Contents
- 1 Can you use Ikea furniture outside?
- 2 Is it OK to put wood furniture outside?
- 3 Are rattan chairs waterproof?
- 4 Can furniture be stored outside?
Can you use Ikea furniture outside?
Discover our wide range of garden furniture – we have everything from smaller, lightweight aluminum furniture for the balcony, to a variety of sizes and materials, like rattan and solid wood furniture, for your garden or terrace. Find the outdoor furniture that suit your style and space and enjoy outdoor living.
What is the best weather resistant outdoor furniture?
Materials – If you want outdoor furniture that lasts more than a season, purchase durable materials like teak, acacia, and other weather-treated woods. Cast or wrought aluminum and all-weather wicker are also durable choices.
Is it OK to put wood furniture outside?
For the most part, high-quality wooden furniture is largely weather-resistant and can be left outside — but there are a few caveats. As we’ve seen, hardwood furniture will last longer than softwood furniture and can withstand bad weather better.
How tall should an outdoor table be?
Dining Height – An average outdoor dining table has a standard height of 28 to 30 inches, The height of the table is not dependent on the size of the table top, so this standard height applies to any size dining table, from a large 14-person table to a small bistro table. Dining chairs and bistro chairs are well suited to be paired with these tables, with a standard height of 18 to 26 inches,
How can you tell if furniture is high quality?
Furniture Buying 101, how to tell the difference between good and poor quality furniture As a Winnipeg interior decorator, I have done numerous presentations at different venues, but the one I found most rewarding was the one I did last March at the Home Expressions show on Furniture buying 101.
I enjoyed this presentation the most, because I felt there was a need to educate the public on how to tell the difference between poor and good quality furniture. I am not suggesting that everything in your home should be high quality, all I am concerned about is that you know what your buying, so you can make an informed decision and pay a fair price for what you are getting.
So below, please find a check list to follow when you go out to purchase furnishings for your home:
good quality wood furniture will be constructed out of either solid hard wood or a plywood that has at least 8 layers to it. Good quality pieces will have very few knots even on areas that are not exposed. Knots are susceptible to cracking. For this reason woods such as pine are less desirable. Poor quality furniture is often constructed from thin plywood, fiberboard, particle board, and press board. On wood furniture a good place to tell the quality of construction would be the joints. Good quality furniture will have joints that are screwed, or doweled. The very best joints are dovetailed, mortise-and tenon. Re-enforcing block attached at an angle should be used on corners. Indications of poor quality would be joints that are nailed, stapled, or will have visible glue. Good quality furniture frames will sit even level with the floor. Bad quality furniture will wobble, twist, or creak. Wood on a good quality furniture piece should be reasonably scratch resistant, if it dents easily the furniture will not stand up to much use. To test this you can try drawing a line on an unexposed area with your fingernail to see if it leaves a visible dent. When it comes to veneers, the construction under the veneer should be either solid wood or a good plywood. But veneers are limited to the number of times they can be refinished. When it comes to wood furniture such as a chest of drawers or a desk, very good quality pieces will have thin sheets of wood (often known as dust panels) between drawers. These panels not only act to protect contents, but they also improve upon the structures strength. Good quality pieces will have drawers that open and close easily on metal glide rails and have stops to prevent them from being pulled out too far. The very best drawers will have bottoms that float in a groove and will not be affixed to the sides. This allows for expansion and contraction due to changes in humidity. It also provides extra strength. Wood on wood sliding drawers are usually an indication of poor quality It can be more difficult to tell quality upholstered furniture, because its frame is often concealed by fabric. But here is what you can do, when you go to a retail location the sales person should be able to tell you all the information about the product right away. If they can not easily provide this information, or they hesitate do not buy from them, move on to another location. The sales person should have good product knowledge. They should be able to provide some sort of a spec sheet. Personally, if any client asks the quality of any of my furnishings I am able to tell them immediately about the construction. Be careful with names. There is a trend right now in the furniture industry to name poor quality products with similar names to high end names. So watch out for this. Find out what the density of the foam is. Upholstered furniture should have a seat foam density rating of at least 1.8 pounds or higher. If the chair or sofa has removable seat cushions, unzip them and take a look inside. The foam block should be wrapped in fiber. Very high end ones will probably have a protective inner cover. Removable back cushions could be made of foam, but will probably be loose fill. Loose fill cushions should have multiple internal compartments. These internal compartments stop the fill from settling. Eight way hand tied coil springs indicate very high quality, but are rarely found now a days. Coil, cone, sinuous, and grid springs can all work well. The best thing to do is to sit in various spots to see whether you sink or tip. In cases where the seat cushions are removable press down on the deck underneath. There should be even spacing and resistance to pressure. Any spring system that is more than a few inches apart indicates a poorly constructed piece. Very high end manufactures will self deck their upholstered furniture. Self decking occurs when the same fabric is used through out. For example the same fabric used on the top of the seat cushion will be on underneath the part of the chair where the cushion sits. If the pieces are not self decked the fabric used under the cushion should be of the same color family as the furniture piece. Leather typically will not be self decked to prevent the seat cushions from moving around.
