You raked the leaves, covered the pool, and set up your autumn lawn decorations. Now you need to get your patio furniture tucked away for the cold months. How do you protect the material from the elements? We have the answers.
What can you leave outside?
Many pieces of patio furniture can be left out during the Fall and Winter seasons. Furniture made out of composite, aluminum, and wood materials is fine to stay outside. Just make sure that water stays off of your aluminum furniture and your wood materials remain uncovered. It may seem like a no-brainer to cover your wood with weatherproof fabrics. However, it is more helpful to keep moisture from sitting on the wood. Finally, just because these pieces can stay outside doesn’t always mean they have to. If you would like to store these away to preserve their condition, they can come inside.
What needs to come inside?
Some materials should not stay outside. Steel furniture is prone to rust. Stone tabletops are porous and can form cracks with moisture. Wicker furniture breathes with the humidity. It may begin to contract as the months cool down, and this can destroy your pieces. Low-quality plastic furniture can become brittle in cold air. It is better to store all of these pieces in a temperature-controlled space.
Anything with fabric also needs to come inside. For example, you should move umbrellas, upholstery, and outdoor rugs into storage. Even if these materials have a unique weatherproof fabric, storing them inside protects them from the harsh conditions of the winter.
How should you clean your furniture for storage?
Leaving furniture pieces in storage dirty will only give you more work in the future. Instead, clean your parts now and treat them right to make your job easier! First, brush off any loose dirt and grime. If you can, repair any damages, scratches, or dings. Next, look out for any signs of rust or corrosion. If you find any corrosion, brush it away gently and apply appliance paint in the correct hue to protect your furniture.
What about your grill?
You can easily winterize your grill. First, brush off to get rust and food off of the grills. Then take out any remaining wood chips or charcoal inside. Use the manufacturer’s instructions to clean out your grill well. Consider moving your grill inside if you will not use it for the year. If you are planning on transplanting your grill, disconnect the propane tank or gas line beforehand.
How should you store everything?
Place everything with intent—stack cushions in a storage bench or a patio storage bag. Furniture must sit right-side-up, so any remaining moisture escapes correctly.
Where should you store your things?
Temperature-controlled storage spots are the best choice for these items. You can use places like your garage, garden shed, or attic if you have the space, but they will not offset the winter’s harmful effects like a good self storage unit will. We have units of all sizes for a variety of needs! Check out a location nearest to you!