Good outdoor furniture is an investment, and with a little seasonal care it will look great and last for many years. Whether you've gone for a rattan lounge set from our Outdoor Lounge Collection, a wooden picnic table from the Outdoor Seating and Dining Range or a classic garden bench, the same principle applies: a small amount of regular attention beats a big rescue job later.
Spring: the reset
Start the season with a proper clean. Warm soapy water and a soft brush will shift most winter grime from rattan and metal frames. Our Birchtree rattan sets — like the RFS01 and the RFS11 fire pit set — are woven from UV-resistant, all-weather rattan, so a gentle wash is usually all they need. For timber pieces such as the Birchtree Garden Love Seat or Wooden Garden Bench, let the wood dry fully after cleaning, then apply a coat of exterior wood oil to feed the grain and restore the colour. Check bolts and fixings while you're at it — a quick tighten now prevents wobbles all summer.
Summer: little and often
Through the warmer months, the main enemies are UV, spills and bird droppings. Wipe spills as they happen, especially on cushions, and brush loose debris off frames weekly. Tempered glass table tops — a feature across our rattan dining sets — only need a quick wipe to stay spotless. Store cushions overnight if rain is forecast; a Birchtree Garden Storage Bench doubles as seating and a dry home for them. For furniture in full sun, a gazebo from The Gazebo Range provides shade for you and protection for your set.
Autumn: protect before the weather turns
Autumn is the time to get ahead. Give everything one more clean, make sure it is completely dry, then decide what stays out and what comes in. Cushions, parasols and anything fabric should move into dry storage — a shed from The Garden Shed Collection keeps everything protected and out of the way. Check metal frames for chips in the coating and touch these up before winter moisture finds them.
Winter: cover or store
If you have shed or garage space, bring furniture under cover. If not, use a breathable, properly fitted furniture cover — never plastic sheeting, which traps condensation and encourages rot and rust. Raise pieces slightly off wet ground where you can, and check under covers once or twice over winter to make sure everything is staying dry.
Follow these simple habits and your garden furniture will stay guest-ready from the first barbecue of spring to the last coffee of autumn.
Ready to refresh your outdoor space? Explore The Garden Range at KMS.
0 comments