I have included some pictures of the build of one the chairs from the Inclusive Design House signature line to illustrate a quality furniture construction. This is a corner block from one of my chairs. Note it is screwed, glued, and stapled with 2″ staples.
It is constructed of solid birch with virtually no knots. The back of one of my chairs. Notice the even distribution of springs. How the springs are covered in duon to prevent the foam from pushing through. I hope this check list helps you the next time you go out to purchase furnishings for your home to make an informed buying decision.
Sherri Cowlthorp
What color cushions are best for outdoor furniture?
1. Dark colors absorb a lot of heat. – Spring and summer color palettes are full of pastels, bright colors, and shades of white. That’s because these colors reflect the sunlight and the radiant heat. Black, navy, and other dark shades absorb all of that heat energy. So keep it light or bright for your cushions so it’s comfortable to take a seat.
Are rattan chairs waterproof?
Is rattan furniture eco-friendly? – Rattan is a fast-growing plant native to Asia and Africa. It grows around larger plants and trees in tropical climates, so it requires regular harvesting to relieve pressure on local forests. Fortunately, its rapid regrowth provides local communities with a reliable source of income, making it sustainable and eco-friendly.
- Win-win! Summing up, rattan’s waterproof properties depend on the type of rattan.
- Synthetic rattan is waterproof, making it ideal for outdoor use, while natural rattan isn’t, so it’s best stored indoors in cold or wet weather.
- Regardless of the type, it’s essential to take proper care of your rattan furniture.
But don’t worry – that’s the easy bit. It’s choosing your favourite piece from our stunning range that’s tricky! Remember, we’re always here to help, so leave a comment if you’d like any further info, or visit our blog for more home and DIY insight. Until next time, friends! 2023-02-20 12:14:00 0 viewed
How do you protect outdoor furniture in the rain?
How to weatherproof outdoor furniture from the elements – Spring for high-quality outdoor fabric Don’t be too stingy when selecting outdoor furniture fabric. “Investing in a high-quality fabric is crucial for outdoor use,” says Adriene Ged, lead interior designer for in Naples, Florida.
She likes,, and fabrics. This will ensure your furniture doesn’t get completely bleached or deteriorated from the sun in a season or two. Buy a canopy or pergola To ward off material discoloration and warping, consider a cover—like a canopy or a pergola—as a way to weatherproof outdoor furniture. “Even though outdoor furniture is treated and designed to withstand this as well as possible, it can only do so much when the sun impacts directly for extended periods of time,” says Alex Varela—architect, cleaning expert, and general manager of, a house cleaning service in Dallas.
“There’s nothing as damaging as direct sun contact.” If investing in a shady structure is out of budget, think creatively about landscaping and the architecture of your house. Varela suggests placing outdoor furniture under a large tree or any other area that is protected from direct sunlight.
Shield furniture from rain Even the priciest outdoor furniture can start decaying because of rain. When a storm approaches, stack your chairs in a corner and place a sturdy cover over them, Varela says. For a really big storm, Ged suggests moving outdoor furniture inside or at least to a covered area, like a screened-in porch.
Varela is also a fan of silicone, or, or leg caps. “They not only protect furniture from direct contact with wet floors, but they will also prevent furniture legs from scratching decks.” Find storage for cushions and throw pillows Although durable fabric can extend the lifetime of your cushions and pillows, even the high-quality stuff is going to have a hard time battling mold and pollen if you leave it outside 24/7.
- Most cushions are detachable and should be put away when not in use, especially at the end of the season.
- A is the ideal place to store cushions, umbrellas, and the rest.
