Storing Your Wooden Garden Furniture
With the autumn here, chances are your garden will be getting less use. It’s time to start thinking about storing your wooden garden furniture. Proper storage ensures your outdoor pieces stay protected through the colder months, so they’re ready to shine when the warmer season rolls around.
With a little preparation—and the right products from Sadolin—you can keep your furniture looking beautiful for years and years to come!
Below you’ll find some of our top tips for storing wooden garden furniture.
1. Clean your furniture thoroughly before storing: Begin by giving your furniture a good clean to remove dirt, mildew, and debris that might cause damage over time. If these are left to fester, they can cause scratches, stains, and more serious issues. Use a soft brush and a wood-safe cleaner to scrub surfaces, and allow everything to dry completely. Trapped moisture can lead to rot and damage during storage, so make sure your furniture is fully dry before moving on to the next step.
2. Repair any defects: Carefully inspect your wooden furniture for any cracks, chips, or signs of damage. The sooner you address any problems, the better. For smaller cracks or surface defects, use Sadolin Woodfiller. This quality product offers excellent adhesion, making it ideal for minor repairs, and ensures your furniture is in top condition before storage. Once repaired, sand the area lightly to smooth it out.
3. Protect the timber with Sadolin formulas: To make sure your wooden furniture is protected and ready to brave whatever elements it may face. Whether you’re storing your furniture indoors or outdoors, don’t neglect a protective coat. Using Sadolin’s specialty wood formulas, such as Sadolin Classic All Purpose Woodstain, helps shield the timber from moisture, temperature changes, and UV damage. Properly treated wood will last longer and require less maintenance, so it’s worth the effort now to keep your furniture protected down the line.
4. Choose the right storage location: Ideally, wooden garden furniture should be stored in a cool, dry, covered area like a shed, garage, or covered patio. If indoor storage isn’t an option, invest in a high-quality furniture cover that’s water-resistant and breathable to prevent condensation buildup. Furniture should be placed in a high point in the yard and make sure it’s slightly elevated off the ground to avoid any moisture seeping in from below. You can use furniture risers or blocks for this.
5. Maintain airflow to prevent condensation buildup: Even during storage, it’s important to allow airflow around your furniture so it doesn’t fall victim to mould and mildew. Avoid wrapping furniture in plastic, as this can trap in moisture. Instead, opt for breathable fabric covers and leave some space between pieces if you’re stacking them.
6. Secure loose parts and store cushions separately: Remove any cushions or fabric covers and store them indoors in a dry, ventilated space to prevent mould. Check for any loose screws or bolts and tighten them as needed. For larger furniture that needs to be disassembled, keep all screws, bolts, and parts together in a labelled bag so they’re easy to find when you reassemble the piece in spring.
By following these simple steps, your wooden furniture will be happy and well-protected throughout the off-season. With the help of Sadolin’s woodcare products, your timber will stay in great shape, and any minor repairs made now will have your furniture ready to go as soon as the warm weather returns.
Make sure your outdoor furniture gets the care it deserves—and when the sun shines again, your garden will be ready to welcome you back in style! Call into your local Sadolin stockist for everything you need for your timber.