Caring For Your Outdoor Furniture

Paradise on the patio

Having an inviting space to relax, dine and entertain outdoors is a prized feature in any home. We want our alfresco furniture to look good and be comfortable, but we also want it to last the seasons. Yet when it comes to furniture that lives outdoors, it’s faced with its own unique set of challenges. From all-weather wicker to timber, we’ve got an easy guide on how to care for your outdoor furniture to keep it looking its best for years to come.

Emery dining table and Emery dining chairs

ALL-WEATHER WICKER

Long adored for its tropical chic, comfort and affordability, wicker furniture is a great choice for alfresco-living areas. Our all-weather wicker pieces are made from UV-stabilised resin, offering the aesthetic of traditional rattan yet with water resistance and outdoor durability.

All-weather wicker care

• Wash down the setting regularly with mild soap and warm water.
• Do not use abrasive materials or cleaners.
• If the furniture is to be located in close proximity to the sea, care must be taken to avoid damage caused by sea salt corrosion.
• Cushions should be stored indoors when not in use.
• We recommend the use of Guardsman Weather Defence care products, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Like all outdoor furniture, these products will keep their new appearance longer if they are protected from the elements when not in use. We recommend using a protective cover.

Cement, Concrete & Terrazzo

As our concrete products are made of natural materials, they are porous, so we seal them with wax to provide protection against moisture and staining. Our eco-friendly cement and flax combination is durable with a warm, tactile feel and is also frost-proof. The fibreglass and cement combination is much lighter yet also robust. We also have a cement (80%) and sand (20%) combination. Terrazzo is a reconstituted stone made from the chips of marble, granite, quartz and glass bound together, cured and polished smooth. A craft tracing back to ancient Egypt, the unique appearance of terrazzo makes a beautiful statement in furniture and homewares.

Cement, Concrete & Terrazzo care

• To clean, use a mild soap-and-water solution.
• Do not use abrasive, bleach or ammoniated cleansers. Natural cleansers are also not recommended.
• Spills should be wiped up as quickly as possible.
• Avoid placing hot or wet items directly on the surface as they can leave marks that are difficult to remove. Additionally, avoid placing terracotta pots, adhesives and oils, especially bath oils, directly on your table.
• Use tablecloths, table runners and coasters to help protect surfaces from scratching and heat sources.
• Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods on concrete tables as this can cause warping.
• Never use the tabletop as a cutting surface or similar.
• Wax regularly using a paraffin-based stone floor wax, once within 2 months after receiving your item and then every 3–6 months.
• Hairline cracks can occur with concrete. If one appears, apply a thick layer of wax and rub in thoroughly to prevent moisture seeping in.

CERAMIC

Offering the beauty of natural stone, yet without the maintenance, a ceramic-top table can be a great alternative to marble. Ideal for family life and outdoor living, ceramic is highly resistant to temperature extremes, stains, water spills and scratches.

Ceramic care

• To clean, use a wet sponge and mild detergent.
• Don’t use abrasive cleaning products.
• For an extra-shiny service, use a limestone cleaning gel occasionally.
• Dry liquid spills immediately.

CUSHIONS, MOISTURE-RESISTANT

Many out our outdoor sofas and chairs come with moisture-resistance fitted cushions. They are coated in a chemical compound that helps them to repel light water. We also stock a huge selection of colourful and patterned outdoor scatter cushions. They’re made from olefin, which is a synthetic fibre that can be made from recycled PET plastic, such as those used for drink bottles. Environmentally friendly with incredible resistance to the sun, stains, moisture, mildew and heat, olefin cushions are very practical for outdoor living.

Moisture-resistance cushion care

• Clear dirt and debris regularly with a brush.
• Clean spills, sunscreen, wine, tomato sauce, etc. straight away with a soapy sponge.
• While outdoor cushions can sustain light rain, it’s best to keep them undercover when not in use to increase their longevity, especially over winter.
• Rotate to minimise sun damage in extreme heat.

GLASS, SANDBLASTED

Sandblasting (also known as acid‑etching) refers to glass that has been specially treated to create a frosted look. The process makes the glass incredibly robust, easy to maintain, smooth and less susceptible to fingerprints and trapped dirt, which is ideal for outdoor furniture.

Glass care (sandblasted)

• To clean, use a wet sponge and mild detergent or glass cleaner.
• Always use gentle pressure.
• Do not use aggressive cleaning materials, such as steel wool or abrasive sponges.
• Use plenty of water to avoid potential scratching.
• Never use harsh chemical cleaners.

METAL, POWDER-COATED

Powder-coating is a method of painting that creates an extra-hard finish. When used over metals such as steel, iron and aluminium, it offers exceptional strength and durability for outdoor furniture. Our pieces have either a powder-coated or zinc‑plated finish to combat potential rust and oxidation.

Metal care (powder-coated steel, iron & aluminium)

• To clean any powder-coated metal pieces, simply wipe down items with a damp cloth.
• Dust can be wiped off with a clean cloth.
• We recommend treating the metal surfaces of these pieces with a coat of rust inhibitor such as Guardsman Weather Defence Metal Protector to increase the longevity of the product.
• Like all outdoor furniture, these products will keep their new appearance longer if they are protected from the elements when not in use. We recommend using a protective cover.

POLYPROPYLENE

This thermoplastic polymer and is one of the most versatile types of plastic around with many great qualities that make it highly durable and resilient, hence perfect for furniture. It doesn’t react with water, detergents, acids or bases, so it won’t break down easily. It is resistant to cracking and stress, even when flexed, and is also recyclable. Our polypropylene products have been created using an injection moulding process whereby the material is injected into a mould to create a single piece of furniture. Durable, weather resistant and even recyclable, our UV‑stabilised polypropylene products are super strong yet lightweight and can be easily stacked away when not in use.

