Weatherproofing Your Outdoor Patio Lounges

Show of hands: who loves stretching out (and spacing out) on your beautiful, soft outdoor patio lounge? I know my hand's up. But let's try again. Raise your hand if you love stretching out on a lounge with stiff cushions, raggedy fabric, and rusty legs which may or may not hold your weight? I'm guessing fewer hands are up.

Well, let's discuss the best ways to protect your favorite chill-chair from all kinds of bad weather. And if you're still shopping for a great patio lounge chair, check out our lounge chair buyer's guide.

Quick tips:

• Assess your outdoor patio lounge to determine weatherproofing needs
• Choose weather-resistant furniture materials like teak, resin wicker, aluminum
• Clean and maintain patio furniture regularly to extend its lifespan
• Use waterproof covers and shade solutions to protect from rain and sun
• Store cushions indoors when not in use and during off-season

Assessing Your Outdoor Patio Lounge

The first thing you should do is take stock of what you're working with. What type of furniture do you have - wood, wicker, metal, upholstery? Is your patio covered or exposed? Do you plan to leave the furniture out year-round or store it during the off-season? Answering these questions will help determine your weatherproofing game plan.

For example, if you have an uncovered lounge with wood furniture that you want to leave out all winter, you'll need to be extra diligent about sealing the wood and using heavy-duty covers. On the flip side, if your patio is covered and you have rust-resistant teak or aluminum pieces, your weatherproofing needs will be less intense.

Choosing Weather-Resistant Furniture and Materials

When shopping for outdoor patio lounges, look for pieces made of inherently weather-resistant materials. Some of the best options include:

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Patio Lounge

Of course, even the toughest furniture will last longer with a little love and effort. Regular cleaning and maintenance is key to extending the life of your outdoor furniture. At least once a season, give everything a thorough scrub-down using a mild soap, warm water, and a soft-bristle brush. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish.

For wood furniture, apply a fresh coat of sealant annually to prevent moisture intrusion and UV damage. Teak can be oiled to maintain its honey color, or left alone to weather to a natural gray.

Wicker and metal pieces should be checked periodically for any signs of damage or rust, and touched up as needed. Use a rust-resistant primer and paint on metal, and replace any unraveling resin wicker fibers.

Outdoor fabric cushions can be spot-cleaned with a mild detergent or washed on a gentle cycle. Always let them air dry completely before storing to prevent mildew growth.

Waterproofing Strategies for Upholstery

Even outdoor-rated cushions and pillows can benefit from additional waterproofing. Spray them with a fabric protectant like Scotchgard or Nikwax to create an invisible barrier against moisture and stains.

For extra protection, consider investing in waterproof pillow covers or bringing cushions inside when rain is forecasted. Patio Productions offers a great selection of quick-drying outdoor pillows and cushions if you're in the market for new ones!

Covering and Protecting Furniture During Inclement Weather

One of the easiest ways to shield your patio furniture is with covers. Look for covers made of waterproof, breathable material like polyester or vinyl. Proper fit is key - you want the cover to be snug enough that it won't blow off in the wind, but not so tight that moisture gets trapped underneath, which could lead to mildew.

Patio Productions has a huge variety of outdoor furniture cover sizes and shapes. So no matter what your lounge looks like, we've got you covered. It's an investment up front but can significantly extend the life of your furniture.

If you have space to store furniture indoors during the off-season, by all means do so! Even covered, furniture left outside through the winter can sustain damage from moisture and extreme temperatures. If indoor storage isn't an option, try to place pieces in a covered area like a garage or beneath an overhang.

Utilizing Shade Solutions to Minimize Sun Exposure

In addition to rain and moisture, the sun's UV rays can also take a toll on outdoor furniture, causing fading and degradation over time. Providing shade for your patio lounge not only protects the furniture but makes the space more comfortable for you and your guests.

You've got a lot of options for adding shade to an outdoor area. Here are a few of the best:

• Umbrellas: A classic choice, umbrellas offer flexibility and can be moved around as needed. Look for ones made with UV-resistant fabric.
• Shade sails: These triangular pieces of fabric are mounted to poles or the side of a house and provide stylish yet effective coverage. They come in a variety of colors and sizes.
• Pergolas: A pergola is a more permanent structure that can be outfitted with a retractable canopy or climbing vines for filtered shade. It also adds architectural interest to your yard.
• Awnings: Retractable or stationary awnings are a great option for shading a patio that's adjacent to the house. They can be motorized for easy operation.

Whichever shade solution you choose, make sure it's securely anchored to avoid wind damage. And remember, even shaded furniture will last longer if you protect it with covers when not in use.

Pest Prevention and Control Measures

While not specifically a weather-related issue, you should probably consider whether or not pests could be a problem in your area. Ants, mosquitos, wasps, and even furry critters like squirrels can wreak havoc on your outdoor patio lounge. The best first step is simple: regularly clean your patio area and remove any standing water, which can attract bugs.

Consider installing citronella candles or torches around the perimeter of your space to repel flying insects. You can also try using natural pest-repellent plants like marigolds, lavender, and mint.

For more serious infestations, it may be necessary to call in a professional pest control service. They can identify the specific type of pest and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Regular Inspections and Maintenance Checklist

To keep your outdoor patio lounge in tip-top shape, it's important to stay on top of regular maintenance tasks. There is a ton of information out there about the best ways to keep your outdoor patio lounges looking their best. We wanted to make it easy for you, so we condensed the most important tips into a short, handy checklist.

Go Ahead and Lounge Confidently!

Spring showers? Winter storms? No problem! If you assess your outdoor patio lounge situation, then purchase, cover, maintain, and protect your furniture according to these steps, you'll be lazing on your lounge for years to come. But if you still have questions, everyone here at Patio Productions is ready with more answers. Give us a call or check out website. We're ready to help you make the most of your outdoor furniture investments.