Cedar and Teak Deck and Patio Furniture - Winter Care and Use

By Lynne West

It’s about that time of year that most of us are getting ready to prepare and protect our Cedar and Teak deck and patio furniture for the winter months and the sometimes harsh weather that can accompany it. The most common ways to do this are to use outdoor furniture covers or put the outdoor furniture in storage. However, before you do this, you want to properly prepare your deck and patio furniture or consider options that will allow you to continue using your deck and patio furniture throughout the winter, but protecting it at the same time.

Due to the natural characteristics of Cedar and Teak< deck and patio furniture, very little care is required during the life of the furniture. Some people prefer to let their Cedar and Teak age naturally to the sliver-gray. If this has not been your preference, you probably to want to protect it during the winter. Before covering or storing your outdoor furniture, you will want to thoroughly hand wash it with a mild soap, rinse it thoroughly and make sure it is completely dried. Then you can cover or store the outdoor furniture for immediate use next spring. Please note that you should never pressure wash your outdoor furniture. This may scar or damage the wood.

For those of you, like myself, who would love to enjoy the use of your deck and patio furniture year round, there is another option. This option will not only allow you to use your Cedar and Teak outdoor furniture comfortably during the winter, but it will also protect your outdoor furniture. This option would be using a greenhouse or canvas gazebo like structure along with patio heaters, fire pits, chimineas, etc. for warmth.

You should consult your local home and garden stores for canvas gazebo type structures which include the necessary accessories for the addition of side panels. You may also look into buying prefabricated greenhouses, outdoor fire pits or fireplaces and patio heaters. All of these items can also be found on the Internet.

Anytime you are using small enclosed areas with heating devices, please take appropriate safety precautions. I prefer to use larger enclosures that I have personally designed, rather than smaller enclosures due to safety measures, comfort and accommodating visitors. This may be something you might consider yourself.

Whatever your personal preferences are for protecting or using your deck and patio furniture during the winter months, you should take the time to hand wash your Cedar and Teak outdoor furniture at least twice a year. This protects the investment you have made and will add many years of beautiful, elegant comfort for you, your family and friends.

For more information related to Western Red Cedar and Java Plantation Teak deck and patio furniture, care tips and information on the characteristics of these woods and why they are excellent choices for outdoor furniture, please visit http://www.outdoorandpatio.com

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