3 Steps to Get Outdoor Furniture Ready for Spring

It’s been a long winter here in Connecticut, there’s no doubt about that, but now it’s officially spring. So dust off your outdoor furniture and get ready for Saturday barbecues with friends and quiet Sundays spent taking in the fresh air. All it takes is three simple steps:

Step 1: Repair & Replace

First, you need to do a quick inspection of all of your outdoor furniture. Are the slings damaged from Connecticut’s snow (that snow gets heavy!)? Are the cushions so faded you can’t even tell they were once colored? Are the glides on the chairs scratching your deck—or maybe missing completely? None of this is good, and luckily, none of it is too hard to fix. From end caps to vinyl strapping to cushions, tires, slings, and glides, if your outdoor furniture came from Porch & Patio, there’s a good chance we can get you the correct replacement parts. If it didn’t, you should still check with us. As long as we have a relationship with the brand that makes your outdoor furniture, we should be able to get you exactly what you need.

Step 2: Wash

Now that all of your outdoor furniture is in working order, it’s time to spruce it up and get it looking like new. In most instances, all it takes is some mild detergent, a sponge, and some lukewarm water (yes, even for the cushions) to freshen it up. However, once it’s clean, there is a little more work to be done if you want your outdoor furniture to shine all season:

  • Wrought-iron – After your wrought iron outdoor furniture is dusted off, it is a wise idea to treat it with a rust-resistant primer to ensure the piece stays looking like new throughout the entire Connecticut summer (and the humidity that comes with it).
  • Aluminum – It won’t rust, thank goodness, but if you want your aluminum outdoor furniture to keep its luster, you might want to consider giving it a nice coat of automobile wax.
  • Teak – Outdoor furniture made of teak was built to withstand the elements, and a nice cleaning will do it some good. However, you should also apply a protectant annually to keep it from drying and cracking. If you don’t, that’s okay too, just know that it will eventually turn gray and dry out—but you might prefer the more rustic look.

Synthetic wicker, EnviroWood, and PVC outdoor furniture are pretty low maintenance and should be just fine with a gentle cleansing. But remember, pressure washers and outdoor furniture don’t mix.

Step 3: Expand

Everything is sparkly and repaired, but something still doesn’t seem quite right. You know what it is? You need more outdoor furniture. Even something as simple as a new chaise can make a world of difference in how often you actually take advantage of the amazing Connecticut spring weather. Whether you need a new dining set, are longing for a fire pit, or just want a few updated accessories for your patio, Porch & Patio is here to make all of your outdoor furniture dreams come true.

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