We’re at that time of year when the weather has taken a real turn for the worse. Temps are dropping to single digits and the rain just won’t stop. If you’ve not already, now is the time to get your wooden garden furniture ready for winter.
Protecting and covering your garden furniture during the winter in the UK is crucial as our winters can be harsh. We can see a lot of rain, frost, snow, temperature swings and damp conditions, all of which can damage untreated or inadequately protected wood.
Covering it will keep it clean, protected, and significantly extend its lifespan.
Why cover wooden garden furniture sets?
Wood is composed of tiny cells that are interconnected. These cells have a porous structure that allows water molecules to enter and exit. It is what is scientifically known as hygroscopic. In other words, it can absorb and release moisture from the air due to its cellular structure.
Here in the UK, we have very wet winters (and summers for that matter) and they can cause wooden outdoor furniture to absorb high levels of moisture if not covered and protected adequately, leading to swelling, warping, and even cracking. Prolonged exposure to damp conditions can also promote the growth of mould, mildew, and rot, all of which can damage the structure of your furniture.
Different species of wood have varying levels of porosity and cellulose content, which is what affects their moisture absorption capacity. For example, denser woods such as teak will generally absorb less moisture than less dense softwoods such as pine.
They will all require some form of protection to keep them in good condition, it's just the more porous will require a more regular coat of oil or sealant. Regardless of species, we would certainly cover all types at this time of year though.
When moisture enters the woodgrain and then freezes during cold snaps, it causes the wood to expand and contract, which is what can lead to warping, cracking or splitting. This kind of frost damage weakens the wood and can make your garden furniture quickly weather and even become unsafe to use.
It is not just the wet and cold stuff either. UV rays from the sun, even during winter, can also degrade any oils, paints, sealants or varnishes that you apply, causing them to fade, peel, or become discoloured over time.
Regular exposure to the elements, especially in winter, will significantly reduce the lifespan of your wooden furniture. By protecting it during the colder months, you can avoid having to replace or refurbish it as often.
How to properly cover wooden furniture this winter
Covering your garden furniture is the simplest but most effective way to maintain its integrity and appearance, without having to move it from your outdoor space.
We would recommend the following 5 steps to keep it clean and protected from the harsh weather conditions we see in wintertime:
1. Clean It
Before covering your wooden garden furniture, it is important to clean it well to remove any dirt, debris, or organic matter that could cause mould to form or attract pests.
You can use washing-up liquid or a specialist wood cleaner if you prefer and warm water. Scrub the furniture gently with a soft-bristle brush or cloth, focusing on any joints and crevices where moisture might become trapped. Rinse thoroughly and leave it to fully dry before you cover it.
2. Protect It
Depending on the type of wood and how it's treated, we think it’s a good idea to apply a protective treatment, especially if your garden furniture isn't fully weatherproofed or recently purchased.
Our recent How often should you oil outdoor wood furniture? article took a close look at the reasons why, what types of oil to use, and how often you should apply them.
For hardwoods like teak, we would apply teak or Danish oil to nourish the wood and enhance its resistance to moisture. For softwoods like pine or cedar, our go-to is a regular application of a weather-resistant varnish or wood sealant to provide a waterproof layer.
3. Cover It
When steps 1 and 2 are checked off, it is safe to cover for winter. However, you must invest in high-quality, breathable waterproof covers designed specifically for outdoor furniture to prevent mould growth.
Ensure that the covers fit but are not so tight that air cannot circulate. In our experience, individual covers for each item are easier to put on and stay on better than a larger full set cover. Look for those with a way to secure such as pull ties or straps to secure them in place.
4. Lift It
If you are leaving your garden furniture outside in winter and covering then if possible, we like to elevate your furniture slightly off the ground using a small riser or protect the legs with plastic feet caps.
This is often a weak spot where standing water will be easily absorbed. By raising the furniture a little or using protective caps you’ll prevent direct contact with wet ground, and significantly reduce the risk of moisture rising into the wood.
5. Store It
If your garden furniture set includes cushions or fabric elements, always store them indoors in a dry area in specially designed cushion storage bags. Cushions are much more susceptible to moisture damage and mildew if left outside.
If you have smaller pieces of wooden garden furniture such as a bench or seats with a side table, and the space to do so, then we would even consider moving them indoors too. Smaller, portable wooden pieces can be easily moved into a garage, shed, or even under a covered patio for extra protection during bad weather.
Our final thoughts…
Our metal garden furniture can be left outside uncovered during winter as aluminium is rust resistant and the durable powder-coated finish will protect it from the elements, wood needs a little more caution and vigilance.
Even with covers on, we would recommend that you check on your garden furniture occasionally throughout the winter months to ensure the covers are secure and that no moisture has seeped in.
If possible, we would also suggest that you move your garden furniture to a more sheltered part of your garden or against a wall where it is less exposed to the wind and rain.
By taking these simple precautionary steps, you can protect your wooden garden furniture from the worst of the UK winter, ensuring it stays in good condition and is ready to use when the good weather returns.
If you have our garden furniture, then we would love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
