The big advantage of the cast aluminium we use for our garden furniture range over wood furniture is that it is rust-resistant and weatherproof.
The durable powder-coated finish we apply will protect our furniture from the rain but what happens if wood furniture gets rained on?
Rain is something we simply can’t avoid in the UK. In 2024 we have seen some of the wettest conditions recorded in recent decades.
We've experienced an unusually wet past 12 months, particularly from October 2023 to March 2024.
The summer of 2024 also continued this trend, with significant rainfall. By August, some regions, particularly in Scotland, had experienced up to 200% of their typical August rainfall.
Overall, it has been a very wet year across much of the UK, with rainfall exceeding averages.
Lazy Susan furniture can sit on our patios all year and the worst the rain will do to it is get it a bit dirty.
However, this is purely cosmetic and can be cleaned off with warm soapy water.
A light coat of car wax is a great way to prevent any watermarks on chairs and tabletops too as it helps the rain bead up and run off the surface.
Wood patio furniture on the other hand can be a little more problematic when exposed to rainfall like we experience in the UK.
Several problems can occur but they very much depend on the type of wood and how it is finished and protected.
The common problems when wood gets rained on are: Swelling, Warping, Rotting, Discolouration, Mould, Mildew, Splitting, and Cracking…
All terms we do not want to see used to describe our garden furniture!
What can happen if the wood furniture is not protected properly?
Cast aluminium garden furniture is non-porous and rustproof, so it is perfectly suited to our wet climate.
Wood on the other hand is porous. That doesn’t mean it is not suited to our climate, it simply means that it will require a little regular maintenance to keep it protected.
When it rains, wood will absorb water. Over time, this can cause the wood to swell, warp, or crack, especially if it is untreated or not properly sealed.
Prolonged exposure to moisture can eventually lead to the dreaded wood rot, especially in softwoods like pine or untreated timbers.
This is more likely in a wet climate like we have in the UK where the furniture doesn't get a chance to dry out completely during prolonged spells of bad weather.
While watermarks and stains on cast aluminium can simply be washed off, they can cause permanent stains or discolouration on wood.
Dark spots or blotches may appear, especially if the wood is not sealed or treated properly. Rainwater can mix with dust or pollutants on the surface, which can dry into noticeable stains.
If wet weather is followed by warm, then you have the perfect conditions for mould and mildew.
It can develop on the surface of your wood furniture and is especially common in shaded areas where the wood is warm but doesn't get the opportunity to dry quickly.
Usually, the only option with watermarks and stains from mould, mildew or general outdoor dirt is to sand and re-stain/seal.
If the wood goes through cycles of wet and dry, it can also expand and contract, leading to cracks or splits in the wood over time. In this scenario, filling will be needed to repair.
How to protect solid wood garden furniture from the rain
One advantage that wood has is that it's relatively easy to repair and restore if the weather damage isn’t too deep set.
However, we firmly believe that if you have invested in wood outdoor furniture, then it makes sense to maintain and protect it so that it lasts for many wet British summers to come.
Here are 4 simple steps that will help keep your outdoor wood furniture protected from the rain:
1. Seal
The starting point is to make sure the wood is fully protected. The best course of action will depend on the type of wood you have and what treatments (if any) have been applied by the manufacturer.
You must apply the right type of water-resistant sealant, varnish, or paint to create a barrier against moisture and give you a finish (in terms of colour) that you like.
Sealing wood patio furniture in the UK is essential for several reasons but essential for our wet and fluctuating climate. Unsealed wood will absorb water and this leads to the furniture expanding and, in time, it will warp, crack, or bow.
Prolonged exposure to water, especially in untreated softwoods, will cause wood rot, leading to the structural weakening of the furniture. Wood will naturally expand and contract, however, if not sealed, it can lead to cracking.
Even though we’re talking about rain here, we can still see periods of sunshine too. This can dry out and fade untreated wood. UV rays can cause discolouration and degrade the wood fibres.
Sealing your wood garden furniture will help maintain its appearance, structural integrity, and level of protection from the sun and rain. It will also protect against watermarks, stains from spills, and dirt buildup, keeping the furniture looking new.
