Choosing and Caring for Your Outdoor Furniture
Selecting outdoor furniture is an exciting part of designing your outdoor living space. It’s a chance to bring style, comfort, and functionality to your deck, patio, or garden. However, outdoor furniture faces challenges different from indoor pieces, including weather exposure and durability requirements. Here's a guide to help you choose the right materials and understand the best ways to care for your outdoor furniture.
Choosing the Right Furniture Materials
Outdoor furniture materials must withstand sun, rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations. Here’s a look at some top choices for durable, stylish outdoor furniture.
Outdoor Timber: Eden Furniture
Our Eden furniture, made in New Zealand, utilises high-quality timber like certified rosewood and Accoya®. Both are sustainably sourced from well-managed forests, prioritising durability and density – essential qualities for outdoor use. Unlike some other woods, such as Kwila, these options are almost non-bleeding, so they won’t stain your patio or deck.
Over time, you may notice small cracks, splits, or slight warping in outdoor timber, especially at the ends and on the surface. This is completely natural. The timber’s response to sun, wind, and rain can cause oils and minerals to evaporate, resulting in these minor changes that add character to the wood.
Outdoor Woven Wicker
For a lightweight but highly durable option, consider polyethylene (PE) wicker furniture. PE wicker is a synthetic material known for its resistance to frost, water, and UV rays (with a 3,000-hour UV resistance rating). It’s easy to clean, and when woven around a sturdy aluminium frame, it creates a comfortable seat that adapts to your body for maximum relaxation.
Accoya® Wood
Accoya® wood is an innovative, environmentally friendly timber that’s ideal for outdoor use. Sustainably grown in New Zealand and treated in the Netherlands, it undergoes a unique acetylation process. This process alters the wood’s cellular structure, making it more stable and resistant to water absorption – essentially “pickling” the wood in a vinegar-like solution. Accoya® wood is backed by a 50-year guarantee, making it an outstanding choice for lasting outdoor furniture.
Sun Umbrellas for Shade
No outdoor setting is complete without proper shade, especially with New Zealand’s intense sun. A sun umbrella can enhance your outdoor experience, whether relaxing on your deck or entertaining guests. Choose from two main styles:
Centre Pole Umbrellas: Great for dining tables, these umbrellas insert directly into the table to provide convenient shade for meals.
Cantilever Umbrellas: Ideal for lounging areas, cantilever umbrellas can be moved throughout the day to block sunlight as it shifts.
Be sure to choose a sturdy base to keep your umbrella stable and consider a cover to protect it when not in use.
Caring for Your Outdoor Furniture
Proper maintenance can extend the life of your outdoor furniture and keep it looking great year-round. Here’s how to maintain different types of outdoor furniture materials.
Maintenance for Eden Wooden Furniture
Regular maintenance is key to preserving the colour and appearance of your New Zealand-made Eden wooden furniture. We recommend using water-based Gecko and Woodland stains. Each model may require a specific product, so ask in-store for guidance to ensure you choose the right one.
Stainless Steel Care
Frames on New Zealand-made Inlet and Coast furniture are crafted from 304-grade stainless steel. Even this high-quality stainless steel can develop slight rust spots, known as “tea staining,” especially in coastal areas. To maintain the look, gently clean these spots with fine steel wool and a metal polish like Autosol. After cleaning, a quick coat of WD-40 can protect the surface, especially if your furniture is exposed to salty air.
Creating Your Perfect Outdoor Space
Choosing the right outdoor furniture materials and caring for them can significantly impact the durability and beauty of your space. From resilient timbers like Accoya® and rosewood to lightweight PE wicker, you’ll find options that suit various styles and weather conditions. Add a versatile sun umbrella to stay shaded, and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle to the fullest.
With regular maintenance and some expert advice, your outdoor furniture can become a cherished part of your home, creating a stylish and comfortable retreat for years to come.
