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How To Protect Your Furniture From The Elements
April 13, 2016 12:55:06pm
Furniture inevitably suffers at the hand of the weather. Patio furniture sits outside for most of the year in the elements, and here in Northeast Florida, that means high heat, intense sunlight, and moisture. Even indoor furniture is susceptible to fading in the sun’s rays and warping in the heat. Limit the damage from weather, and protect your furniture as much as possible by following our tips!
Outdoor furniture
Fabric – Any cushions or pillows should be stored when not in use, and if you have an umbrella on your patio, try to remember to collapse it when you are done enjoying it for the day. Most fabrics are highly susceptible to fading from the sun, and can also begin to mildew when left outside in a rainy or moist environment.
Wood – Cover your wood furniture when it is not in use. The combination of heat and moisture can crack and split wood, and the sun’s harsh rays can fade and break down paint and varnish. Raw, untreated wood will not last long outdoors, especially here in the South. If your wood furniture has not been treated or sealed in any way, make an appointment with a good furniture refinishing service to have a varnish, lacquer, paint, or stain applied to it. Many finishes are available with added UV protection.
Metal – Metal furniture resists sun damage well, but is susceptible to rust. Cover metal furniture if extensive rain is in the forecast, and keep an eye out for rust spots so that you or a professional furniture refinisher can address the spots before they become a problem.
Indoor furniture
Fabric – Upholstered furniture is very sensitive to the sun, and will quickly fade if left in direct sunlight. Arrange the room so that fabric armchairs, sofas, and other upholstered pieces are safely out of the reach of the sun for as much of the day as possible. Leather furniture should likewise be kept out of direct sunlight for as much of the day as possible. Though leather is strong, the sun’s rays are stronger, and can cause the natural oils in the leather to evaporate, resulting in cracking.
Wood – Wood furniture will likewise fade in the sun, though not as easily as most fabrics. Still, arrange the room so that wood furniture is not in the direct sun. Pull the blinds and close the curtains when the sun’s rays are the strongest, and your furniture will stay safer longer.
In short, shield your furniture from sun when possible, and you’ll enjoy it for a long time to come. Cover your outdoor furniture when it’s not in use, and arrange your indoor furniture so that it is out of the sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. Your furniture is an investment, and when you are protect your investment, it lasts longer!
If your indoor or outdoor furniture has been cracked by moisture or faded by the sun, the best thing you can do for it is to find a good professional furniture refinisher. The best furniture refinishing companies have skilled craftsmen who can restore your furniture’s original beauty, or give it a new look altogether.
Jax Furniture Refinishing & Upholstering is the best Jacksonville FL furniture refinishing service and the company to trust with your own furniture. Bright sun, driving rain, and soaring temperatures are part of life here in Jacksonville, but we wouldn’t have it any other way! When the elements take their toll on your favorite patio chairs, or the the sun beats in and fades your armchair and sofa, we know what to do. Homeowners in Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra, downtown Jacksonville, Riverside, Ortega, and throughout the region trust the skill, experience, and genuine care of the Jax Furniture Refinishing & Upholstering craftsmen.