It provides a protective barrier, making upkeep simpler, and reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
Without a sealant of some type, you'll need to sand and clean the furniture regularly to remove weather-induced damage.
Given the UK’s combination of frequent rain, dampness, and occasional sun, we think that sealing our wood furniture is a no-brainer to ensure it maintains its weather resistance, usability, and aesthetic appeal.
2. Cover
When not in use, we would recommend that you cover wood furniture with breathable waterproof covers to shield it from rain and prevent any significant wear and damage over time.
Frequent rain can cause wood to absorb moisture, leading to swelling, warping, and potential rotting. Even expensive hardwoods such as the more resistant teak can be affected if exposed to constant rain.
Shielding the furniture from rain with a cover will reduce the risk of warping and cracking as they keep the wood dry but allow air to circulate. And that last bit is crucial as damp conditions, coupled with organic matter like fallen leaves, can encourage mould and mildew to grow.
Our climate is not only wet but it often fluctuates between cold and damp and sun. These shifts can stress the wood over time. In winter, water can seep into the woodgrain, freezing and expanding, causing cracks. Covers will prevent water from absorbing into the fibres.
Wood garden furniture is an investment, especially the high-end hardwoods, so covering will significantly extend its life. Less exposure to the elements means the furniture stays in better condition for longer, reducing the need for repair or replacement.
Covers will reduce the amount of maintenance needed too, preserving the appearance, and keeping it from developing a grey patina or looking weathered. Given our unpredictable and often damp weather, covering our wood garden furniture is a simple and effective way to protect our investment.
3. Elevate
We mentioned the need to elevate wooden garden furniture in our Can you store patio furniture in an unheated garage or shed during winter? It is essential when storing in winter.
However, slightly elevating when on the patio too will allow airflow underneath and prevent it from sitting directly on the ground where rainwater can accumulate.
Legs are often a beat of a weak spot and water can easily seep into the woodgrain, leading to swelling, warping, or even rot.
Elevating the furniture allows air to circulate underneath it, which helps dry out the wood after rain. This reduces the risk of prolonged dampness and minimises the negative effects of moisture absorption.
When wooden furniture is in direct contact with damp ground, it is highly susceptible to ground contact rot. This type of rot typically starts at the base of the legs and spreads upward, significantly weakening the structure over time.
In colder months, rainwater that collects around or under furniture can freeze too. Frozen water expands, causing cracks in the wood, especially near the base of the table and chair legs. Elevating the furniture ensures that water drains away and does not freeze beneath or around the legs.
There are several cost-effective solutions on the market such as caps, screw-in pads, etc, or you could place your furniture on a drainable surface such as gravel or porous pavers. Avoid leaving wood furniture on patios where water pools, grass, or directly on soil.
4. Type
Lastly, the best way to stand up to the rain is to invest in the right type of wood.
Hardwood varieties like teak, cedar, or eucalyptus are more naturally resistant to moisture. They will cost more upfront but save you time and money in the long run in terms of maintenance.
They are not maintenance-free but weather-resistant woods are naturally more resistant to absorbing moisture. In a rainy environment like the UK, where rain is frequent, species like teak, cedar, and eucalyptus contain natural oils that better help repel water, reducing the chances of swelling, warping, or rotting.
Weather-resistant woods are much less prone to splitting or cracking from moisture absorption than non-resistant species such as pine, fir, and spruce. That doesn’t mean you should not buy those types, they are much more affordable, you just have to be prepared to maintain and protect them.
Woods naturally resistant to weather require less upkeep and will last longer. While they’ll benefit from a yearly sealing or oiling, they are much less susceptible to weather damage, meaning you won’t need to spend as much time on repairs or refinishing.
Many of the high-end timbers will develop a beautiful natural patina and can remain structurally sound for years without the need for extensive maintenance.
Teak, for instance, turns a soft silvery-grey as it ages, adding a charm that many love without compromising its integrity. If you don’t want a patine, then a regular application of teak oil will prevent it.
By investing a little more into weather-resistant woods, you will get a wood that is better suited to the climate, reducing the need for frequent replacement or maintenance.
By taking protective measures, you can extend the life of your wood patio furniture even in the frequently rainy climate we have here in the UK.
If you have our garden furniture in your outside space, 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.
