5 easy ways to make your garden furniture last longer

Whether you're just getting round to washing off your dusty old patio table and chairs, or you're considering investing in a new outdoor dining set, knowing how to look after your garden furniture is essential if you want it to last. 

Choosing the right materials is a great place to start, but regular maintenance and proper protection will go a long way in keeping your garden set looking new for many summers to come.

From garden furniture covers to cleaning, sealing and treating, our quick and easy maintenance tips are here to help.

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1. Choose durable materials

Having a garden furniture set that looks nice is great, but it will all be for nothing if it's already rusting or falling apart after a couple of uses. Buying durable patio chairs and tables that can withstand a bit of bad weather is key to ensuring you won't need to waste money on regular replacements.

Metal furniture – including aluminium, stainless steel and iron – will be extremely durable, although heavy. Hardwoods such as teak and synthetic rattan garden furniture will be lighter, yet still very durable if properly maintained.

Plastic furniture is usually cheap, light and can be long-lasting if constructed well, but it has more of a tendency to snap under weight than other materials, can warp in extreme heat and isn't often eco-friendly. 

Compare all of the pros and cons of different materials in our expert garden furniture buying guide

2. Clean your garden furniture regularly

As much as we try to prevent it, your garden furniture is bound to get the odd stain here and there – whether from mildew, sun cream or a dripping ice lolly. But luckily, mucky garden furniture is usually only one good scrub away from looking new.

Wiping the frames with a damp cloth once a week is a good way to keep on top of cleaning, but giving it a more intensive wash two to four times a year will keep it looking pristine. 

How best to clean your outdoor furniture will largely depend on what material it's made from – we offer our top tips below. But before you start, always check the care instructions so as not to damage the materials or invalidate your warranty. 

What's the best way to clean garden furniture?

• Wooden garden furniture Brush it down with a stiff brush at least once a year to remove debris, allergens and mildew. Softwood furniture should ideally be rinsed with a wood-cleaning product yearly and treated with stain, while hardwoods can be washed with warm soapy water.
• Rattan or wicker garden furniture Remove any fabric pillows and wash as per the manufacturer's instructions. You can then use a pressure washer on a low setting (or your garden hose) to clean the furniture itself. Scrub off tougher grime and dirt with a sponge and some warm soapy water, before hosing it down once more and leaving to dry.
• Plastic garden furniture The easiest type to clean. Simply wipe down with warm soapy water and a soft sponge to avoid scratching. You can use a very diluted bleach solution to scrub tough mould or mildew patches.
• Metal garden furniture This should come with a sealant to protect it from rusting, so will only need an occasional clean with soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. You can make your metal furniture really shine and get rid of fingerprints by buffing it with a microfibre cloth.

Washing-up liquid makes a great replacement for a lot of pricey cleaning products - head to our washing-up liquid reviews to find out which are dirt-busting Best Buys

3. Seal, stain and treat your garden furniture

Typically used on wooden and metal furniture, treatments can help to refresh tired-looking chairs and tables and, more importantly, extend their lifespan.

Soft and hardwood furniture 

Staining, oiling and sealing will brighten up old wood and keep it protected from mildew and mould. 

1. Find an outdoor or well-ventilated area and set your furniture down securely. 
2. Sand your furniture down to the bare wood. 
3. While wearing latex gloves, use a microfibre pad or brush to apply your chosen stain evenly across the wood, being careful to keep dust and debris away from the area. 
4. Leave to dry for a couple of hours in a warm area, then apply a clear protective coating to seal. Oil or water-based polyurethane is a good choice.

For wooden furniture with an intricate design, you may want to call for a professional as this can be harder to sand down.

Getting your porch in shape before the summer? Look at our recommendation of the best decking paint and decking stains. 

Metal furniture

Most metal furniture should come with anti-rust sealant as standard, but if it doesn't, it's a good idea to apply a protective coating. Preventing rust before it starts is far easier than repairing it once it's spread. 

Unsealed iron or any iron-containing metal furniture is particularly prone to problems, so don't wait around if you plan to leave these out over the winter months. You should also repair any worn down or flaking areas on your metal furniture. 

If you don't fancy sealing your furniture yourself, opt for aluminium or galvanised steel instead. It won't rust but it can still corrode over time, so it's a good idea to cover or store your furniture safely away in harsh weather.

It's not just your furniture that needs regular maintenance. Keep your grill in good working order by following our top tips on how to take care of your barbecue

4. Bring your garden furniture inside 

British weather is notoriously unpredictable, and leaving your garden furniture uncovered in the wind, rain or blazing sun can cause damage in the long run.

Wooden furniture is most vulnerable to moisture, while lightweight furniture such as plastic or aluminium can blow away in strong winds and storms. If you want your garden furniture to stand the test of time, storing it under a shelter in adverse weather is the best solution (and bonus points if it's under a garden furniture cover, too).

A shed, garage or utility room is ideal, but if you're more limited on space, under an awning would work. Choose compact folding garden furniture if you don't want it to take up too much storage space. 

Are you in need of more storage options? See our shed buying guide, or if you want something smaller, see our guide on how to buy the best outdoor storage

5. Buy a garden furniture cover

If storing your furniture inside isn't an option, a cover is the next best thing. A quality cover should help protect your furniture from the long-term effects of wet weather, animals and UV damage. 

Whether you opt for a one-size tent-like structure or invest in a made-to-measure custom covering to fit an awkwardly shaped piece of furniture, there are key things to look out for: 

• Waterproofing While it's good to have a water-resistant cover, totally waterproof coverings can trap moisture inside and lead to mould and mildew build-up on your furniture, especially with fabric covers. Look for one with vents to help breathability. 
• Sizing and design Measure the dimensions of your garden furniture beforehand to make sure the cover you're buying is the correct size.
• Materials The outer material should be water-resistant, durable and lightweight; treated or laminated polyester is a good choice. Covers with a soft cloth lining will also prevent your furniture being scratched.
• Security Drawstrings or ties are great additions to ensure your cover fits snugly and won't blow away in strong winds or storms.

Complete your full patio furniture set with help from our guide on how to buy the best sun loungers and outdoor seating