Polypropylene care

• For everyday cleaning, simply wash down regularly with mild soap and warm water.
• Do not use abrasive materials or cleaners as this will damage the surface.
• Like all outdoor furniture, these products will keep their new appearance longer if they are protected from the elements when not in use. We recommend storing away or covering when not in use.

POLYRESIN

Polyresin is a sturdy material that can be easily moulded into intricate designs with a consistent texture. The range of possible textures that can be duplicated is extensive, from stone to metal, so it is often used in the making of items such as statues, figurines and outdoor furniture. A durable, stone-based material, polyresin can be intricately moulded to create the look and feel of carved stone and cast concrete, yet with a reduced weight for practicality.

Polyresin care

• For everyday cleaning, simply wash down regularly with mild soap and warm water.
• Do not use abrasive materials or cleaners as this will damage the surface.
• Like all outdoor furniture, these products will keep their new appearance longer if they are protected from the elements when not in use. We recommend storing away or covering when not in use.

Roman Stone specific care

• It is recommended that the Roman Stone table be sealed with a natural stone sealant to enhance longevity.
• For regular cleaning, simply wipe with a damp cloth.
• The Roman Stone table can be cleaned with a high-pressure hose, and/or scrubbed down using a diluted solution of bleach if required.
• Due to the textured finish, any minor marks can be removed by using a very fine steel wool in a circular motion with light pressure.

TEXTELINE ROPE

Texteline is a synthetic, high-strength polyester fabric used extensively in outdoor furniture. It is known for UV resistance and for how easy it is to clean. A modern take on classic wicker, rope weave is very strong and ideal for outdoor furniture in covered areas.

Texteline care

• Brush off loose dirt; hose down; prepare a cleaning mixture of water and mild, natural soap (no detergents); use a soft bristle brush to clean; allow soap to soak in; rinse thoroughly; and air dry.
• If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of any mildew or other hard-to-remove stains.
• Like all outdoor furniture, these products will keep their new appearance longer if they are protected from the elements when not in use. We recommend using a protective cover.

Timber

Timber is timeless in furniture, yet some wood is more suited to outdoor conditions than others. As such, we only stock teak (reclaimed) and acacia (sustainably sourced), which both have a naturally high oil content that’s better able to sustain outdoor conditions.

Timber care – general

For everyday cleaning, wipe over with a damp cloth. To extend the life and look of your table, we recommend the following:

• Use a wood protector product that repels stains and protects against mildew, such as Guardsman Outdoor Wood Protector.
• Tighten the screws on the table periodically.
• Use placemats to give extra protection against hot cups, plates, etc. and accidental spillages.
• Do not use silicone-based products as they will cause silicone build-up and can discolour and dry out your timber.
• Use a protective cover or store under cover when not in use. Wood is a natural product that can expand and shrink under different weather conditions. This may lead to micro fractures in the wood, which is perfectly natural.

Timber, acacia

Acacia is a hardwood with a high natural oil content that gives it a lustrous finish and preserves the wood. It’s ideal for outdoor furniture as it has excellent durability when kept beneath a pergola. Acacia trees grow back quickly, which makes this timber a more sustainable choice. Some of our acacia tables are factory coated with a UV‑resistant polyurethane formulated to guard against moisture and ultraviolet radiation to provide superior protection and durability. The tough, honey‑toned varnish helps to shield exterior timber from sun damage and weathering and also reduces darkening and discolouration.

Acacia timber with polyurethane (PU) coating care

• Exterior varnishes (PU coatings) require moderate levels of maintenance. As a general guide, re-apply every 12–18 months (frequency may vary depending on your outdoor conditions and climate).
• As soon as you see a chalky film start to develop on your product, it’s time to freshen the finish using an exterior varnish, which is applied with a natural bristle brush in multiple coats.
• Sand the top coat smooth and apply a new coat of varnish. If applying multiple coats, sand the hardened varnish lightly between each coat. Don’t put this important maintenance off too long or cracks will develop in the finish allowing moisture to penetrate and degrade the wood.
• Best suited for use under a pergola or an awning.

Timber, teak

Teak is a hardwood that has the ability to hold onto its natural oils, which gives it great weather-resistant qualities. This makes it ideal for outdoor furniture, as it is extremely durable and will last for many years. These pieces are not sealed, therefore if left in an undercover outdoor area, teak will weather naturally into a silver-grey patina over time. But they can also be kept honey hued with sanding, oiling and sealing. Oiling and sealing will also increase longevity when exposed to the elements. Our reclaimed teak is sustainably sourced from South-East Asia and each plank is up to 100 years old, which adds incredible strength and durability.

Teak timber care

Our reclaimed teak outdoor furniture has a natural finish and is specifically chosen for its ability to withstand the outdoor elements.

• If your teak is kept in an undercover outdoor area, and left alone, it will weather naturally to a silver‑grey patina, which does not affect its durability or longevity, it is purely cosmetic. This grey patina can be removed by sanding back the furniture, if you wish.
• Alternatively, if you prefer to keep the natural honey colour of the wood, or a darker finish, oil it regularly to nourish the timber.
• These pieces are not sealed. In addition to oiling, add a sealer if exposed to the elements, or simply to prevent food stains or watermarks appearing.
• Oil and sealer are normally applied once or twice a year, or as needed depending on your climate or outdoor conditions.
• Your teak furniture can also be cleaned simply by wiping it down with warm soapy water followed by hosing down with water and being left to dry naturally.

Reclaimed Teak Cross Leg Dining Table – 4000mm with Byron dining chairs.

MORE IN-STORE

Visit us in-store and online to check out our 2022 Outdoor Collection. And don’t miss holiday at home by Heather Nette King.