- Take care of furniture covers Covers help weatherproof outdoor furniture, but you can’t neglect them, or the muck might transfer to the very things you’re trying to protect from grime.
Varela recommends hot soapy water and a heavy-duty large brush or sponge to remove dust and dirt. Then, rinse covers with a high-pressure hose. Once dry, Varela says to apply a to both furniture and covers. “This will work for many materials, especially vinyl and plastic,” he says.
Covers may also be machine washable. “Some are colorfast and are strong enough to be scrubbed with a water-and-bleach solution to remove stains and mildew,” Ged points out. Bank on two furniture cover deep cleans at the start and the end of alfresco season. Because furniture covers will get most use off-season, start the storage season with a clean slate by washing away all the debris collected over spring and summer.
Phillips highlights that the cold months are when the furniture covers can get especially grimy. “Sagging areas can cause water to puddle—a breeding ground for bugs and mold,” she says. At the start of each spring season, scrub away stubborn dirt before you dry them and put them away.”
Can a wooden table get rained on?
Snow: Rain and snow can also take a toll on wooden furniture. If left outside during a rainstorm or snowfall, the wood can absorb moisture and become waterlogged. Over time, this can lead to warping, cracking, or rot.
How long does wood furniture last outside?
Good patio furniture can last 15+ years. Some will last longer, some less, but there’s no firm timeline. Unlike mattresses, which have a commonly-held deadline for replacement after 10 years, your patio furniture will last until the elements break it down—this depends on maintenance, materials, and climate.
Different climates have a direct effect on how long your patio furniture will last; The arid environments of the Southwest have a lot of hot sunlight; therefore, UV protection and furniture covers are necessary. On the other hand, humid climates along the coastlines make your furniture tackle a lot of moisture; protective coatings are an essential feature.
To determine whether or not your furniture will last long, you must consider build quality, frame materials, climate, and even your care and maintenance routine. Keeping that in mind, you’ll quickly find the right set for you.
Can you turn an indoor table into an outdoor table?
Painting Furniture – First, choose a paint made for exterior use and that is suitable for furniture. Next, clean your furniture of any dirt an give it a light sanding to create a better bond for the finish. With the tack cloth, clean off any residual dust.
Can you turn indoor furniture into outdoor furniture?
How to Weatherproof Indoor Furniture for Outside Use Furnishing an outdoor living space with “outdoor” furniture can get expensive. Often, it’s simply easier and more resourceful to upgrade a piece of “indoor” furniture for outdoor use. Shutterstock/Chen Liang-Dao Use sealants to protect a wooden table on your porch.
Hardwoods and softwoods alike can make the transition to being, For example, if you have old kitchen cabinets, you might find that you can use them to enhance storage on an exposed porch or add functionality to an outdoor kitchen. Extra coffee table? Put it on the patio to round out your morning coffee spot.
Even conventionally “indoor” sofas, sideboards and accessories can be sealed and safely repurposed as outdoor features. Sealing your furniture will help protect it from moisture penetration that leads to discoloration, cracks and even mold. There are a wide variety of weatherproof sealants that you can apply to indoor furnishings that will help them endure the outdoor elements.
- teak oil
- Danish oil
- tung oil
- spar urethane
- spar varnish
- exterior latex paint
- chalk paint
Shutterstock/VipadaLoveYou Applying sealant to a piece of wooden furniture.
- Apply weatherproofing when the temperatures are moderate. Between 60 and 80 degrees is ideal.
- Avoid shaking cans of sealants. Shaking the liquid can create bubbles that transfer to your furniture.
- Proactively avoid damage by shielding your furnishings from harsh weather conditions. Move your wood furniture indoors over the winter and cover it on rainy days.
- You will have the best results with routine resealing. Plan to add another coat of weatherproofing every year.
Shutterstock/Chiociolla The base of a wooden sofa, a wooden chair, and several coffee tables are treated with wood oils so they are waterproof and UV resistant. Massaging a generous layer of oil into the surface of your wood furniture enhances its waterproofing abilities.
- is a common outdoor wood oil used specifically for hardwoods like teak, rosewood and mahogany. It penetrates deep and creates a durable, UV-resistant finish.
- is a water-resistant blend of resins and natural oils. It is toy- and food-safe and dries to a hard finish. High-quality products offer UV filters.
