Storms and heavy rain are a given in the UK. Unfortunately, you just cannot predict the weather sometimes, so it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. We’ve all had that experience where you’ve just put your washing out and the heavens open. The rush to get it back in before it spoils and you have to wash it again is basically an Olympic sport!
It’s the same with garden furniture that’s outside and vulnerable to the elements. Imagine you’ve just invested in some lovely garden furniture and you’re looking forward to using it, and then a nasty storm brews and you haven’t thought about how to protect it. Just like your washing, it’s not ideal to have your garden furniture left outside during heaving rain, so it is important to be prepared for the worst in order to look after your garden furniture and maintain its durability.
Bring it inside
The easiest solution, if you have the space, is to bring all of your garden furniture indoors if it starts to storm or when it is not in use. This way, it won’t need to face the elements and you can keep it safe and dry inside, and take it back out once the weather clears again. However, not everyone has the space to do this, so there are many other options to consider.
Use a shed or storage box
If space inside is an issue but outside you’ve got plenty of space to consider, invest in a shed or waterproof storage box. This way, you’re not trying to find a place in your home for furniture that should be outside. Additionally, inside a shed or storage box, your garden furniture will stay dry and won’t be at risk of blowing over, or if it’s light, blowing away altogether.
Invest in furniture covers
If you are limited on space outside, invest in specialised furniture covers so that when not in use, your garden furniture is protected against all of the elements. Furniture covers are great protectors against rain damage, but also sun damage. Once you’re ready to use your garden furniture again, it is already in its rightful place in your garden and the cover just needs to be removed.
Use weights for light furniture
If you’re using furniture covers but your garden furniture is quite lightweight, it might be a good idea to use weights or sandbags to keep the chairs and table from blowing away in the wind. Lighter furniture can not only be damaged by the wind themselves, they can also damage other parts of your garden if not properly secure. The last thing you want is to spend money fixing both your garden furniture and your fence if the storm takes hold.
Use a windbreak
A garden windbreak is also a great way to stop the wind using your garden as a playground. These can be in the form of trees, rocks, wood or a cluster of tall plants. You can make them part of your garden’s features. Some wind may still pass through or around the windbreak, but it’ll slow it down and not impact your garden furniture as much.
Fold down parasols
Another element of your garden furniture to consider is your parasols. If you don’t have room to pack your parasols away, make sure you fold them down when not in use, as the wind can get underneath them if they’re open. This is a big risk as your parasol could blow away, taking parts of your garden furniture with it and damaging other parts of your garden too.
Keep your garden furniture clean
Keeping your garden furniture clean is paramount, but even more so if it’s going to be outside and facing the elements most of the time. Ensuring your furniture is free from dirt and debris will allow it to last longer and easily be dried out if it does accidentally get left out in the rain without protection. Garden furniture that is prone to rust will not react well with heavy rain, so keep on top of the cleaning and you should be able to increase its durability.
Have backup plan
If you’ve not gotten to your furniture in time and some of it has been rain damaged, make sure you air out any cushions when the weather is nicer and hand wash any stains. Some furniture accessories can be machine washed, just check the labels so you don’t ruin them. As well as cushions, the chair frames and tables can easily be wiped down when the weather clears up and become good as new.
Just remember to follow the advice above next time to ensure your garden furniture is protected as it can be against storms and heavy rain.
