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How to take care of your garden table and chairsGarden chairs and tables are not cheap therefore it is important to take care of them so that they last for years and years. Outdoor furniture comes in many types of material including wood, rattan cast iron, wicker and aluminium. If wood is your choice you will find that there are products that range from oak and treated stained to teak. Wooden garden sets certainly require a degree of upkeep and occasional maintenance which includes annual cleaning and possibly even re-sealing if they get damaged by the sun. Placing wooden furniture in long grass or on soiled areas should be avoided because this can cause water to seep into the wood and cause rotting and discoloration. Therefore it is best to keep it on paved areas or to put a paving stone under each leg or support. Remember wood is a natural material so its appearance will normally change over time when it is left outside often changing colour to a silver greyish tone, the exact colour dependant on the environment conditions and dark spots may occur if it is positioned in the shade or under a tree. To preserve the original colour of your furniture, teak oil should be applied every three to six weeks since regular treatments will slow down the weathering process and help to minimise surface cracks. Before applying any oil be sure to remove any dirt that may have accumulated by scrubbing with a stiff brush and soapy warm water. Once the furniture is completely dry, any rough areas can be lightly sanded before the oil is applied with a clean paintbrush. If you fail to remove all the dirt and old oil before re-treatment unsightly black patches will appear on the surface where the oil and dirt have mixed. Finally, wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth and don’t be tempted to use your garden furniture until it is fully dry. Outdoor dining furniture also comes in a variety of metals and these can be a beautiful addition to your deck or patio but they can be expensive to purchase, so you want to care for it so it lasts a long time. Steel sets tend to come with a sealant coating to prevent rust and scratches on the sealant or paint can let water in and cause rusting. Wrought iron pieces are sturdy and can withstand most weather conditions and are less likely to blow over in the wind. Aluminum on the other hand is lightweight, yet sturdy and does not rust. Be sure to keep metal furniture clean, wiping away any spills or dirt as soon as possible. Clean tougher spots with a mild dishwashing detergent and rinse then with clear water and dry with a cloth or paper towels. If rust spots do develop, brush them away with a wire brush and repaint or coat the furniture with wax to protect against further rust problems. Man made rattan or wicker weave garden tables and chairs are not only great to look at but are very tough and generally don’t splinter, flex or crack. It is able withstand the elements better than the natural equivalent and can be put or left out in all weather conditions without fear of damage or fading. |