New Zealand conditions can be pretty harsh to outdoor furniture settings and decks. Here we reveal some secrets on how to keep your outdoor furniture looking new.

Timber Furniture settings

Wood will age over time and you`ll find that the sun causes surface splitting and can change the colour of your deck and timber furniture. Usually the timber will start to grey. This process can be slowed with regular cleaning and the application of a suitable oil.

Cleaning can be done with a product like 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner. Basically, you wet the surface with the product, leaving it in contact for 30 seconds and then rinse it off with a hose pipe. Voila! Your timber is clean.

To protect and enhance the timber, we recommend a regular application of a timber furniture oil or stain. One option is Cabots Deck and Furniture Oil and another is Forestwood Deck and Furniture Oil. Ask at your local Mitre 10 store for other suitable treatments.

If you have a new Kwila outdoor furniture setting, you can expect bleeding of the sap and unfortunately this can stain a deck or patio surface. This will take five to six wet and drying processes to cease.

You can stand your Kwila table and chairs on pieces of cardboard to protect your deck until you feel that the bleeding process has stopped.
 

Fabrics

To ensure long life, it is essential that you protect and clean the fabrics on your outdoor furniture cushions or the textilene chairs. When the furniture is not in use, remove and store cushions in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Textilene and canvas chairs should also be stored out of direct sunlight to protect them from fading.

Metal Furniture Settings

The range of aluminium outdoor furniture settings from Mitre 10 offer all the benefits of the material - they resist rust and they are light, allowing for easy storage over the winter.

Steel outdoor furniture settings provide a very affordable option but of course steel may rust over time if it is not maintained. To prevent rust from setting in, it is a good idea to store the settings away over winter. Many steel settings fold, which makes storage easier.

To Treat Rust

Generally, to treat rust you should do the following:

1) Sand all of the rust off. Ensure the surface is quite clean and shiny again.

2) Apply a rust neutraliser (available from your local Mitre 10 store)

3) Apply a primer (available from your local Mitre 10 store)

4) Paint with a topcoat of paint (an enamel paint may be best)

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With a little effort to care for your outdoor furniture, you could extend the life of your setting and keep it looking great.