Many types of outdoor furniture are meant to last for years, if not decades, but of course even the sturdiest pieces will eventually need some repair. A few simple steps can also help improve the appearance of these pieces, and make them look like new again. Note a few tips on what to do, and what to avoid, when fixing up older outdoor furniture.
Power washing
Power or pressure washing is a good way to clean outdoor furniture so it's ready for repair or a fresh coat of paint, but if you've never washed your outdoor furniture before, note a few precautions. First, always start with a low pressure, as you might be surprised at how much damage can be done by a power washer, even when it comes to metal furniture. Woven areas on wicker furniture can come loose, connectors can be pulled away from wood arms and legs, and the power washer can actually chip or crack any pieces of furniture.
You also need to ensure you use the right detergent, if any. A harsh detergent can dry wood furniture, whereas you might need something very strong to clean dirt and rust from metal pieces. Check the detergent options you have against the material of your outdoor furniture and then choose what's appropriate.
Paint
As with power washing, you want to use a paint meant for exterior furniture, and for the type of material from which it's made. A paint meant for wood may not adhere so well to PVC furniture, and metal pieces should be sprayed with a rust inhibiting paint. If you don't choose the right type of paint, it may then flake away, peel off, or fade in harsh sunlight and weather elements.
Replace connectors as needed
When you repair patio furniture, it's always good to tighten connectors that are holding legs and arms to the frame of the pieces. For woven furniture, you need to also tighten strands to restore the piece's shape. However, tightening may not be enough; you may need to actually replace some connectors over time. The threads of bolts may have also worn down so these no longer hold the furniture piece securely. Strands for woven furniture can become frayed or soft in certain spots, and trying to reweave them can just cause even more pressure on those areas so they soon break. Don't forget to inspect all these connectors on your furniture as you repair the pieces, and replace them as needed.
