Can You Leave Patio Furniture Out In The Rain?

With winter and the ongoing rainy weather fast approaching the Western Cape, now is the time to look at safeguarding your outdoor furniture. In other provinces such as Gauteng that experiences summer rainfall, may also benefit by this advice as whatever the season there will be a time where your patio furniture will be out in the rain.

Leaving patio furniture in the rain

But what does that mean for your outdoor furniture?

While outdoor furniture can be a good investment and decorative option for your yard and/or patio areas, they do require a moderate amount of maintenance. At constant exposure to the elements, your patio furniture will be at risk if not taken care of correctly. For the most part, modern outdoor furniture is manufactured with moisture-resistant and fade-proof materials which are however limited.

Wooden furniture

Although a popular choice when choosing outdoor furniture and the fact that wood is both durable and aesthetically-pleasing. It is porous and therefore absorbs water.

Whether Teak or Cypress, White Oak or Acacia, you have a large variety to choose from. However, no matter the wood, they all have one common drawback and that is that all woods are porous and prone to warping and structural imperfections if left untreated.

It is porous and therefore absorbs water. Whether Teak or Cypress, White Oak or Acacia, you have a large variety to choose from. However, no matter the wood, they all have one common drawback and that is that all woods are porous and prone to warping and structural imperfections if left untreated.

Untreated Wood

Left untreated, wood will lose its structural integrity and inevitably rot over time leaving it susceptible to the growth of mildew and mold as well.

Ensure regular treatment of your wooden furniture with the correct sealant to avoid damaging the beauty of your wooden furniture.

Read our article on how to weather-proof your outdoor furniture.

Wicker and Synthetic Resin

Traditionally woven with plant-based fibres, wicker presents a unique sense of style. While beautiful, natural wicker is prone to fade and become brittle over time. Like wood, it is also at risk of attracting mildew and other molds when exposed to moisture.

These days, many people opt for synthetic resin in place of the beautiful natural wicker as it is incredibly durable. This synthetic resin, all-weather wicker, withstands all types of weather and does not require the care a natural product would.

Both natural wicker and its synthetic counterpart may match each other in style, but it is clear that synthetic reigns supreme.

Aluminium

Aluminium furniture remains one of the most durable of them all. Being able to withstand rust and moisture damage makes for minimal maintenance. This makes it the ideal outdoor furniture for the rainy months.

However, by putting on a protective layer of wax and a gentle touching up of some chipped paint, will definitely enhance and protect the aluminium.

By doing so, it will lessen the chance of corrosion and/or rust forming under the original protective layer, which will wear away after some time and exposure. It is suggested that aluminium furniture be packed away when no longer in use.

Plastic

Although plastic furniture is lightweight and cost-effective, it is not as durable as wood or aluminium. It is however, waterproof and a no fuss alternative to the aluminium and wooden varieties. It certainly does serve its purpose on any patio because of its resilience to the rainy weather but the summer months affect this type of furniture material the most.

Can you leave your patio furniture out in the rain?

No furniture is completely indestructible. With a little extra care. Pack your furniture away for those long periods when not in use. This will extend its life.

If space is a problem when wanting to pack away your outdoor furniture, an investment of durable weatherproof furniture covers would be advisable.

Outdoor furniture covers

Look at the range of outdoor furniture covers that are available on our website.