Tips & Tricks for Revitalizing Outdoor Furniture
With warmer and sunnier days (finally!) around the corner, it’s time to think about revitalizing your outdoor furniture for enjoying the nicer weather. Whether you have a wicker sofa in need of new outdoor-approved upholstery, teak furniture that could use some weather-proofing and maintenance, or a vintage iron garden chair that’s rusted a bit past that patinaed look, we’ve put together our top tips and tricks on how best to care for your outdoor furniture.
Outdoor cushions & Upholstery
An instant upgrade for your outdoor oasis is replacing your furniture’s upholstery. We are happy to report that gone are the days of scratchy and stiff outdoor upholstery fabrics available in boring solid colors or ubiquitous awning stripes. Some of our favorite brands make gorgeous, outdoor-grade upholstery fabrics that are just as comfortable and chic as indoor-only options - Perennials, Schumacher, Nomi, Peter Dunham and Pindler are some of our go-to’s. Additionally, if you need to replace the foam on outdoor cushions, be sure to use foam that is made specifically for the outdoors. It’s a highly porous material that allows water to run through, helping to avoid any water logging and mold. We also recommend storing your cushions indoors for the winter, as well as covering the upholstery when it is not in use.
A restored vintage rattan sofa for sfgirlbybay founder Victoria Smith, featuring a Hable Construction upholstery fabric and black welt.
Powder Coated Furniture
Wrought iron furniture or other metal furniture is a beautiful choice for an outdoor space, but if it’s not well-cared for, it can quickly fall into disrepair and begin to rust. Powder coating is a great option to restore iron and metal furniture, helping to both elevate its look and protect it from the elements. To prepare iron and metal pieces for powder coating, we first sand blast off any corrosion. We then spray on a highly durable powder finish (which are available in countless color options and various sheens) that is baked onto the furniture. A zinc undercoat can also be added for super impermeability to the elements.
Wrought iron garden chairs restored with powder coating and new outdoor cushions - in the garden of LA-based designer Estee Stanley.
Teak and Rattan Furniture
Reviving your outdoor teak furniture should be done each season. If your outdoor teak furniture is in good condition, the process is as simple as giving it a good wipe down with teak oil, which permeates the wood to give it a warm glow and weatherized finish. However, if your teak furniture hasn’t been given the regular TLC it needs, the wood may take on a dry, greyed appearance, and this is when further teak restoration is needed to bring back that original glow. The process of restoring teak involves sanding and reviving the wood, and then sealing it with an oil. Sealing teak with an outdoor clear coat is also a great, lower maintenance option, and will further help protect your furniture for years to come.
244 Likes, 1 Comments - Peter Dunham Textiles (@peterdunhamtextiles) on Instagram: "Dreamy outdoor inspiration by @brian.paquette_ . Our Masai, woven with Sunbrella yarns on these..."
Wicker Furniture
A classic choice for outdoor use, wicker furniture has also been a trending pick with top designers in the past few years for both indoor and outdoor areas. To restore wicker furniture that may seem past its prime, strip off old or cracked paint to restore the natural wicker color. We can also refinish wicker furniture in a fun color with outdoor-friendly finishing products, as well as suggest upholstery options for outdoor cushions to complement the frame of your piece.
13.2k Likes, 71 Comments - House Beautiful (@housebeautiful) on Instagram: "Daydreaming of warm weekend days spent here... ☀️ (📷: @david_a_land | Design: @andrewjhow)..."
Ready to restore your outdoor furniture to create the ultimate outdoor oasis? Revitaliste makes it super simple. Get started by requesting a furniture restoration quote here.