Garden Furniture Care Guide

Caring for Your Garden Furniture

This guide provides general care advice suitable for a wide range of outdoor furniture materials. As construction
methods, finishes and materials vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, you should always refer to the specific care instructions supplied with your product to ensure compliance with any warranty requirements.

Enjoying Outdoor Furniture for Years to Come

Outdoor furniture is designed to be enjoyed outdoors, but no outdoor furniture is completely maintenance-free.

Many products are described as weather-resistant, meaning they are designed to withstand normal outdoor conditions. However, weather-resistant does not mean weatherproof or permanent exposure-proof.

A little preventative care goes a long way.

Natural Materials – Beautifully Unique

Many luxury outdoor collections feature natural materials such as teak, acacia, stone, rope, natural fibres and timber finishes. One of the most appealing qualities of natural materials is that no two pieces are ever identical.

Natural characteristics may include:

  • Variations in colour and tone
  • Natural grain patterns
  • Knots and texture differences
  • Surface markings and movement
  • Variation between individual pieces

These characteristics are not faults but part of the beauty and individuality of the material. As with all natural products, appearance will evolve over time with exposure to sunlight, weather and everyday use.

Garden Furniture Care Recommendations

  • ✓ Do

    Everyday Care

    ✓ Inspect your outdoor furniture at least once or twice a year

    ✓ Follow the specific care instructions provided with your furniture

    ✓ Tighten any loose bolts, screws, and fittings as needed

    ✓ Use coasters, and protective pads beneath planters, lanterns, and decorative accessories

    ✓ Wipe up any spills promptly to minimise wear

    ✓ Use a breathable outdoor furniture cover to protect against dirt, tree sap, bird droppings, rain, and UV exposure

    ✓ Ensure furniture is completely clean and dry before putting on a cover

    ✓ Store cushions when not in use

  • ✕ Dont

    Everyday Care

    ✕ Avoid dragging or pushing furniture when moving it, as this strains joints, frames, feet, and floor surfaces

    ✕ Do not place hot cookware directly onto furniture surfaces

    ✕ Do not leave furniture outside during extreme weather

    ✕ Do not use abrasive cleaning products and pressure washers

Teak & Hardwood Furniture

  • What To Expect

    As timber is a natural material, it will
    change throughout its life.

    Over time you may notice:

    • A silver-grey patina developing
    • Changes in colour
    • Small surface cracks
    • Natural movement in the grain

    These are normal characteristics and not
    defects.

  • Care

    • Clean periodically using mild soap and water.
    • Use a soft brush or cloth.
    • Avoid pressure washing.
    • Consider appropriate timber treatments if you wish to maintain the original colour.
    • Cover when not in use.
    • Store in a dry, ventilated location during prolonged periods of non-use.

Aluminium Furniture

  • Benefits

    Aluminium is popular because it is
    lightweight, durable and naturally resistant to rust.

    • Low maintenance
    • Lightweight
    • Resistant to corrosion
    • Contemporary appearance

  • Care

    • Wash occasionally using warm water and mild soap.
    • Avoid abrasive cleaning products.
    • Lift when moving to avoid damage to joints and protective feet.
    • In coastal environments, rinse periodically with fresh water to remove salt deposits.

    Although highly durable, aluminium
    furniture will benefit from protection during prolonged adverse weather.

Synthetic Rattan & Weave

  • Care

    Synthetic rattan and woven materials combine an attractive natural look with excellent durability and outdoor performance.

    • Brush away loose dirt regularly.
    • Clean with mild soapy water and a soft cloth.
    • Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.
    • Remove dirt from crevices carefully using a soft brush.

  • Important

    • Avoid pressure washers.
    • Avoid harsh chemicals.
    • Keep reflective glass objects away from weave surfaces in direct sunlight, as concentrated light may cause damage.
Lainey Garden Dining Set with 4 Chairs

Rope Furniture

Outdoor rope furniture offers texture and visual appeal while remaining practical for outdoor use.

  • Clean gently using mild soap and water.
  • Use a soft cloth or sponge.
  • Avoid excessive scrubbing.
  • Allow to air dry naturally.

We recommend protecting rope furniture during extended periods of poor weather and storing it wherever possible during winter months.

Glass Tabletops

  • Care

    Outdoor safety glass is durable and practical when used correctly.

    • Clean using an appropriate glass cleaner and a soft cloth.
    • Remove spills promptly.
    • Always use placemats and coasters.

  • Important

    In strong sunlight, glass can occasionally
    magnify sunlight and create concentrated heat. Avoid leaving magnifying or
    reflective objects on glass surfaces for prolonged periods.

    Never sit, stand or place excessive weight on glass tabletops.

Stone, Ceramic, Concrete & Composite Surfaces

  • These materials offer durability and sophisticated styling while retaining the appearance of natural stone.

    Care

    • Clean with mild soap and warm water.
    • Use soft cleaning cloths only.
    • Avoid abrasive cleaners.
    • Avoid pressure washing.
    • Remove spills promptly.

    Natural and stone-effect materials may vary in pattern, texture and colour, making each piece unique.

Guide to Sprucing Up Your Garden

Fire Pits & Outdoor Heating Products

Outdoor heating products should always be used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

General recommendations include:

  • Allow units to cool fully before cleaning or covering.
  • Keep burner areas free from debris.
  • Cover when not in use.
  • Store appropriately during prolonged periods of bad weather.
  • Seek professional assistance if repairs or servicing are required.

Plastic & Resin Furniture

  • Modern outdoor plastics and resin materials are lightweight, durable and easy to maintain.

    Care

    • Clean with mild detergent and water.
    • Rinse thoroughly.
    • Avoid abrasive cleaning tools.

    While designed for outdoor use, long periods of sun, frost and severe weather may accelerate ageing, so covering or storing the furniture when not required is beneficial.

Cushions & Outdoor Fabrics

  • Important

    Outdoor cushions are often designed to resist light showers and occasional moisture. However, most outdoor cushions are not fully waterproof.

    Weather-resistant fabrics should not be left exposed to prolonged wet weather.

    For best results:

    • Store cushions when not in use.
    • Bring cushions indoors during periods of rain.
    • Never leave cushions outside for extended periods during autumn or winter.
    • Ensure cushions are completely dry before storage.

  • Cleaning

    • Blot spills immediately.
    • Spot clean with mild soap and water where appropriate.
    • Do not scrub aggressively.
    • Follow product care labels before cleaning.

    Store cushions in a cool, dry and ventilated environment.

    Avoid storing cushions in sealed plastic
    bags, as trapped moisture can encourage mould growth.

Taupe Glow Garden Parasol and Base

Parasols & Bases

To prolong the life of your parasol:

  • Close it when not in use.
  • Do not leave open during strong winds.
  • Allow fabric to dry fully before storage.
  • Store in a dry location during winter.

Regularly inspect all moving parts and
tighten fittings where required.

Seasonal Storage

  • If furniture will not be used for an extended period, particularly during winter, we recommend:

    • Cleaning furniture thoroughly.
    • Allowing all components to dry completely.
    • Removing and storing cushions separately.
    • Using breathable covers.
    • Storing in a cool, dry and ventilated area where possible.

    Avoid damp, poorly ventilated environments that may encourage mould, corrosion or material deterioration.

Final Word

Outdoor furniture is an investment in your home and lifestyle. Whether crafted from natural timber, woven materials, metal, stone or contemporary composites, every piece benefits from regular care and protection.

While many outdoor materials are weather-resistant, no furniture will remain unaffected by long-term exposure to the elements. The more care and protection your furniture receives, the better its appearance, comfort and longevity are likely to be over time.