Resources
Care Tips for Your Outdoor Furniture & Materials
Your outdoor living space is an investment in comfort, style, and time spent well. To keep your furniture and materials looking great season after season, we’ve compiled expert care and maintenance tips for the most common outdoor surfaces, from Sunbrella fabrics and wrought iron frames to natural stone tabletops and premium hardwoods like Ipe and teak.
Whether you’re getting ready for a new season, protecting your furniture during winter, or just doing regular upkeep, these simple guidelines will help you extend the life and beauty of your outdoor pieces.
Explore the sections below to find the right care solutions for your setup.
Outdoor Maintenance Tips
To keep your Sunbrella fabric looking fresh:
- For normal cleaning, use a sponge or soft brush with mild soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and let the air dry.
- For stubborn stains or mildew, mix one cup of bleach per gallon of soap and water. Apply to the stain and clean with a sponge or soft brush. Rinse well and air dry. Repeat if necessary.
- Always rinse thoroughly to avoid bleach residue. Avoid machine drying, as high heat can damage the fabric.
- Clean with warm, soapy water to remove dirt and grime.
- If the paint is chipped, touch it up immediately to prevent corrosion. We offer touch-up paint to match original finishes.
- For glossy non-textured finishes, apply a fine automotive wax for protection. Avoid waxing textured finishes.
- Seal natural stone tabletops twice a year, ideally in Spring and Fall, using an impregnating stone sealer.
- Promptly clean spills from wine, juice, coffee, or food to prevent stains.
- Always cover the stone top when not in use to protect it from dust, moisture, and the sun.
- During the winter, bring your stone tabletop indoors to avoid damage from freezing and thawing. The warranty does not cover such damage.
Here’s a concise guide to Ipe wood care:
Cleaning
- Frequency: At least once a year
How-To:
- Use a mild soap or wood cleaner with water
- Scrub with a soft-bristle brush
- Rinse thoroughly with water (a garden hose is fine; avoid high-pressure washers that can damage the wood surface).
Preventing Graying
- Ipe naturally turns a silvery-gray color over time due to UV exposure. If you prefer the rich brown look:
- Apply a UV-blocking oil finish, such as Penofin for Hardwood or Messmer’s UV Plus for Hardwoods, every 6–12 months
- Make sure the wood is clean and dry before application
Oiling
- Frequency: Every 6–12 months (depending on sun exposure)
Tips:
- Use a product specifically made for hardwoods
- Apply with a brush or cloth, wipe off excess to avoid stickiness
- Let it cure as per the product’s instructions
General Maintenance
- Inspect yearly for splinters, loose fasteners, or mold/mildew
- Sand lightly if the surface becomes rough
- Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach-based cleaners
Winter Prep (for colder climates)
- Clean thoroughly in fall
- Cover or store furniture if possible
- Ensure water drainage to prevent warping or mold
- Teak wood furniture can be left outdoors year-round, even in Colorado, but expect it to accumulate dirt over time.
- If storing over the winter, keep it in a shed or garage—not a heated room to avoid drastic temperature changes that could cause the wood to split.
- Teak naturally weathers over time to a silver patina. To maintain this look, clean regularly with soft soap flakes dissolved in warm water. Avoid using a power washer, as it may damage the wood’s surface.
- For those who prefer to maintain the original golden-brown color, consider using a Teak Sealer. It will require regular reapplication but will protect the wood’s appearance from spills and stains.