Did you get new outdoor furniture or looking to and are wondering if it’s waterproof?? There is no bigger fear than having that patio set you’ve searched for months ruined by an unforeseen accident. Taking care of your patio furniture can ensure a longer-lasting life. After all, outdoor furniture can be an expensive investment! We want to make sure we are doing everything we can to keep it in the best condition possible, for as long as possible.
There is a difference between water-resistant and waterproof. Spilling a little bit of water on your sofa may not have the same effect as having rain pour down on it. In either case, you want to make sure you are caring for it in the right way. For example, there are certain materials that are more resistant than others. Having sunbrella cushions and pillows is a great start, but read on to find out more options!
Best Outdoor Furniture for Rain
Different patio furniture materials and fabrics have different effects over time.
Aluminum
Aluminum furniture is the most popular patio furniture material. According to Hayneedle, it resists rust and moisture damage better than other metals. It requires little care and easy to clean, and withstands rain and other weather conditions. For those who are not able to store away furniture, aluminum is a good (and low-maintenance) option to go with.
To clean:
- Spray with water to remove dust and dirt
- Maintain the finish by touching up chips in the paint to avoid oxidation
Resin Wicker
Wicker furniture is another great material option for rain. Specifically, resin wicker is known as all-weather wicker. The perk of using resin wicker furniture is that not only does it look nice and stylish, but it also withstands rain and humidity. It is also more durable than traditional wicker material and is easy to care for.
To clean:
- Spray with water to remove pollen and dirt
- Let air dry
- Place in a shaded area for extra care
For more tips, check out our blog post on How to Care for Resin Wicker
Teak
Teak furniture is known for its durability, so it’s no surprise it made our list. Teak is very water-resistant. So much so, that it can withstand conditions that other woods would not; teak trees are meant to weather monsoon storms and humidity.
To clean:
- Clean with soapy water to remove dirt, dust, and pollen
- If painted wood, avoid exposure to moisture, clean with a damp cloth
- For extra care, keep out of the rain and direct sunlight
For more tips on how to care for teak, check our blog post on Teak Furniture Care.
Sunbrella
If you’re not a fan of sunbrella, you should be! And if you didn’t know about it before this post, you’re welcome. What’s there not to love about sunbrella fabrics? It’s all-weather mold, mildew, chloride, and WATER RESISTANT! Sign me up. Whether you get cushions, throw pillows or umbrellas, sunbrella fabric is easy to wash and low maintenance.
Check out our blog post on how to care for sunbrella fabric: The Magic of Sunbrella Fabric
Waterproof Fabric Outdoor Funiture
There are steps you can take to waterproof your outdoor furniture. Take these into account:
Brush off/vacuum
Before you can even begin thinking about waterproofing your furniture, you have to first make sure it’s clean. A little dust off or vacuuming could also go a long way, just make sure no dust or dirt is left behind!
Dry your furniture
For best results, make sure your furniture is dry before waterproofing it! Do it on a sunny day to avoid a rainy forecast.
Spray with a waterproof spray
Make sure to do this away from plants or animals! Casey suggests using Scotchgard Water Shield; she sprayed it all over her patio set and waited a few hours for it to completely dry. She even tested it out and claims it was a success! We don’t recommend this as an alternative to covering your furniture up, but it certainly gives additional protection.
Let it dry
Again, let it dry! We can’t stress enough how important it is to allow your furniture to dry completely before you expose it to moisture.
How to Care for Outdoor Furniture
We can’t always control spills or rainfall, but we can keep an eye on it and be aware of best practices to help prevent damages. Some of these include:
Keep an eye out.
Speaking of mildew, it is something that is always looking for a place to grow– and a wet cushion is a perfect opportunity to do so. It’s not a bad idea to keep an eye on your furniture from time to time; don’t wait until a spill or a storm to happen. If you ever notice it starting to form, grab your cleaning supplies right away (dish detergent and a bristle brush will do) before that mildew grows.
Put it away.
If you are lucky enough to have the extra space in your home, we suggest storing away your patio furniture during the off-season, or before it rains. Unfortunately, the weather forecast isn’t always accurate and there may be times of unforeseen rain. At the very least, you could put away pillows whenever they are not being used.
Clean up excess water.
Like I mentioned earlier, there is a difference between water-resistant and waterproof; although outdoor fabrics are water-resistant, it does not make them waterproof. With that in mind, you have to make sure spills and excess water after rain are wiped off immediately (you wouldn’t want mildew to grow on your furniture).
Cover it up.
Maybe you don’t have a large enough space to store your furniture in the off-seasons. If that’s the case, no problem. We suggest that instead, you cover your furniture with furniture covers! Being overly cautious can’t hurt, and using covers is your best alternative to a roof.
For tips on how to care for your patio furniture: How to Clean Patio Cushions and Pillows.
Investing in the right furniture materials and fabrics will allow you to enjoy your furniture longer. Having the right supplies handy can also help you take care of your furniture quickly. It’s good to be prepared because you know what they say: when it rains, it pours. But if you’re prepared, let it rain!
