Whether you live near the coast or in an area prone to heavy rains, choosing the right outdoor furniture is key to enjoying your patio or deck, even during wetter months. Instead of leaving your space deserted when the rains set in, flood-resistant furniture allows you to extend your entertaining season year-round. In this article, we'll cover tips for selecting durable materials, arranging pieces smartly, storing furniture properly, and keeping everything in excellent condition despite rain showers or storms.
Choosing the Right Materials
The first step is opting for furniture crafted from long-lasting, water-resistant materials. Several options will serve you well:
Wood: A Top Natural Choice
Certain wood types withstand moisture beautifully, thanks to their natural composition. Cedar, redwood, and eucalyptus contain oils that prevent rotting even when wet. Redwood, especially, is a top pick with rot-resistant tannins. When choosing wood, go for closed-grain hardwoods without cracks or knots for the best endurance.
Synthetic Wicker
For a woven look without maintenance, PE wicker and resin rattan are hard to beat. They share the appearance of natural fibers but resist water damage, fading, and mold growth. Faux wicker/rattan requires no sealing, making it low-fuss for rainy areas.
Metals: Lightweight and Rust-Proof
Aluminum, wrought iron, and coated steel furniture are great metal choices. Their lightweight construction means you can move pieces inefficiently as weather changes. Plus, they won't corrode from frequent rain exposure like other metals might.
Solution-Dyed Fabrics
Heavily woven outdoor fabrics made from solution-dyed acrylics or water-repellent polyesters can handle wet conditions beautifully. Premium all-weather fabrics resist fading, shrinking, and water absorption. Faux leather options also work well.
Setting up for Stormy Seasons
Where and how you arrange your furniture is another important factor:
Elevated Enjoyment
Place seating, tables, and accessories on an elevated wooden deck or covered patio well above ground. This keeps furniture high and dry even during floods.
The Overhead Cover is the Key
Look for covered areas like pergolas, gazebos, or balcony setups. An overhead canopy protects from heavy rain falling directly onto pieces.
Smart Furniture Placement
You can push pieces back away from patio edges also minimizes exposure to driving rain. And cushions tilted on their sides when furniture is not in use allow water to fully drain instead of pooling inside. In addition, secured weather-resistant covers can provide extra protection on the chairs and sofas when heavy rains are forecasted.
Securing Loose Items
Anchor lightweight furniture, cushions, and small accessories that could blow away in high winds accompanying wet weather systems. Tethers prevent expensive losses.
Storage Strategies for Stormy Spells
When a ferocious storm threatens, it's best to safely shelter outdoor pieces:
- Garage or Shed Storage: For full-size seating sets, grills, and accessories, nothing beats a dry, protected garage or garden shed until the skies clear up.
- Heavy-Duty Covers: For portable protection, choose breathable, tightly woven furniture covers made especially for outdoor use. Size correctly for a snug fit.
- Fold-Down and Modular Designs: Chairs, loveseats, and tables with compact storage make relocating inside a cinch even in downpours.
- Anchoring Covers Securely: Ensure tight cover attachment when winds kick up, such as with adjustable straps, wooden dowels, or sandbags. This prevents cover damage or flight risks.
Caring for Flood-Safe Finery
Regular maintenance helps your flood-resistant furniture withstand the elements and look its best. Small tasks go a long way in extending the life of your patio ensemble:
Quick Wiping Down
Be sure to wipe down all surfaces of your outdoor furniture as soon as possible after any rain or wet weather. Use a thick, absorbent cloth to thoroughly pat pieces dry, paying special attention to crevices where water could pool. Prompt drying prevents moisture damage and mildew growth.
Scrubbing Mildew
Inspect for any green or dark spots that indicate mildew formation, especially during humid summer months. Mix a mild soap or cleaner with warm water and scrub affected areas with a stiff brush. Rinse completely and allow everything to fully air dry in direct sunlight-this process effectively removes any mildew before it spreads.
Resealing Wood
Every 12 months, examine wood surfaces for signs of drying or cracking. Reapply a protective sealer such as marine spar urethane with a paintbrush, applying two thin coats rather than one thick layer for better protection. Allow full curing as specified before leaving furniture exposed to rain.
Inspecting After Storms
After major storms, carefully check screws, bolts, hinges, and other metal pieces for rust, fraying, or looseness. Tighten or replace any weakened hardware to maintain structural integrity before further use. Paying close attention now can catch small issues before they worsen.
Storing Decor Inside
When not in use outside, bring in any fabric pillows, throws, or small decorative accents that could fade or face damage from weather elements like sun or wind over time. Proper indoor storage extends the lifetime of your entire patio ensemble.
With just a bit of preventative care, your investment in flood-resistant outdoor furniture can endure many rainy seasons to come.
Conclusion
With the right choices and care, your outdoor furniture can withstand the wet stuff while keeping the style intact for gathering underneath the gray skies or starry nights all year through. Stormy weather needn't stop patio parties with the help of durable, designer-worthy furnishings built to brave the elements in rainfall or shine.
Read More
- Transform Your Patio: 5 Essential Pieces of Outdoor Furniture
- Creating a Cozy Outdoor Space: Top Picks for Comfortable Patio Furniture
- Efficient Furniture Layout for Outdoor Weddings
- Material Matters: Selecting the Best Patio Bistro Set
- Mastering Sleep Comfort: the Right Mattress for Sleep Position
