Materials & Care: How to keep your balcony and garden furniture looking great for longer
What do polyrattan garden furniture pieces need for winter storage? How do I care for high-quality teak or acacia garden furniture? And do I really need to spend a lot of time maintaining my balcony furniture? This guide on caring for, cleaning, and choosing your furniture for the patio, balcony, and garden will make everything clear!
Contents
1. Which material is best for garden and balcony furniture?
Which Material to Choose for Garden and Balcony Furniture?
With the first warm rays of the spring sun, the desire for stylish new balcony and garden furniture grows. The selection of materials and styles is vast: polyrattan garden furniture with a woven finish, or would you prefer metal garden furniture? Do wooden or aluminum garden chairs fit your home better? It is not just about the look, but also about the maintenance required. All options have their own unique advantages.
Polyrattan Balcony and Garden Furniture
Polyrattan garden furniture relies on weather-resistant poly-plastics in a rattan-weave look. Real rattan is made from palm fibers and was frequently used for chairs and furniture in the past. However, because it is less durable and not very weather-resistant, the unique rattan look was replicated for garden furniture using synthetic fibers. Polyrattan garden furniture is lightweight, stylish, and easy to care for: dirt can be easily removed with a damp cloth. Solvent or abrasive cleaners are a absolute no-go here. This material is ideal for lounge furniture and lounge sets, as well as easy-to-move garden furniture sets. However, polyrattan garden furniture is generally less durable than materials like stainless steel or wood.
Wooden Balcony and Garden Furniture
Wood is exceptionally durable, natural, and high-quality. Every type of wood – from teak to acacia – has its own unique charm. Garden furniture made of wood or teak fits perfectly into the natural surroundings of your yard, while also giving any balcony just the right touch. They come in many designs but are slightly more spacious than similar alternatives. The unique grain of teak or acacia and the high fiber density make wood perfect for garden benches and similar outdoor furniture designed to beautify your garden or balcony all year round. The stability of this wooden furniture is high, but so is its weight. Cushions are highly recommended for comfortable seating. Generally, wood should be resealed regularly – such as with oils or varnishes. While wooden balcony and garden furniture requires a bit more attention when it comes to maintenance, with the right care and suitable oils, it can last for decades and countless winters.
Plastic Balcony and Garden Furniture
Practical, versatile, mobile, and budget-friendly: Plastic has proven to be especially useful for balcony furniture. Many plastic garden chairs or loungers can be quickly folded, moved, and stored away. Plastic is also the top choice for weatherproof seat cushions and pads. As with all plastic products, the resistance to weather and light is high, while the overall lifespan and weight capacity are lower than materials like metal or wood. On the plus side, caring for plastic only requires a little water, a brush or cloth, a garden hose, or other simple cleaning tools.
Metal Balcony and Garden Furniture
Metal balcony and garden furniture is a popular choice for seating areas with a vintage flair. A modern patio setup also makes a big statement with metal. Cast iron, tubular steel, and similar materials lose some of their heavy weight when designed as folding garden chairs, yet they retain their almost indestructible durability. Steel or stainless steel garden tables are extra stable and exceptionally robust. Depending on the finish and material processing, metal garden furniture does not require too much maintenance. After a few years, it may be worth giving them a fresh coat of paint.
Aluminum Balcony and Garden Furniture
Lightweight aluminum is the perfect partner for stylish combinations with other materials like wood, glass, or polyrattan. Garden furniture sets with aluminum frames combine the durability of metal with a beautiful look thanks to wood accents and more. The overall weight is reduced without sacrificing impressive design. Aluminum is ideal for sun lounger frames, which need to be sturdy and comfortable yet easy to move. While the weight capacity of aluminum garden furniture is limited, cleaning it is just as easy as with plastic.
How should you store garden furniture for winter?
No matter what material is used for your patio furniture, seating sets, or balcony ideas: they should not spend the entire year outdoors. The constant change between cold and warm, wet and dry, light and dark takes a toll on even the most robust garden furniture. However, there are simple ways to optimize winter storage for its next use in the garden:
- Store outside of the season in a dry, well-ventilated place – wood in particular should not be exposed to major temperature fluctuations.
- Large, permanently installed garden furniture made of wood, teak, or steel – such as garden benches – should be covered with a suitable plastic protective cover by autumn at the latest. However, good ventilation and proper care before covering are also important here.
- Before storing, clean completely with the right care and cleaning products, check for damage to aluminum, paint, or weathered wood, and touch up if necessary.
Outdoor Furniture: Materials and Care Tips at a Glance
Material | Special feature | Care | Winter storage | Look | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Polyrattan | Versatile and stylish | Easy-care | Protected from light, outdoors | Stylish - modern | low |
Wood (teak, acacia, etc.) | High-quality and robust | High-maintenance | At constant temperature, indoors | Timeless - natural | high |
Metal | Sturdy and very durable | Easy-care with painted finish | Anywhere, as long as paint is intact | Vintage - modern | high |
Aluminum | Lightweight and sturdy | Easy-care | Dry, indoors | Subtle - versatile | low |
Plastic | Affordable and versatile | Easy-care | Protected from light, outdoors | practical | low |
Depending on the material, the right care for garden furniture should be carried out at the beginning and end of the season. Even after rain showers and thunderstorms, it is worth reaching for the correct care combination:
- Wooden garden furniture should be cleaned with a mild soapy solution and a sponge. Then wipe with clean water and let dry.
- Plastic garden furniture can be cleaned with household cleaners or dish soap and water. If you wipe it dry after cleaning, no water stains will form.
- Metal garden furniture can be cared for just like plastic versions. Here, dry polishing is a particularly good choice.