- dries quickly and is also naturally non-toxic. It offers a waterproof but flexible finish that allows the wood to contract and expand with fluctuations in temperature and humidity. It does not naturally offer UV protection, but UV absorbers are often added to exterior tung oil products.
- Prep the furniture surface with 400-grit sandpaper. Sanding helps open the grain.
- Wipe the surface with a tacky cloth to remove any dust created when sanding.
- Stir the oil in the can. Do not shake the product.
- Use an oil-dampened cloth or a paintbrush to apply the oil directly to the wood. It will begin to absorb before your eyes.
- Use a dry cloth to wipe up any pooled oil. Massage the oil in and examine for areas that did not receive a thorough coat.
- Place the oily rags in a bucket filled with water and leave it outdoors. Oily rags can spark fires as they dry.
- Allow the furniture to dry overnight.
- If additional coats are desired, use a piece of 400-grit sandpaper to lightly roughen the topcoat. Once again, use tacky cloths to eliminate any dust before adding another layer of oil.
- Apply an additional coat of wood oil. Allow it to dry overnight. Repeat as needed.
Shutterstock/simona pilolla 2 Applying exterior latex paint to an old wooden cabinet to help it endure the elements when relocated to a porch. The process of weatherproofing wooden furniture with sealants isn’t much different than applying wood oil, but the products themselves offer different benefits.
- , an outdoor-friendly polyurethane, contains UV absorbers that are ideal for maintaining an outdoor wood finish. It is available as both an oil-based and water-based product and also comes in a range of finishes from satin to gloss. Spar urethane allows the wood to expand and contract with changing temperatures. It dries in just a few hours, but you should plan to apply several coats for the best effect.
- is a great topcoat for outdoor and raw wood projects, especially if they are going to be in contact with water and in full sunlight. It’s marine-rated, so you can trust that it will help your indoor wood furniture hold up to unexpected outdoor weather.
- is a great option for wooden furniture that needs a total makeover. Sand and prime the wood first for best results.
- is another great outdoor solution for outdoor furniture, but it must be covered by a to prevent fading in the sunlight.
- Prep the wood surface with 400-grit sandpaper. Sanding helps open the grain.
- Wipe the surface with a tacky cloth to remove any dust created when sanding.
- Stir the sealant. Avoid adding air pockets to any of these products, too.
- Use terry cloth, cheesecloth, a paint roller or a paintbrush to apply the sealant directly to the wood. Brushes and rollers are useful for applying spar urethane or varnish on flat surfaces, but you may find it easier to prevent drips by using cloths on detailed areas or vertical sections of your furniture.
- If you’re using an oil-based product, put the oily rags in a bucket filled with water and leave it outdoors. Soaking oily rags can prevent fires.
- Allow the furniture to dry according to the product directions. Some products cure in two hours, while others may need a full 24 hours to set.
- If additional coats are desired, use a piece of 400-grit sandpaper to lightly roughen the topcoat. Use tacky cloths to wipe down the furniture once it is sanded.
- Apply an additional coat and repeat as needed.
Be sure to treat cushions and fabrics, too. Indoor upholstery can easily fade in the sun and cushions certainly won’t be water-resistant without extra treatment. Give all fabric a healthy dose of so that it can repel moisture and damaging UV rays. Pro tip: You can extend the life of all outdoor fabrics by treating them for additional water repellency (even the specialty-fabric sun umbrella over your patio table).
Can indoor furniture be left outside?
While interior furniture doesn’t last as long as outdoor pieces that are made with treated lumber and exterior glue, you can get a lot of use out of a discarded indoor piece with the right treatment. Once you’ve found a piece, simply follow these simple steps to prep and paint it.
Can you keep furniture outside?
Add an outdoor sealant to wood. – Do you have a wooden table that would make the perfect patio dining table, or a wooden bench that would look lovely underneath your backyard tree? Turn it into an outdoor piece with the help of sealant. “While ideally you would choose furniture made of naturally water-resistant materials like cedar, teak, or cypress woods, any wood furniture can be treated with an outdoor sealant,” says Morgan McBride, founder of DIY home improvement website CharlestonCrafted.com,
Can furniture be stored outside?
Indoor storage units can be better for storing furniture than outdoor units. Most climate controlled storage units do not have exposure to outside sunlight, which is a good thing. UV rays can fade, discolor, and otherwise damage furniture.