directly. Before bringing them outside, apply a fabric protector to help prevent patio furniture damages like stains, mold and mildew. Make sure the protectant you purchase repels moisture and stains.

2. Furniture Covers
With outdoor furniture, follow the motto - ‘when not in use put it away or cover it up’. A great investment would be to purchase furniture covers in various sizes and types. This investment will improve the lifespan of outdoor furniture. The covers should be made of polyester, vinyl or canvas, waterproof and UV-resistant. These covers, should offer complete coverage from the sun.

3. Refurbishing
A great DIY project during the summer is to paint your outdoor furniture. This will not only give your furniture a makeover but also protect it. Choose latex paints which will give you different levels of protection. Apart from offering versatility and durability, the latex seals the wood fibres and protects  it against water penetration.

4. Scrub
Your outdoor furniture will benefit a lot if you give them a mild scrubbing before the start of summer and end of the season. They also work best with a sanding and a fresh coat of  a good outdoor varnish to prevent drying or cracking. But the maintenance will vary between wood types. Use an oil based soap with a soft bristled brushes. Hose it down completely when you’re done scrubbing .

5. Don’t forget the metal
Like how your wood furniture needs protection, metal furniture too needs protection. By applying a material-specific protectant to your furniture, you will help shield the frame of your furniture from the sun and other elements. If your metal furniture is an older piece and it’s not rust resistant, a metal-protector spray will help save your furniture.